Once upon a time, Cardale Jones, a quarterback from Ohio State, made waves with his candid remark, “We ain’t come to play school.” That tweet became legendary as Jones led the Buckeyes to a national championship in 2014, eventually earning his degree and pursuing further studies.
Fast forward to today, and we find wide receiver Mylan Graham, who transferred from Ohio State to Notre Dame, reflecting on his own academic journey. When asked about the biggest change between the two schools, Graham noted with refreshing honesty that he has to physically attend classes in South Bend.
“It’s not too different,” Graham remarked about the transition. “Just have to actually go in person, stuff like that. At Notre Dame, everyone knows how it is with academics, so it’s about locking in.”
His comment wasn’t a critique but a straightforward observation. While some programs offer flexibility as part of the college football experience, Notre Dame integrates academics into its very identity.
On the field, Graham feels right at home. “I attack it with the same mindset I had at Ohio State, coming to work every day.”
But in the classroom, it’s a different ballgame. With a smaller campus and in-person expectations, Notre Dame presents a unique academic challenge.
For Graham, a Fort Wayne native, this challenge was part of the appeal. “When I entered the portal, Notre Dame felt like home. It felt natural.”
At Notre Dame, football might pack the stands, but the commitment to academics is just as strong. Attendance matters, both on the field and in the classroom.