Ohio State, Notre Dame to Face Off in Championship

Ohio State and Notre Dame are set to face off in the College Football Playoff national championship, each showcasing rosters built primarily through elite high school recruiting rather than heavy reliance on the transfer portal. Both teams have strategically integrated a modest number of transfers, with each signing 26 scholarship players from the portal since 2022, reflecting a careful approach that has led to success on the field. Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard highlighted his transformative experience after transferring from Duke, emphasizing the challenges and opportunities at a top-tier program. In their semifinal matchup, five of Ohio State's starters were transfers, showcasing their impact in crucial games. The matchup marks a culmination of both programs' storied histories in college football, as they vie for national supremacy with a combined record of 27-3 this season. Both schools also offer lucrative NIL opportunities, enhancing their appeal to top recruits.