The Irish Illustrated team has its finger on the pulse of Notre Dame transfer portal news, recruiting, coaching staff moves and more after the Irish lost to Ohio State in the CFP National Championship

Notre Dame has learned the hard way that recruiting star ratings are essential to competing at the highest level in college football.

The Michigan Wolverines finished 8-5 last season in defense of their national championship, forced to watch rivals Notre Dame and Ohio State battle it out in the 2025 championship game. The Wolverines' ultimately disappointing season culminated in a flurry of activity in the 2025 transfer portal,

Notre Dame fell to Ohio State in the national championship on Monday night. Here are the highlights from the Fighting Irish's loss:

Then, for the biggest play of the game, Notre Dame decided to leave Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith on an island. It was third and 12 and the Fighting Irish would get the ball back with a stop with a chance to tie the game. Smith completely burned his defender and he was wide open for a huge gain, and he iced the game.

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have no injury report surprises ahead of the national championship game against the Ohio State Buckeyes. According to the team, all student-athletes listed on the two-deep depth chart are available. That means that Beaux Collins and Jeremiyah Love should be good to go. Offensive lineman Rocco Spindler, too.

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