The College Football Playoff is heating up, with just a few teams left in the race for glory. But here’s the real tea—this postseason isn’t just about the trophies; it’s also about the cash. Under CFP rules, every team that makes it to the playoffs earns a sweet payout for its conference. For the Big Ten, that means two bags of cash thanks to Penn State and Ohio State. Over in the SEC, the Texas Longhorns are cashing in. But the biggest winner? That’s Marcus Freeman’s team, sitting pretty with a jaw-dropping $14 million check!

According to Front Office Sports (FOS), Notre Dame’s unique position as an independent program allows them to keep every penny of their playoff prize. FOS’s post on X sums it up perfectly: “Every team that made the College Football Playoff semi-final has earned $14M in payouts for their conferences. As an independent, Notre Dame’s win over Georgia just put the Fighting Irish at $14M, too—all for themselves.”

While being independent has its pros and cons, Notre Dame’s decision to stay out of a conference is looking like a power move right now. Back in the 1990s, they locked in an exclusive TV deal with NBC, giving them financial stability and freedom. Fast forward to today, and that strategic choice is paying off big time. Of course, independence isn’t all sunshine and dollar signs.

Notre Dame’s playoff position is capped because, under the CFP format, only conference champions can snag the top four seeds and earn a first-round bye. The best seed Notre Dame can achieve is No. 5. Still, this season, the risks are paying off in a big way.

Their independence also allows for a more flexible schedule. Without the grind of a conference championship, the Irish had time to rest and prepare for their Sugar Bowl matchup against Georgia—a game they dominated, winning 23-10.

What’s up next for Marcus Freeman?

Notre Dame’s defense came to play against Georgia. Quarterback Riley Leonard had a modest game, completing 15 of 24 passes for 90 yards and a touchdown. But the real MVP? The defense. They forced three fumbles (recovering two) and held Georgia to just 62 rushing yards. Talk about locking it down.

Head coach Marcus Freeman praised his team’s aggressive approach, saying, “Our coaches called the game aggressive. Our players executed, put everything on the line for this university and this football team.” With the ‘fresh’ win, the Irish advanced to the CFP semifinals, where they’ll face Penn State in the Orange Bowl. And the Nittany Lions aren’t pushovers.

They cruised past the Broncos in their CFP quarterfinal, 31-14, showcasing a rock-solid defense that shut down Boise State’s running game. Notre Dame enters the Orange Bowl as a slight 1.5-point favorite, with the total points line shifting up to 46.5. Freeman’s squad will need to keep their defensive intensity high if they want to move on to the championship. So far, they’ve proven they can win with defense and special teams, even when their offense struggles. But will that be enough against Penn State’s balanced attack?

As the Fighting Irish prep for the next big challenge, one thing’s clear: their independence isn’t just a status; it’s a strategy. Whether it’s better or worse long-term is still up for debate. But for now, Marcus Freeman and his team are reaping the rewards. Let’s see if their millions can translate into a shot at the ultimate prize.