Ohio State’s $20 Million Roster Proves Too Much for Notre Dame in the CFP Championship

In a thrilling culmination of college football’s biggest stage, Ohio State triumphed over Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff (CFP) Championship, winning a hard-fought battle that highlighted the power of modern recruiting, the impact of financial investment, and the evolution of college athletics. As Ohio State’s roster—boasting an estimated worth of $20 million—overcame the Fighting Irish, it became increasingly clear that the gap in resources, talent, and depth between the two programs had significant implications for the outcome of the game.

This victory, however, wasn’t just about the final score on the board; it was a statement about the growing financial disparities in college football. Ohio State’s remarkable roster, with elite athletes and coaching staff backed by substantial resources, simply proved too much for a Notre Dame team that, while talented, could not match the Buckeyes’ level of investment.

The Roster: A $20 Million Investment

Ohio State’s roster in the 2025 CFP Championship was unlike any other in college football. It featured an exceptional array of high school recruits, transfer portal acquisitions, and seasoned veterans, each contributing to a program that had become a national powerhouse under head coach Ryan Day. The program’s budget—topping $20 million for just player acquisition and retention—was a testament to the immense resources that Ohio State had poured into its football program, far outpacing even some of the other top programs in the country.

At the heart of this financial might was Ohio State’s unrivaled recruiting operation. The Buckeyes had amassed one of the most complete and well-rounded teams in college football, with a roster that boasted a staggering number of five-star recruits and four-star athletes. This financial investment wasn’t just about the players; it was about creating an environment where these players could thrive. State-of-the-art training facilities, personalized nutrition programs, top-tier coaching, and comprehensive player development systems meant that every aspect of the athlete’s experience at Ohio State was designed to help them maximize their potential.

From a financial standpoint, Ohio State’s $20 million roster represented an all-in approach to championship contention. This didn’t just include the cost of signing top players; it also involved significant investment in support staff, training resources, and the recruiting infrastructure that allowed the program to consistently secure the best talent in the country. In comparison to many other schools, including Notre Dame, Ohio State had built an ecosystem that gave its players a distinct competitive advantage.

Notre Dame: The Underdog with Tradition

While Ohio State’s investment and sheer talent were undeniable, Notre Dame entered the CFP Championship with a deep sense of tradition and a squad that had defied expectations throughout the season. The Fighting Irish had become known for their gritty, hard-nosed approach to football, building a team that balanced high-caliber recruits with a strong commitment to academics and a student-athlete experience that emphasized character and leadership.

Head coach Marcus Freeman had guided the Irish to the pinnacle of college football, but even with his leadership and a talented roster, it was clear that Notre Dame lacked the financial muscle and depth that Ohio State had at its disposal. The Irish, whose roster was valued at approximately half of Ohio State’s at $10 million, could simply not match the Buckeyes in terms of depth and star power.

Notre Dame’s emphasis on a holistic approach to player development often meant that they focused more on molding athletes into well-rounded individuals than on sheer athleticism. While that philosophy had its merits, especially in building strong team chemistry and fostering a culture of discipline and resilience, it lacked the relentless pursuit of raw talent that Ohio State had mastered.

The Game: A Clash of Titans

The CFP Championship was a spectacle that lived up to the hype. Ohio State, with its explosive offense and deep roster, came out of the gate strong. Quarterback Kyle McCord, a five-star recruit who had blossomed into one of the best quarterbacks in the nation, was the centerpiece of Ohio State’s offense. Surrounded by a fleet of elite wide receivers, including Marvin Harrison Jr., who was considered one of the most dynamic players in college football, McCord demonstrated why Ohio State’s investment in its offensive system was paying off.

Notre Dame’s defense, under Freeman’s leadership, was known for its physicality and discipline, and they did manage to slow Ohio State’s offense down in the early stages of the game. The Fighting Irish defensive line, featuring future NFL prospects like defensive tackle Jayson Ademilola, played tough up front, and linebacker Jaylen Sneed showed his athleticism and leadership on the field. However, even with a strong defensive effort, Ohio State’s offensive firepower was too much to handle. The Buckeyes’ ability to rotate players seamlessly throughout the game kept their offense fresh, giving them an edge that Notre Dame simply couldn’t match.

The turning point in the game came in the third quarter. With Ohio State leading by just a touchdown, McCord connected with Harrison on a 55-yard bomb that broke the game wide open. The sheer speed and precision of the play was a testament to the precision training and elite recruiting that had been invested in the Ohio State program. Notre Dame’s defense had been caught off guard, and despite some valiant efforts to recover, they were unable to regroup in time.

On the other side of the ball, Notre Dame’s offense struggled to keep pace. Quarterback Sam Hartman, who had been one of the most efficient and consistent quarterbacks in the nation, faced immense pressure from Ohio State’s defensive front. The Buckeyes’ defense, featuring elite pass rushers and an incredibly deep secondary, proved difficult for Hartman to navigate. While Hartman showed flashes of brilliance, making a few key throws to star wide receiver Tobias Merriweather and tight end Mitchell Evans, the pressure mounted as Ohio State’s defensive line continued to stymie the Irish’s running game and disrupt their passing attack.

Notre Dame’s offensive line, which had been solid all season, couldn’t protect Hartman from Ohio State’s ferocious pass rush. Buckeyes defensive end JT Tuimoloau was a constant presence in the backfield, sacking Hartman multiple times and forcing him into difficult throws. The Notre Dame running game, led by Audric Estime, was also ineffective against Ohio State’s defense, which swarmed to the ball with speed and intensity.

As the game progressed, it became increasingly clear that Ohio State’s combination of financial resources, talent, and depth was simply too overwhelming for Notre Dame to contend with. By the fourth quarter, the Buckeyes had built a commanding lead, and Notre Dame, while never giving up, couldn’t find a way to close the gap.

The Growing Financial Divide in College Football

The CFP Championship game between Ohio State and Notre Dame is a microcosm of the changing landscape of college football. As more and more money flows into the sport, the disparity between the haves and have-nots becomes starker. Ohio State’s $20 million roster—thanks to an infusion of resources, a robust recruiting network, and a commitment to excellence—was a clear indicator of the increasing financial demands of the sport.

In recent years, recruiting budgets and NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals have skyrocketed, and the most successful programs have embraced these changes with open arms. Ohio State, along with a select group of other top programs, has the resources to not only attract the best high school talent but to keep their players on campus and happy with substantial NIL deals. This financial advantage enables these programs to maintain a consistent level of excellence year after year, resulting in sustained dominance on the field.

On the other hand, programs like Notre Dame, which operate under different financial constraints, are forced to adapt to a changing college football landscape while trying to maintain their identity and academic focus. While this approach has its merits, it is becoming increasingly difficult for such programs to compete with the financial juggernauts in the sport. Notre Dame’s $10 million roster value, although still impressive by most standards, simply could not compete with Ohio State’s vast array of talent and resources.