A comparison of recruitment stars for the anticipated starting 22 between Ohio State and Notre Dame

A Comparison of Recruitment Stars for the Anticipated Starting 22: Ohio State vs. Notre Dame

The 2025 college football season is rapidly approaching, and with it comes the anticipation of some exciting matchups between powerhouse programs like Ohio State and Notre Dame. Both teams have rich football traditions, consistently ranking among the best in the nation, and the competition between them is always fierce. One of the most fascinating aspects of college football is the recruitment process, which plays a crucial role in the long-term success of these programs. When comparing Ohio State and Notre Dame, two of the most storied programs in college football history, the recruiting landscape is filled with fascinating contrasts and similarities, particularly in their starting 22 players.

This comparison will focus on the recruiting rankings for each program’s anticipated starting 22 players for the 2025 season. We’ll analyze the star ratings given to recruits at key positions, explore the differences in how each program approaches recruiting, and assess how the recruiting prowess of Ohio State and Notre Dame translates to on-field success.

Recruitment Star Rankings: A Snapshot of Ohio State and Notre Dame

The recruitment rankings, as assigned by major services such as Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN, give a rough idea of the talent level and potential of incoming players. A recruit’s star rating is based on their high school performance, physical attributes, and potential for development at the collegiate level. Typically, the higher the star rating, the more highly regarded the player is in the recruiting cycle. Let’s take a deep dive into the key recruits who are expected to start for both Ohio State and Notre Dame in the 2025 season, with a focus on their star ratings and the importance of these players for each program.

Ohio State: The Recruiting Machine

Ohio State has long been one of the most dominant recruiting programs in college football. With a blend of in-state talent and national recruiting reach, the Buckeyes have maintained a top-tier program under head coach Ryan Day. Ohio State consistently lands some of the highest-ranked players in the nation, especially on offense and defense, which translates into a high level of performance on the field.

Ohio State’s recruiting success is highlighted by its ability to sign elite talent across all positions. The team typically boasts a large number of 4- and 5-star recruits, with the school’s 2025 starting 22 expected to feature several players who were ranked as 5-star recruits or among the nation’s top 100 recruits during their respective cycles.

Ohio State’s Key Recruits

• Quarterback: Ryan Montgomery (5-star): Montgomery, one of the most highly-rated quarterbacks in the 2024 class, brings tremendous upside to the position. His skill set is considered among the best, and he was highly sought after by many top programs. As the leader of Ohio State’s offense, Montgomery’s ability to distribute the ball and manage the game will be critical.
• Wide Receiver: Carnell Tate (5-star): A product of the 2024 recruiting class, Tate is expected to be a dynamic weapon in Ohio State’s high-powered passing attack. A top-10 overall recruit, Tate’s combination of speed, hands, and football IQ makes him a key weapon for Ohio State’s offense.
• Offensive Line: Luke Montgomery (4-star): A top offensive line prospect in the 2024 class, Montgomery is expected to start on the line for Ohio State. With Ohio State’s offensive line being one of the best in the nation, Montgomery’s addition helps keep that standard intact.
• Defensive End: Aidan Breland (5-star): One of the most coveted defensive prospects in the country, Breland brings size and pass-rushing ability to Ohio State’s defensive line. His development will be critical in improving the Buckeyes’ defense and keeping pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
• Cornerback: Jermaine Matthews Jr. (4-star): Matthews is a highly regarded cornerback in the 2024 class and expected to make an immediate impact for Ohio State. With cornerback play being pivotal in Ohio State’s defensive schemes, Matthews’ ability to lock down receivers will be key for the team.

Ohio State’s ability to pull in elite players year after year is a direct result of the program’s success and visibility, particularly in the Big Ten. The high number of 5-star players is a testament to Ohio State’s elite recruitment and the program’s ability to consistently challenge for national championships.

Notre Dame: Building a Contender

While Notre Dame may not have the same quantity of elite recruits as Ohio State, the Fighting Irish have continued to build a strong recruiting class, with an emphasis on developing talent and creating a balance of skill positions and depth. Under head coach Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame has made significant strides in recruiting top-tier talent, especially on the offensive and defensive lines, areas where the Fighting Irish have historically excelled.

In contrast to Ohio State, Notre Dame’s recruitment strategy has often focused on finding players who might not always be ranked among the top recruits but are seen as high potential players who fit the program’s culture. Notre Dame’s focus on academic success and developing well-rounded student-athletes also plays a significant role in their recruiting efforts.

Notre Dame’s Key Recruits

• Quarterback: CJ Carr (5-star): Carr is considered one of the top quarterbacks in the country and a key figure in the future of the Notre Dame offense. His high rating in the 2024 recruiting cycle signals that Notre Dame has found a potential star under center, and his development will be pivotal in maintaining the program’s competitive edge in the years to come.
• Running Back: Jeremiyah Love (4-star): One of the top running back recruits in 2024, Love is expected to make an immediate impact for Notre Dame. A versatile back who can both run between the tackles and catch passes out of the backfield, Love adds an element of speed and explosiveness to Notre Dame’s offense.
• Offensive Line: Sam Pendleton (4-star): Pendleton is part of a strong group of offensive line recruits coming to Notre Dame, a position where the Fighting Irish traditionally thrive. With his size, technique, and ability to control the line of scrimmage, Pendleton will be a key player for Notre Dame’s offensive front.
• Defensive Line: Brennan Vernon (5-star): As one of the nation’s top defensive recruits in 2024, Vernon adds immense strength and depth to Notre Dame’s already strong defensive line. His ability to stop the run and rush the passer will play a major role in Notre Dame’s defensive success.
• Cornerback: Micah Bell (4-star): Bell is expected to be one of the top cornerbacks for Notre Dame in the 2025 season. His ability to cover top-tier wide receivers will be critical for Notre Dame’s defense as they look to keep pace with high-powered offenses in the ACC and national title race.

Notre Dame’s recruiting process is a blend of finding elite talent while also emphasizing player development. While the Fighting Irish may not have as many 5-star recruits as Ohio State, they consistently bring in players who fit their system and are capable of making significant contributions to the team.

Comparing Recruitment Stars: Ohio State vs. Notre Dame

When comparing the anticipated starting 22 players for Ohio State and Notre Dame, several key differences emerge in the recruiting star rankings.

1. Quantity of Elite Talent

Ohio State consistently lands more 5-star recruits compared to Notre Dame. This is particularly evident in the skill positions such as quarterback, wide receiver, and defensive end. Ohio State’s focus on recruiting elite talent for its high-powered offense and aggressive defense gives them a clear edge in terms of recruiting star power.

In contrast, Notre Dame’s focus on balanced recruiting across all positions, including the offensive and defensive lines, allows them to build a well-rounded team. Notre Dame places a strong emphasis on developing talent and building depth, which has led to a higher number of 4-star recruits rather than an overwhelming quantity of 5-star talent.

2. Regional Recruiting Focus

Ohio State has a strong national recruiting reach, often pulling in talent from all corners of the United States. This ability to recruit across the country gives Ohio State a significant advantage in landing the top-tier recruits. While the Buckeyes have a heavy presence in Ohio, their national recruiting network extends to areas like Florida, Texas, and California.

Notre Dame, on the other hand, focuses heavily on the Midwest but has also made strong recruiting efforts in states like California, Texas, and the Southeast. While Notre Dame’s geographical reach is somewhat more limited compared to Ohio State’s, the program has had success recruiting highly rated players from both coasts and maintaining strong ties in the Midwest.

3. Program Fit and Player Development

Notre Dame’s recruitment strategy focuses on finding players who fit into the program’s culture and system. While Ohio State recruits the best of the best, Notre Dame focuses on identifying talent that can develop into future stars. For example, while Notre Dame may not have as many 5-star recruits, they consistently bring in players who meet their specific needs on both sides of the ball.

Ohio State’s program, with its national championship aspirations, demands immediate contributions from 5-star recruits, particularly on offense and defense. This has led to an even greater focus on securing the most elite talent, ensuring that their starting lineup is as stacked with top-tier recruits as possible.