Notre Dame didn't accomplish its biggest team goal of 2024, but did take huge steps in moving the program forward despite a national championship game loss.

Al Golden agreed to return to Cincinnati on Wednesday after three seasons as Notre Dame's defensive coordinator, a person with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the decision has not been announced. More: 3 Wolverines, 3 ex-Spartans make ESPN list of top 100 college football players from '24-25

Ohio State looked mostly dominant through its College Football Playoff championship run, but the Buckeyes are not favored to repeat next year.

Ohio State is No. 1 in the final AP Top 25 college football poll of the 2024 season, the sixth time its has finished atop the AP poll.

Ohio State and (7) Notre Dame will face off for the sport's most illustrious prize. This will be Notre Dame's first shot at a national championship since 2012, while the Buckeyes are back in the national title game for the second time under coach Ryan Day.

Grading Ryan Day and the rest of the Buckeyes after Ohio State football's College Football Playoff championship game vs. Notre Dame.

Notre Dame came within a game of winning the national championship. The Fighting Irish return to the field against the Miami Hurricanes of the ACC to kick off the 2025 season. Notre Dame is an independent but plays four other ACC schools.

The Irish won't have to wait 12 years until their next shot at a national title. But, they'll need to close the final gap when it comes around. This season showed they can close that gap.