Notre Dame Beats Penn State 27-24 to Reach CFP Title Game
Notre Dame pulled off a thrilling victory against Penn State in the 2025 Orange Bowl, earning a spot in the College Football Playoff National Championship.
The Fighting Irish overcame a 10-3 halftime deficit to secure a dramatic 27-24 win at Hard Rock Stadium on Thursday night.
How the Game Unfolded
The game started slow, with both teams relying on their defenses. Penn State struck first with a 20-yard field goal by Ryan Barker. They extended their lead to 10-0 after Nicholas Singleton powered into the end zone for his first touchdown of the night.
Notre Dame finally got on the board before halftime, thanks to a 44-yard drive led by backup quarterback Steve Angeli. His calm and quick plays set up a field goal, trimming the deficit to 10-3.
In the second half, Notre Dame’s starting quarterback, Riley Leonard, returned after briefly leaving the game due to an injury. He came back with fire, leading the Irish on a 75-yard drive that ended with his three-yard touchdown run. This tied the game at 10-10 early in the third quarter.
The fourth quarter brought non-stop action. Jeremiyah Love’s tough goal-line run gave Notre Dame its first lead of the game at 17-10. But Penn State answered back. Singleton broke free for another touchdown, tying the game at 17.
Penn State then reclaimed the lead with Singleton’s third touchdown of the night, making it 24-17. It looked like the Nittany Lions were in control, but the Irish weren’t done.
Big Plays in the Final Minutes
With just over four minutes left, Riley Leonard connected with Jaden Greathouse on a stunning 54-yard touchdown pass. A slip by Penn State’s secondary left Greathouse wide open, and Leonard delivered a perfect throw. This tied the game at 24.
Penn State had one last chance to win in regulation. They got the ball back with 47 seconds left and started moving up the field. But disaster struck when quarterback Drew Allar threw an ill-advised pass across the middle. Notre Dame’s Christian Gray made a diving interception at Penn State’s 42-yard line.
Notre Dame capitalized quickly. Leonard moved the ball just enough to set up kicker Mitch Jeter for a 41-yard field goal. With seven seconds left on the clock, Jeter’s kick sailed through the uprights, securing the Irish victory.
Key Players and Performances
- Riley Leonard: He showed incredible toughness, bouncing back from an injury to finish with 223 passing yards, 35 rushing yards, and two total touchdowns.
- Jaden Greathouse: His 54-yard touchdown catch was a game-changer in the fourth quarter.
- Christian Gray: His clutch interception gave Notre Dame the chance to seal the win.
- Nicholas Singleton (Penn State): The running back kept his team in the game with 84 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
What’s Next for Notre Dame?
The Fighting Irish (14-1) now head to the National Championship Game in Atlanta on January 20. They’ll face the winner of the Texas vs. Ohio State semifinal, which takes place Friday night in the Cotton Bowl.
For Notre Dame, this is a chance to win their 12th national title and their first since 1988. Head coach Marcus Freeman also has the opportunity to make history as the first Black head coach to win a college football national championship.
Penn State’s Season Ends
Penn State (13-3) fought hard but fell short. Drew Allar’s final interception will sting, but head coach James Franklin pointed out that the loss wasn’t just about one play. Penn State had multiple chances to take control and didn’t capitalize.
Despite the disappointment, Singleton’s performance and Penn State’s strong defense throughout the season give fans hope for the future.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Orange Bowl delivered everything fans love about college football – big plays, high stakes, and unforgettable moments. Notre Dame showed grit and determination, proving they belong in the national title game.
Now, the Irish have one final challenge: bringing the championship back to South Bend.