ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JANUARY 20: Head coach Marcus Freeman of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish looks on after losing to the Ohio State Buckeyes 34-23 in the 2025 CFP National Championship at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 20, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Following Notre Dame’s CFP title game loss, fans express their frustrations over missed opportunities, coaching decisions, and what could have been.

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Nine final thoughts on Notre Dame going out (almost) on top after its 34-23 loss to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.

The Notre Dame football program has seen three players leave via the transfer portal on Wednesday, days after the CFP loss.

As expected when he entered the transfer portal with a non-contact tag, former Notre Dame offensive lineman Sam Pendleton has committed to Tennessee. His decision to come to Knoxville comes under a week after playing in the National Championship with the Fighting Irish.

Despite making the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoffs, Tennessee has a lot of remodeling to do over the offseason. Josh Heupel has taken an aggressive approach in the college football transfer portal and landed another commitment from former Notre Dame offensive tackle Sam Pendleton.