Reporter calls Notre Dame locker room 'amateur hour' after crushing CFP title game loss to Ohio State

Notre Dame’s quest for their first national championship in almost 40 years came to a heartbreaking end on Monday night. The Fighting Irish fell to Ohio State, 34-23, in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff National Championship, capping off a rollercoaster season filled with adversity.

Despite an incredible comeback attempt in the second half, Notre Dame came up short against a dominant Buckeyes team. Down 31-7 with under eight minutes left in the third quarter, the Irish clawed back within eight points. However, Ohio State’s freshman standout Jeremiah Smith dashed their hopes with a 56-yard reception in the game’s closing minutes, sealing the Buckeyes’ victory.

The crushing loss appeared to spill over into the postgame locker room, as tensions reportedly ran high among players and staff. USA Today’s Dan Wolken described the atmosphere as "amateur hour" on social media.

“Bizarre scenes from the Notre Dame locker room, players yelling at reporters, coaches warning people not to ask certain questions. Amateur hour,” Wolken wrote on X. When pressed by a user questioning the legitimacy of the claim, Wolken doubled down: “I can assure you it did.”

While this was just one report, the alleged behavior stands in stark contrast to the gratitude and composure the Fighting Irish have exhibited all season. After losing to Northern Illinois in Week 2, a defeat that could have derailed their season, Notre Dame rebounded to become one of the final two teams standing.

The Irish overcame injuries and other setbacks to battle their way to the championship game, delivering an inspiring performance despite falling short. Monday night marked their first national title game appearance in 11 years, and although the loss stings, their resilience cannot be understated.

If Wolken’s account is accurate, the locker room drama likely reflects the emotion of the moment—a team that had fought through so much, falling just short of their ultimate goal. It’s a rare misstep for a program that has long prided itself on faith, family, and perseverance.

Regardless of the postgame fallout, Notre Dame’s season remains a testament to their grit and determination, a foundation they can build on heading into 2025.