Ohio State and Notre Dame Players Debate Academic Differences

Mylan Graham's comments spark discussion on balancing rigor and accessibility at top programs

Apr. 11, 2026 at 6:15pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a college football game or match between Ohio State and Notre Dame, with the players and field broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape.A cubist interpretation of the academic differences and similarities between two elite college football programs.Kansas City Today

After transferring from Ohio State to Notre Dame, player Mylan Graham said the academics at the two schools aren't drastically different, with the main difference being that Notre Dame requires more in-person attendance compared to Ohio State's more flexible online options. Graham's remarks touch on a long-running debate about how elite programs balance academic rigor, attendance policies, and accessibility for student-athletes.

Why it matters

This story highlights the ongoing tension between the academic reputations of top college sports programs and the everyday realities faced by student-athletes. While both Ohio State and Notre Dame have strong academic profiles, the specific demands and structures of their coursework and attendance policies can feel distinct to players making the switch between them. Graham's comments aim to provide a nuanced perspective on this issue.

The details

Mylan Graham, a player who transferred from Ohio State to Notre Dame, said the academics at the two schools aren't drastically different. The main distinction, according to Graham, is that Notre Dame requires more in-person attendance, whereas Ohio State offers more flexible online options due to its larger class sizes. This echoes a past remark from Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman about the differences in attendance policies between big programs and smaller schools.

  • In February 2026, The Athletic released a mock NFL draft projecting several Ohio State players as potential top picks.

The players

Mylan Graham

A player who transferred from Ohio State to Notre Dame and commented on the academic differences between the two schools.

Marcus Freeman

The Notre Dame football coach who previously commented on the differences in attendance policies between big programs and smaller schools.

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What they’re saying

“Notre Dame's academics aren't that different from Ohio State's, yet the way fans talk about it can feel endlessly dramatic.”

— Mylan Graham, Player

The takeaway

This story highlights the ongoing debate around the balance between academic rigor and athletic demands at elite college sports programs. While both Ohio State and Notre Dame have strong academic reputations, the specific structures and policies around coursework and attendance can create distinct experiences for student-athletes transferring between them. Graham's comments aim to provide a nuanced perspective on this issue, which is often oversimplified or exaggerated in media narratives.