As the 2024 college football season reaches its crescendo, excitement is at an all-time high with the two biggest names in college football—**Ohio State** and **Notre Dame**—set to square off in the National Championship Game. Both teams have been the talk of the college football world, with each boasting elite talent, coaching, and fanbases. But there’s one figure with unique insight into the matchup: **Brian Kelly**, the head coach of the **LSU Tigers**.
Kelly’s decision to leave Notre Dame and take over as LSU’s head coach has been one of the most notable coaching transitions in recent memory. Having built his reputation and legacy at Notre Dame for over a decade, Kelly now finds himself tasked with leading LSU into the upper echelons of college football. His ties to Notre Dame run deep, but Kelly is now firmly entrenched at LSU. As the National Championship draws near, fans and analysts alike are curious to know where Kelly’s loyalties lie: with his former team, Notre Dame, or with a Big Ten powerhouse in Ohio State?
In this post, we’ll explore Kelly’s unique position heading into the National Championship, what he might see in both teams, and make predictions on where his allegiance might ultimately fall.
### Brian Kelly’s Background: A Coach with Connections to Both Sides
Brian Kelly’s career is marked by a history of success at two iconic college football programs: **Notre Dame** and **LSU**. Kelly spent 12 seasons at Notre Dame (2010-2021), where he became the winningest coach in school history. He led the Fighting Irish to multiple College Football Playoff (CFP) appearances and a spot in the National Championship Game in 2012, though they fell short against Alabama. Despite some early criticism, Kelly turned Notre Dame into a perennial contender, with impressive wins over top-tier programs and the development of numerous NFL-caliber players.
In 2022, Kelly made the bold move to LSU, taking over a program that was coming off an underwhelming season by LSU standards. His success was immediate—leading the Tigers to an SEC West title in his first season and positioning them as serious contenders in the competitive Southeastern Conference (SEC). Under Kelly, LSU has gained national attention for both its high-powered offense and gritty defense, with Kelly’s coaching experience serving as a stabilizing factor.
However, as Kelly prepares to watch the National Championship Game, he remains intimately connected to both Ohio State and Notre Dame. Ohio State, the Buckeyes, and Notre Dame have each played pivotal roles in Kelly’s football journey. Let’s take a closer look at both teams and how Kelly might view each program’s chances.
### Ohio State: A Juggernaut with NFL Talent
Ohio State, under the leadership of **Ryan Day**, has established itself as one of the most formidable forces in college football. The Buckeyes’ combination of high-scoring offense, dynamic playmakers, and top-tier recruiting has made them perennial National Championship contenders. With a roster filled with future NFL stars, Ohio State has proved to be a powerhouse over the past decade.
This season, the Buckeyes have been nearly unstoppable, with star quarterback **Kyle McCord** leading an offense that can score points in bunches. They’ve consistently ranked as one of the top teams in college football, with victories over formidable opponents like Michigan, Penn State, and Wisconsin. Ohio State’s defense, which has always been solid under Day, has continued to improve this season with the emergence of future pros in the secondary and on the defensive line.
What makes Ohio State especially dangerous in this National Championship matchup is its depth of talent. McCord has been able to rely on **Marvin Harrison Jr.**, one of the best wide receivers in the nation, to give the offense an added dimension of explosiveness. Ohio State’s offensive line has been dominant, and their defense has been able to stifle even some of the best offenses in the country, all while executing at a high level in pressure-packed situations.
For Brian Kelly, Ohio State’s combination of talent and coaching presents a formidable challenge. Having seen how Ryan Day operates within the Big Ten, Kelly is no stranger to Ohio State’s elite level of play. His extensive experience as a coach in high-stakes games, particularly against elite programs, will give him valuable perspective as he analyzes the matchup from the sidelines.
### Notre Dame: A Familiar Foe with an Intriguing Story
Notre Dame, Kelly’s former team, has always been a contender in the college football landscape, and the 2024 season has been no exception. The Fighting Irish, led by **Marcus Freeman**, have enjoyed a resurgence since Kelly’s departure, proving that their program remains one of the sport’s most prestigious. Freeman, who was Kelly’s defensive coordinator at Notre Dame, has made his own mark as a head coach, and his leadership has revitalized the team.
Notre Dame’s road to the National Championship has been a testament to Freeman’s ability to develop a well-rounded squad. On offense, quarterback **Sam Hartman**, a graduate transfer from Wake Forest, has provided a steady hand at the position, managing games effectively and making key plays in clutch moments. Hartman’s decision-making has been instrumental in Notre Dame’s success, allowing the Fighting Irish to rely on their balanced attack and strong running game.
Defensively, Notre Dame remains one of the toughest units in college football. The Fighting Irish boast one of the top defensive lines in the country, with a fierce pass rush and dominant interior play. The linebacker corps is athletic and aggressive, while the secondary is solid enough to contain explosive passing attacks. This defensive strength gives Notre Dame a distinct advantage when facing off against high-powered offenses like Ohio State’s.
For Brian Kelly, seeing Notre Dame in the National Championship is both a proud moment and a bittersweet one. Kelly built the foundation for much of what Freeman is now overseeing, and seeing his former team in this position will no doubt bring mixed emotions. However, Kelly’s relationship with Notre Dame is rooted in respect and admiration for what the program has accomplished, even as he has now moved on to LSU. His experience with Freeman’s coaching philosophy and his deep understanding of Notre Dame’s personnel will undoubtedly make him an expert observer of their performance in the title game.
### Kelly’s Perspective: What He Sees in Both Teams
With such a rich history at Notre Dame, it would be easy to assume that Brian Kelly’s loyalties would lie with his former team. However, as head coach at LSU, Kelly is also fully committed to building a championship-caliber program in Baton Rouge. His professional relationship with both Ohio State and Notre Dame gives him unique insight into each program’s strengths and weaknesses.
From Kelly’s perspective, both teams are exceptional, but they differ in critical ways. Ohio State’s high-octane offense, led by McCord and Harrison, is a dynamic unit that can score quickly and often. The Buckeyes are a team built for high-speed, big-play situations, and they have the talent to overpower opponents. Kelly, with his defensive-minded approach, might see Ohio State as a team that is dangerous but not invincible. If he were preparing his team to face the Buckeyes, he would focus on disrupting McCord’s rhythm, keeping Harrison under control, and limiting explosive plays.
On the other hand, Notre Dame’s style of play is more methodical, with a focus on control, defense, and balance. Kelly knows that Freeman’s system has evolved in ways that make the Fighting Irish a formidable opponent, with Hartman as the catalyst and a defense that thrives in physical matchups. Kelly would likely respect the Fighting Irish’s discipline, but he also knows that their offense lacks the same explosive capabilities as Ohio State’s. In a matchup between these two teams, Kelly might believe Notre Dame has the edge in terms of overall strategy and execution, but Ohio State’s ability to capitalize on big moments could be a game-changer.
### Who Does Brian Kelly Pick?
So, who would Brian Kelly pick between Ohio State and Notre Dame for the 2024 National Championship? While Kelly’s heart will undoubtedly have some degree of loyalty to Notre Dame, his mind is likely to favor Ohio State. The Buckeyes’ explosive offense and overall depth make them a more balanced and well-rounded team, and Kelly knows how dangerous they can be when they hit on all cylinders.
Ultimately, Brian Kelly’s pick likely reflects a deep respect for both programs but an understanding that Ohio State’s talent and ability to execute on both sides of the ball could be the deciding factor in this matchup. However, if Kelly had to put aside the nostalgia and the connection to Notre Dame, Ohio State’s well-rounded roster and coaching would give them the upper hand.
In the end, the National Championship Game will be a celebration of two great programs and a showcase of some of the best talent college football has to offer. For Brian Kelly, who has played an integral role in shaping the landscape of college football, it will be a chance to sit back and appreciate the future of the sport, while keeping one eye on LSU’s journey toward the same goal.