The National Championship Game is just around the corner, featuring a clash between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish that promises to be a monumental event for both programs. 

Claiming the title of the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff champion is a distinctive achievement, even in a sport rich with traditions. This moment is where legacies are established.

The outcome of this game will have significant implications for the future of each team's standout players. With the 2025 NFL Draft looming just months away, this matchup serves as a crucial opportunity for players to showcase their talents to NFL scouts. Carrying momentum into the draft can truly make a difference.

There are three 2025 NFL Draft prospects who face a critical moment. Who will rise as a champion and enhance their draft stock this coming Monday night?

Riley Leonard, QB, Notre Dame

Both quarterbacks in this matchup are striving to enhance their draft stock for Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft. Will Howard has demonstrated significant improvement as a passer in the 2024-25 season, exceeding expectations from his time at Kansas State. On the other hand, Riley Leonard has garnered attention for his athleticism, resilience, and skill in managing a short passing game.

While neither is likely to be more than a backup in the NFL, Leonard's style of play is certainly intriguing. The Buckeyes boast a speedy and aggressive defense that will challenge Riley to rely more on his arm than his legs. He will need to generate substantial gains on the ground. This is a crucial opportunity for Leonard.

With the Fighting Irish fielding several backup linemen due to injuries, a composed and effective performance from Leonard would be noteworthy. If he can maintain his composure and deliver a few big plays under pressure, it could counter a concerning pattern where his efficiency drops, a common issue for many quarterback prospects.

Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State

It’s difficult to label a running back's season as underwhelming when they’re close to reaching the 1,000-yard milestone, averaging 5.3 yards per carry and scoring 12 touchdowns. Nevertheless, many expected Quinshon Judkins to emerge as a Heisman Trophy contender, overshadowing his teammate TreVeyon Henderson. However, this season has seen Henderson shine, clearly outperforming Judkins.

That said, the dynamics of a single game could be different. Judkins is a more patient and strategic runner compared to Henderson's explosive style, and since Week 10, he has only exceeded 76 yards in two games. Doubts about his decision-making and field vision have been evident during this period, as he has struggled to exploit openings and advance quickly through the defense.

Judkins has found the most success running towards the right side of the line, which could mean he’ll face the weaker side of Notre Dame’s injured defensive line more frequently. If he can deliver a strong performance and help Ohio State dominate the ground game, the Buckeyes are likely to secure a comfortable victory.

Xavier Watts, SAF, Notre Dame

One of the standout safeties in this year's class is leading a young, aggressive secondary that will face a significant challenge ahead. Xavier Watts has showcased his versatility this season, climbing up draft boards as a dynamic player who consistently capitalizes on tackling opportunities. Standing at 6 feet and weighing 203 pounds, he has the potential to be selected in the top 100.

With an impressive tally of six interceptions, 21 run stops, and no penalties, Watts possesses one of the highest floors in his position group. Notre Dame utilizes him in various roles; he has recorded 279 snaps in the box, 438 at free safety, and 165 in the slot. Ohio State's talented receiving corps will put Watts to the test, especially if the Irish aim to assign him the task of shutting down Jeremiah Smith throughout the game.

Whether Watts is tasked with covering Smith or playing a more aggressive role elsewhere, he will be central to the action no matter what. The Buckeyes must be cautious of his ability to make impactful plays; failing to do so could turn the tide in this matchup.

Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State

It's difficult to identify a 2025 prospect whose stock has diminished as much as Denzel Burke's due to his performance this season. Burke returned to Ohio State for his senior year, labeling it a "Natty or bust" season, but he endured a challenging year overall. Rather than being viewed as a likely late first-round pick, he now appears to be more of a fringe top-100 candidate.

Although he is experienced and capable in both zone and man coverage, Burke's aggressiveness and ball awareness have reached new lows. It’s unclear if this decline stems from pressure to excel or meet his own expectations, but opposing offenses have had considerable success targeting him, especially until the final few games. However, this upcoming matchup could provide Burke an opportunity to shine.

Notre Dame lacks a wealth of talent at the receiver position, but a single misstep could shift the momentum that Burke has built in recent weeks. He has allowed 31 completions on 40 targets for 394 yards and two touchdowns, but only five of those receptions occurred in his last five games.

This is the type of performance that many anticipated from Burke at the beginning of the year, and replicating it will further enhance his draft stock.

RJ Oben, DL, Notre Dame

The Fighting Irish enter this matchup bruised and weary, but they're counting on their key players to muster enough energy to secure some vital victories in what promises to be a tough game. RJ Oben will play a crucial role in determining the outcome. 

He's set to go head-to-head with Ohio State's veteran tackles, Donovan Jackson and Josh Fryar, and will need to channel his best career moments into a standout performance.

Before joining Notre Dame from Duke, Oben primarily excelled as a pass-rushing end, using his long arms and impressive agility to surprise blockers. However, this season, Notre Dame has required him to focus more on stopping the run, resulting in the best performance of his career in that area. Unfortunately, this shift has impacted his pass-rushing ability.

Jackson has been exceptional since stepping in for Josh Simmons at left tackle, so the Buckeyes will rely on him to win that matchup. Oben must not allow that to happen. When Will Howard drops back to pass, Oben must unleash his full potential to disrupt Ohio State's formidable passing attack.

Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 235 pounds, Sonny Styles certainly embodies the image of an NFL star. His path to this stage has been anything but straightforward, and now he faces a significant decision regarding his future after the National Championship Game. As a junior, Styles finds himself in a precarious position, with speculation about his potential leap to the NFL following a standout season.

An impressive player when attacking downhill, Styles showcases the ability to pressure the quarterback and handle one-on-one situations against the run. With his size and athleticism, he has the potential to be a three-down linebacker. However, he has undergone two position changes prior to the 2024-25 season due to some evident weaknesses.

Styles has been challenged in man coverage and when tasked with dropping back into space, despite his strong agility. His effectiveness shines when he operates on the edge or within the box, but as observed in the College Football Playoff, he has struggled against running backs, allowing them to exploit his coverage for significant gains.

His performance in coverage this season has raised concerns. He has given up 40 completions on 56 targets for 338 yards and one touchdown, with 273 yards coming after the catch. Coupled with a troubling missed tackle rate of nearly 19%, it’s difficult to declare Styles ready to make the jump to the NFL.

Nevertheless, a standout performance against star Notre Dame sophomore running back Jeremiyah Love could provide the spark of optimism needed for Styles to consider declaring for the draft.