The College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship on January 20, 2025, is set to feature a titanic clash when the Ohio State Buckeyes face the Notre Dame Fighting Irish for the best CFB program in the nation.
Both programs are rich in history and revenue. Both boasting passionate fanbases.
Making this a highly anticipated matchup, where both teams will be facing high expectations, that can only end in glory or defeat.
After OSU defeated the #1 team in the nation in Oregon in a blowout two weeks ago, the nation was put on notice. The same occurred when Notre Dame took on Penn State, when their O-line suffocated the Nittany Lions defense in pancake mix.
Beyond the on-field stakes, this game also serves as a lens through which to examine the financial and NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) landscape that is reshaping the sport of college football.
From massive NIL collectives, to record-breaking revenues, the 2024-2025 CFP championship encapsulates the evolution of modern collegiate athletics.
NIL Powerhouses
Ohio State’s Top NIL Earners
Ohio State has emerged as a frontrunner in NIL compensation, with their football program’s collective estimated at around $20 million. This is a substantial increase from the $13 million in 2023, according to Fox Sports.
Per Buckeye sports, The program has facilitated $2.7 million in NIL deals for its players this season, averaging roughly $15,000 per athlete, far surpassing the national average of $2,500–$4,000 per athlete.
- Jeremiah Smith: The freshman wide receiver has inked deals with Red Bull, Nintendo, Epic Games, and smaller brands, amassing an estimated $3.7 million in NIL earnings. His financial acumen and early success place him as a cornerstone for Ohio State’s NIL portfolio.
- He is also one of the most highly touted and compensated recruits in NCAA history.
- Will Howard: Ohio State’s starting quarterback, valued at over $7 million in 2025, saw his estimated net worth up from $5 million in the previous year. This growth exemplifies how star athletes, especially in college football, can exponentially grow their wealth through strategic NIL deals and investments.
Notre Dame’s Top NIL Earners
Notre Dame’s NIL ecosystem, while smaller in scale, is still impressive, amassing a program value of an estimated $970 million.
- Riley Leonard: The Fighting Irish quarterback has built a $2 million valuation from NIL deals, leveraging his leadership and on-field success.
- Benjamin Morrison: The standout defensive back’s NIL valuation, estimated at $500,000 last season, has likely climbed past $1 million following Notre Dame’s stellar season.
The Role of Collectives and Sponsors
Both programs benefit from robust NIL collectives and high-profile sponsorships:
- Ohio State’s Collective: With a $20 million budget, Ohio State’s collective connects players with lucrative opportunities and ensures compliance with NCAA regulations.
- Major Sponsors: Athletes from both teams have partnered with major brands like Red Bull, Nintendo, and NBC, enhancing their marketability and providing additional revenue streams.
Coach Contract Values and Their Impact
Ohio State: Ryan Day
Ryan Day faces immense pressure to deliver a championship, especially as Ohio State’s NIL investment continues to climb.
With the program generating $280 million in 2023 and valued at approximately $1.32 billion; one of only four programs to surpass the billion-dollar mark, the expectations are clear.
It is time to put up or shut up. A championship is the only option for Day to continue his tenure at OSU.
Notre Dame: Marcus Freeman
Marcus Freeman’s leadership has propelled Notre Dame to the championship stage.
Freeman’s ability to attract top-tier recruits and maximize NIL opportunities, regardless of not having the same funds as OSU, reflects the university’s commitment to competing at the highest level.
Notre Dame is hoping to claim their twelfth national title tomorrow night, with Freeman and his team not facing defeat since their miserable loss to NIU early in the year.
Team Profits and NCAA Earnings
Ohio State
- Program Valuation: $1.32 billion, the highest in college football.
- Revenue: Generated $280 million in 2023; the 2024 figure is yet to be confirmed but is likely to surpass the previous years mark with the success the team has seen in the 2024-2025 CFP.
- NCAA Revenue Contribution: Ohio State’s success significantly bolsters NCAA earnings through ticket sales, merchandise, and media rights.
Notre Dame
- Program Valuation: $969 million, supported by a lucrative NBC TV deal that runs through 2029.
- CFP Payouts: Notre Dame receives a base payout of $12.5 million annually, with additional incentives for advancing in the CFP:
- $6 million for qualifying
- $6 million for semifinals
- $6 million for the championship game
- Notre Dame retains all earnings, unlike conference-affiliated schools that share revenues.
CFP Revenue
The CFP generates massive income through prize money, television deals, and participation subsidies:
- ESPN Deal: Valued at $1.3 billion annually through 2031.
- Prize Money:
- $4 million for each team entering the CFP.
- $4 million for quarterfinalists.
- $6 million for semifinalists.
- $6 million for the championship game participants.
- Participation Subsidies: $2.6 million per team, plus $464 per one-way mile for travel expenses.
Broader Implications for College Sports and NIL
The Ohio State vs. Notre Dame championship game underscores the transformative impact of NIL in both the sport football and on college sports as a whole.
Programs that effectively leverage NIL not only attract top talent, they also position themselves for sustained success and the continuation of their programs dominance.
However, the growing emphasis on financial incentives raises questions about maintaining the integrity of collegiate athletics.
From betting to scams & rip off NIL deals, the world of collegiate money may not be in the shadows like it was prior to 2020.
However, the shadiness that the economy of college football offers did not just dissipate. Top earnings schools will be able to sign top ranked recruits.
The NCAA will favor programs that generate them high profit margins and assist in the marketing of specific markets. Money has always been in collegiate sports.
Although, now that is legal for collegiate athletes to earn their share, they must seek the potential for earnings themselves, often causing massive pay gaps between athletes, programs and sponsors.
With the CFP expansion and inflation seemingly continuing into the new year, the NCAA and the programs that compete in the FBS, will likely see more than just four teams worth $1 billion plus, by the end of next season.
Titles Mean More Than Money
This year’s College Football Playoff National Championship is more than a battle for the title.
It’s a showcase of how NIL, program valuations, and strategic investments are reshaping the landscape of college football, yet still seeing similar results in who the top dogs are.
Ohio State and Notre Dame exemplify the benefits and challenges of this new era, making this championship a pivotal moment.
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Credits
Written by: Aidan Anderson
Research and Analysis: Apostle Sports Media LLC
Sources: Fox Sports, Buckeye Sports, NBC, CBS, CFB Valuation Reports, Various, APSM Proprietary Analysis.
Social Media Clips From: Insta & X
Featured Image: Public Domain / Wiki Commons
Disclaimer: This article contains general financial information for educational purposes and does not constitute as professional advice.
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