CFP National Championship match | Ohio State and Notre Dame players with Georgia ties on the roster

The College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship game is one of the most highly anticipated events in college football. This year’s match-up is set to be a thrilling contest between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, both of which have rosters filled with talent from all over the country. Among the diverse array of players on these teams, a surprising number hail from the state of Georgia, one of the country’s most fertile recruiting grounds for college football.

Both Ohio State and Notre Dame have long established pipelines to Georgia, routinely landing elite talent from high schools across the state. The influence of Georgia’s high school football scene cannot be overstated, as it has produced countless NFL players and college stars over the years. As the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship approaches, fans are taking a deeper dive into the rosters of these two powerhouse programs to look for the Georgia players who will be key contributors in what promises to be a high-stakes battle for college football supremacy.

The Recruiting Landscape: Why Georgia Players Are So Valuable

Georgia is home to some of the most competitive high school football programs in the nation, with a wealth of talent that has made its way to top-tier college programs across the country. With the rise of Georgia Bulldogs football, the state has become a focal point for college coaches across the nation. The state produces an exceptional number of blue-chip athletes, particularly on both sides of the ball. This explains why many of the top programs, including Ohio State and Notre Dame, have made it a priority to recruit from Georgia.

The Peach State has been an increasingly important region in college football recruiting, thanks in part to a growing football culture and increasing visibility at the national level. The combination of talent-rich high schools, successful college programs, and the state’s proximity to key recruiting areas has made it a prime location for coaches to target elite prospects.

Ohio State Players with Georgia Ties

Ohio State’s recruiting prowess has been undeniable under head coach Ryan Day, and the Buckeyes’ ability to recruit nationally has been one of the keys to their success. With several players hailing from Georgia, Ohio State’s roster has become a mix of homegrown Buckeyes and athletes from the Deep South. The Buckeyes are known for their elite recruiting class, and it’s no surprise to see Georgia natives making significant contributions.

1. Marvin Harrison Jr. – Wide Receiver

One of the most notable Georgia players on Ohio State’s roster is Marvin Harrison Jr., a standout wide receiver. Harrison, the son of NFL Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison, hails from Philadelphia, Georgia, and was a highly sought-after recruit during his high school days. After committing to Ohio State, Harrison has blossomed into one of the best wide receivers in the country.

As a top-tier playmaker for Ohio State, Harrison has the ability to change the game with his explosive speed, ability to track the ball, and his solid route running. His versatility and reliability in the receiving game are part of what makes Ohio State’s offense one of the best in the nation. His contributions will be crucial in the National Championship game, as the Buckeyes will look to take advantage of his ability to stretch the field and create big plays.

2. J.T. Tuimoloau – Defensive Line

While J.T. Tuimoloau is originally from Ewa Beach, Hawaii, he has strong ties to Georgia through his high school years. Tuimoloau played his final years at Mount Paran Christian School in Marietta, Georgia, before transferring to play at Ohio State. His impact on the defensive line for the Buckeyes has been felt throughout his career.

Tuimoloau has proven to be a relentless force on the defensive line, disrupting opposing offenses with his size, strength, and speed. His presence will be crucial for Ohio State as they try to neutralize Notre Dame’s offensive line and apply pressure on their quarterback. With his ability to rush the passer and clog up running lanes, Tuimoloau is a game-changer in the trenches.

3. Emeka Egbuka – Wide Receiver

Another Georgia connection for Ohio State comes in the form of Emeka Egbuka, a wide receiver from Washington, Georgia. Egbuka was recruited to Ohio State from the highly competitive high school football scene in Georgia and has proven to be an elite playmaker for the Buckeyes.

Egbuka has been a versatile weapon for Ohio State, playing both as a deep threat and a reliable possession receiver. His chemistry with Ohio State’s quarterbacks and his ability to create separation from defenders will make him an essential part of Ohio State’s offensive attack in the National Championship. With Ohio State’s offensive firepower, having a player of Egbuka’s caliber on the field gives them the edge they need to compete at the highest level.

Notre Dame Players with Georgia Ties

Notre Dame has a rich tradition in college football, and their roster boasts players from all over the country. The Fighting Irish have had great success in recruiting players from Georgia, and the state has played a crucial role in helping build their roster.

1. Tobias Merriweather – Wide Receiver

One of the standout Georgia players for Notre Dame is Tobias Merriweather, a wide receiver originally from Dacula, Georgia. Merriweather’s athleticism and skill set have helped elevate Notre Dame’s offense, and he has the ability to be a difference-maker on any given play.

Merriweather’s speed and ability to make contested catches make him a valuable asset for Notre Dame. With the Fighting Irish looking to compete with Ohio State’s high-powered offense, Merriweather will need to be at his best, stretching the field and providing big-play opportunities for his team. His ability to separate from defenders and make plays after the catch will be critical in Notre Dame’s pursuit of a national championship.

2. Ben Minich – Safety

Ben Minich, a safety from Atlanta, Georgia, has been another standout player for Notre Dame. Minich is known for his ability to read plays and make crucial tackles in the defensive secondary. His leadership and experience will be vital for Notre Dame as they look to slow down Ohio State’s explosive offense.

As a safety, Minich plays a crucial role in defending against both the passing and running games, and his ability to cover ground quickly will be important in preventing big plays. His awareness and ball skills make him a valuable contributor to the Fighting Irish defense.

3. Jayson McClellan – Running Back

Jayson McClellan hails from Savannah, Georgia, and has had an impressive career at Notre Dame as a running back. McClellan is known for his ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact. His ability to control the clock and move the ball down the field will be key in Notre Dame’s effort to keep Ohio State’s offense off the field.

While McClellan may not get the same amount of attention as some of the other skill position players, his ability to move the chains and wear down opposing defenses will be essential in a game as high-stakes as the National Championship.

The Impact of Georgia Players in the 2025 CFP National Championship

The College Football Playoff National Championship is always a showcase of the best talent college football has to offer, and players with Georgia ties are no exception. For Ohio State and Notre Dame, the contributions from their Georgia-born players will be a key factor in determining the outcome of this game.

Ohio State’s offense, led by players like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka, will look to exploit Notre Dame’s defense, while players like J.T. Tuimoloau will need to put pressure on Notre Dame’s quarterback to limit their offensive production. On the other hand, Notre Dame’s Georgia-born players, such as Tobias Merriweather and Ben Minich, will have to rise to the occasion and perform at a high level to slow down Ohio State’s powerful attack. Jayson McClellan’s performance in the running game will also be crucial to helping Notre Dame control the clock and keep the Buckeyes’ offense off balance.

As both teams face off in what promises to be a thrilling contest, the players with Georgia ties will have an outsized impact on the final outcome. Their talents and skills, honed in high school programs across Georgia, have prepared them for this moment, and they will be critical in determining whether Ohio State or Notre Dame will emerge as the 2025 College Football Playoff National Champions.