Mylan Graham, the former Ohio State wide receiver, has a surprising take on academics at his new school, Notre Dame. 'You just have to show up', he says, sparking a debate about the academic standards of these two powerhouse programs.
Graham, who recently transferred to Notre Dame, shared his experience adjusting to the new environment with Talia Baia. When asked about the biggest difference between the two institutions, Graham revealed that the academic adjustment has been the most significant. He stated, 'It's not too different, but you just have to actually go in person.' This comment hints at a potential critique of Ohio State's academic approach, suggesting that Notre Dame's academic expectations may be more rigorous.
The contrast in academic offerings is intriguing. Notre Dame doesn't provide asynchronous online classes, where students work independently with minimal instructor interaction. Ohio State, on the other hand, offers distance-learning courses, which are fully online with no in-person requirements. Some of these courses are asynchronous, allowing students to work at their own pace within set deadlines.
Online courses have become increasingly popular, especially among athletes, as exemplified by former Miami quarterback Carson Beck. Beck made headlines for claiming he had no in-person classes and had graduated two years prior to the national championship game. However, he later clarified that he had been working on postgraduate degrees after obtaining his bachelor's degree from Georgia.
Graham's statement is bound to stir up discussions among fans of both universities. Was it a subtle dig at Ohio State's academic standards? Or simply an observation about the differences in learning environments? And here's where it gets controversial: Notre Dame fans might interpret this as a testament to their school's academic rigor, while Ohio State supporters could argue that their online offerings provide flexibility for busy student-athletes.
Graham, a former four-star recruit, is expected to make an impact at Notre Dame. After redshirting his freshman year at Ohio State and catching six passes in 2025, he transferred to Notre Dame in early 2026. The Fighting Irish are eager to see him contribute to their offense this season.
What do you think? Do Graham's comments reflect a real difference in academic expectations, or is it a non-issue? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let's spark a respectful debate about the intersection of academics and athletics at these prestigious institutions.
