College Football Playoff Scenarios: Evaluating the Best Potential Championship Matchups
The College Football Playoff (CFP) has reached its highly anticipated Final Four, a culmination that hasn’t been without its surprises. While the favorites have consistently dominated the first two rounds—Arizona State being the only underdog to even cover the spread—none of the conference champions or teams that received first-round byes have survived to this stage.
What remains are four football powerhouses, each with a storied legacy and a chance to claim national glory. For the first time, the national champion will be led by a coach who has never won a title, adding intrigue to an already compelling postseason.
The remaining teams—Ohio State, Notre Dame, Texas, and Penn State—carry significant historical weight. Ohio State ranks second all-time in wins with 975, while Notre Dame and Texas tie for fourth at 960. Penn State, with 942 victories, is not far behind at seventh among Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) programs. Regardless of the outcome, one of these historic programs will secure the championship, further cementing its legacy.
But which potential title game matchup offers the most excitement? Let’s analyze the four possible pairings based on competitiveness, visual appeal, fan interest, and their potential to captivate a broader audience.
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1. Ohio State (8) vs. Notre Dame (7)
This pairing represents the pinnacle of college football history, tradition, and fanfare. Both programs boast iconic legacies and two of the most passionate fanbases in the sport. Ohio State’s 975 all-time wins and Notre Dame’s 960 wins make this matchup a clash of titans.
Historically, these teams have been synonymous with the Midwest’s dominance during college football’s formative years. Though the modern era has shifted power to the Southeast, the allure of a showdown between these two traditional powerhouses is undeniable.
For Ohio State fans, the hunger for redemption is palpable. Despite their national title win in 2014, recent struggles against archrival Michigan and the Wolverines’ championship win last year have only intensified the Buckeye faithful’s desire for a title.
Meanwhile, Notre Dame enters the conversation with its own drought to address. The Fighting Irish haven’t captured a national championship since 1988, and their recent struggles in high-stakes games—whether in the BCS or CFP—have left fans yearning for vindication.
From a visual standpoint, the iconic uniforms of these two teams would create a striking aesthetic on the field, enhancing the grandeur of the event. For television executives, this game would draw massive ratings, as it blends history, rivalry, and a high-stakes narrative that appeals to both hardcore fans and casual viewers.
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2. Texas (5) vs. Notre Dame (7)
This matchup brings together two storied programs with rich traditions and immense national followings. While it lacks the offensive explosiveness of an Ohio State-Notre Dame showdown
