Mylan Graham, a wide receiver at Notre Dame, has some interesting thoughts on the academic differences between his new school and his previous one, Ohio State. In a recent interview, Graham stated that the biggest adjustment he's had to make is off the field, and that it's not too different from his time at Ohio State. However, he did mention that at Notre Dame, everyone knows how it is with academics, and that's where the real difference lies.
But here's where it gets controversial... Graham's statement might come as a surprise to some, especially considering the academic differences between the two schools. Notre Dame does not offer "asynchronous" online classes, which are classes where students submit work independently and have minimal contact with instructors. On the other hand, Ohio State does offer what they call "distance-learning courses," where all instruction, assignments, and exams are online with no in-person requirements. This is a significant difference, especially for athletes who may prefer the flexibility of online courses.
And this is the part most people miss... It's not uncommon for athletes to take online courses exclusively, especially after their rise in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Former Miami quarterback Carson Beck made headlines for his comments before the national championship game, saying he had no in-person classes and that he had graduated two years prior. However, he stated that he's since been working on postgraduate degrees since obtaining his bachelor's from Georgia. So, while Graham's statement might seem like a shot at his former program, it's more of a reflection on the academic differences between the two schools.
Whether it's considered taking a shot at his former program is up for debate. Regardless, Graham's quote is sure to cause a stir between Ohio State and Notre Dame fans over academic and athletic standards. Graham ultimately spent two seasons with the Buckeyes, and while he hasn't been able to break through yet, the Fort Wayne, IN native will look to play a major role in the Fighting Irish offense in 2026.
