ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JANUARY 20: Head coach Marcus Freeman of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish looks on after losing to the Ohio State Buckeyes 34-23 in the 2025 CFP National Championship at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 20, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Nine final thoughts on Notre Dame going out (almost) on top after its 34-23 loss to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.

Following Notre Dame’s CFP title game loss, fans express their frustrations over missed opportunities, coaching decisions, and what could have been.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard (13) throws the ball against Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end JT Tuimoloau (44) and Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Eddrick Houston (96) in the fourth quarter during the College Football Playoff National Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on January 20, 2025.

Jack Kiser walked up the tunnel toward Notre Dame ’s locker room beneath Mercedes-Benz Stadium, tears welling in his bloodshot eyes, as if the linebacker had anything else to pour out. Behind him, all the scarlet and white confetti had fallen as Ohio State ’s national championship party swayed,

Ohio State and Notre Dame made history even before kickoff of the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship. The Buckeyes and Fighting Irish were the first two teams to reach the inaugural 12-team playoff title game.

Marcus Freeman and Notre Dame ended the season without the ultimate prize in their possession, but the Fighting Irish head coach has been recognized for the job he has done in South Bend