The rivalry between Notre Dame and Ohio State is more than just a game; it represents the enduring legacy of college football. Both programs are steeped in tradition and boast elite talent. But when it comes to depth, which team has the upper hand? Depth is often the deciding factor in championship runs, where injuries and fatigue can undermine even the most talented squads. This analysis will evaluate both teams’ depth across key positions, examine their recruiting, and determine which squad would have the advantage in a hypothetical College Football Playoff National Championship Game.
Historical Context and Program Overview
- Notre Dame’s Tradition and Recent Success: Notre Dame has a rich football history with 11 national championships, but it’s been a while since they claimed the title. The program is known for producing elite players and competing at a high level year after year. Notre Dame’s ability to recruit nationally and its strong academic reputation make it an attractive destination for top talent.
- Ohio State’s Dominance and Recent Titles: Ohio State, a perennial powerhouse in college football, has consistently been in the conversation for national championships. The Buckeyes have won eight national titles, with recent success including a 2014 CFP championship. The program’s robust recruiting pipeline, especially within the state of Ohio, gives it an edge in depth at nearly every position.
Recruiting and Player Development
- Notre Dame’s Recruiting Philosophy: Notre Dame often targets players who fit the mold of both elite athletes and student-athletes who excel academically. While the Irish may not always land as many 5-star recruits as Ohio State, they consistently bring in top-tier talent, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. The Irish are also known for their development of offensive linemen and tight ends, areas in which they have been particularly strong in recent years.
- Ohio State’s Recruiting Dominance: Ohio State has built an unmatched recruiting pipeline, particularly in the state of Ohio, where they have near-exclusive control over elite talent. Their ability to bring in top-tier recruits year after year has created a team that is not only talented but incredibly deep. Ohio State consistently ranks in the top 5 in national recruiting classes, and their ability to develop players has kept them at the forefront of college football. The Buckeyes’ skill positions, particularly wide receivers and defensive backs, are often seen as some of the deepest in the country.
Positional Depth Analysis
- Quarterback:
- Notre Dame: Historically, Notre Dame has had a solid, if unspectacular, string of quarterbacks. However, recent seasons have seen an influx of top-tier talent at the position. Players like Ian Book (who led the team to the 2020 CFP) and more recently, a highly-rated recruit like Tyler Buchner, give Notre Dame a competent if not elite QB room. The development of Buchner could be key for the Irish in the future, but their quarterback room currently lacks the star power seen in other championship teams.
- Ohio State: Ohio State’s depth at quarterback is elite. With a lineage of stars like Justin Fields, Dwayne Haskins, and now Kyle McCord (and even the potential of CJ Stroud), Ohio State has proven time and time again that they can produce top-tier quarterbacks. McCord, while still developing, has shown flashes of brilliance, and if Ohio State were to enter the CFP, they would likely have an advantage at quarterback.
- Running Back:
- Notre Dame: Notre Dame’s running back room has historically been a strength, and that remains true in recent seasons. With playmakers like Audric Estime and Logan Diggs, the Irish have the ability to grind out games with a solid rushing attack. Estime, in particular, is a power back who can take over a game in the right circumstances.
- Ohio State: Ohio State has one of the deepest backfields in college football. TreVeyon Henderson and Miyan Williams are both elite-level talents with the ability to change the game at any moment. Ohio State’s offensive line creates massive running lanes, and they have a stable of running backs who can all contribute at a high level.
- Wide Receiver:
- Notre Dame: Notre Dame’s wide receiver room has often been overshadowed by their tight ends and running backs. However, they have developed some strong receivers, including standout talents like Michael Mayer at tight end. The Irish have good, but not elite, depth in their receiving corps, and it is an area they’ve struggled to consistently recruit at the highest level in recent years.
- Ohio State: Ohio State is widely regarded as having one of the deepest and most talented wide receiver rooms in the country. With stars like Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka, and Julian Fleming, Ohio State can attack defenses in multiple ways. The Buckeyes have developed elite-level receivers year after year, and they consistently have depth and talent at the position.
- Offensive Line:
- Notre Dame: Notre Dame has built a reputation as a powerhouse when it comes to developing offensive linemen. Under head coach Brian Kelly, they became known for producing NFL-caliber linemen, and that legacy continues. The Irish have strong depth and talent, and their ability to control the line of scrimmage is often a major factor in their success.
- Ohio State: Ohio State’s offensive line is also among the best in the country. While they may not have the same reputation for consistently developing NFL-caliber linemen as Notre Dame, their O-line is athletic, powerful, and efficient in both pass protection and run blocking. Ohio State’s ability to get big, athletic linemen to come to Columbus and develop them into dominant forces is a significant strength.
- Defensive Line:
- Notre Dame: Notre Dame’s defensive line is a strong suit of their team, with a focus on aggressive, athletic pass rushers and stout interior linemen. Recent players like Isaiah Foskey have excelled in pass rushing, and the Irish’s defensive line depth is often enough to keep fresh legs rotating throughout the game.
- Ohio State: Ohio State’s defensive line is widely regarded as one of the best in college football. With talent like J.T. Tuimoloau, Jack Sawyer, and Zach Harrison, Ohio State’s front seven is loaded with elite pass rushers and run-stoppers. Their ability to get to the quarterback and disrupt the opposing offense is a major factor in their success.
- Linebackers:
- Notre Dame: Notre Dame has a solid group of linebackers, particularly under the tutelage of defensive coordinator Al Golden. Players like J.D. Bertrand and Marist Liufau have been key contributors, and the Irish’s ability to develop linebacker talent has been a strength over the years.
- Ohio State: Ohio State’s linebacker corps is a bit less proven at the highest level, but they have tremendous athleticism. The Buckeyes have produced some great linebackers in recent years, though they may not have the same depth as other positions. However, they’ve shown they can compete with elite talent in big games.
- Defensive Backs:
- Notre Dame: Notre Dame has a very solid secondary, with good depth and talent across the board. While they might not have the same elite level of individual talent as Ohio State, the Irish’s defensive backs are well-coached and can execute their scheme efficiently.
- Ohio State: Ohio State’s secondary is often among the best in the country, boasting elite cornerbacks like Denzel Burke and safeties who can create turnovers. The Buckeyes have shown the ability to shut down passing attacks with their depth and talent in the defensive backfield.
Coaching and Scheme
- Notre Dame’s Coaching Staff: Notre Dame has made some impressive hires in recent years, with Marcus Freeman taking over as head coach. Freeman’s defensive acumen and leadership style have energized the program, but his experience is still growing. How Freeman handles the challenges of high-pressure games will be crucial to Notre Dame’s CFP chances.
- Ohio State’s Coaching Staff: Ohio State’s coaching staff, led by Ryan Day, is one of the most experienced and successful in college football. Day has been exceptional in developing talent, particularly on offense, and his team is well-prepared for the highest level of competition. Ohio State’s established program success under Day gives them a slight edge in terms of overall experience at the top.
Which Team Has the Deeper Roster?
After examining both teams’ recruiting success, depth at key positions, and overall roster strength, Ohio State is the deeper team. The Buckeyes have elite talent across all positions, particularly in areas such as wide receiver and defensive line, where they have an abundance of NFL-caliber players. While Notre Dame is certainly competitive, their roster lacks the same level of elite depth that Ohio State has, particularly at key skill positions.
