It figures that Massachusetts would be on the side of the Irish.
The Bay State was well represented in last year’s College Football Playoff national championship game as former Milton Academy star Kalel Mullings, of Roxbury, rushed 3 times for 21 yards in helping Michigan take down Washington, 34-13.
A year later, five players from the state are on the sidelines for the 2025 title game — all of them for Notre Dame.
The Fighting Irish (14-1) square off against Ohio State (13-2) on Monday at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium (7:30 p.m., ESPN). Notre Dame, seeded No. 7 in the 12-team playoff field, is bidding for its first national crown since the 1988 Lou Holt-coached crew finished 12-0. No. 8 Ohio State is seeking its first crown since 2014, when future Dallas Cowboys star Ezekiel Elliott rushed for 246 yards and 4 touchdowns in a 42-20 win over Oregon.
Here are the locals on Notre Dame’s roster:
Who is Number 5? Boubacar Traore
A 6-4, 243-pound sophomore defensive lineman from Boston, the former Catholic Memorial standout appeared in five games this season with two starts. In a 66-7 win at Purdue on Sept. 15 he returned an interception 34 yards for a TD. Traore’s season ended when he tore his ACL in the fifth game of the fall vs. Louisville. At the time, he had three sacks, 12 tackles and a forced fumble in addition to the interception returned for a score. He won a pair of state titles at CM under coach John DiBiaso.
Who is Number 25? Preston Zinter
A 6-2, 235-pound sophomore linebacker from North Andover, the former Central Catholic star has appeared in all 15 games for the Irish this season, mostly on special teams. He recorded his first career punt block against Florida State on Nov. 9. Had 39 catches as a junior tight end at Central Catholic. His brother Zak played on the offensive line for Michigan last season and was a third-round pick of the Cleveland Browns last spring.
Who is Number 76? Guerby Lambert
A 6-7, 323-pound freshman offensive lineman from Boston, he helped lead Catholic Memorial to a state title and twice was selected as the Catholic Conference Lineman of the Year. He’s appeared in five games for the Irish this season, mainly on special teams, although he saw time on the O-line in a win over Stanford in October.
Who is Number 77? Ty Chan
A 6-5, 320-pound sophomore offensive lineman from Lowell, he starred at Lawrence Academy, where he was the 2021 Independent School League and NEPSAC Lineman of the Year. He’s appeared in 12 games for the Irish this season, mostly on special teams.
Who is Number 96? Joseph Vinci
A 6-4, 232-pound freshman long snapper, he starred at Westwood High and was the No. 3 long snapping prospect in the nation by Rubio Long Snapping. He’s appeared in seven games for the Irish this season. He’s snapped on punts in each of the first three CFB playoff rounds, against Indiana, Georgia and Penn State.