Notre Dame cracked the code on the CFP, playing chess while these other schools play checkers
First, they are not in a conference, so they keep all the money for each round, while everyone else has to split with their conferences.
Schools earn the following for reaching each level:
• $4 million for qualifying for the CFP
• $4 million for advancing to the quarterfinals
• $6 million for advancing to the semifinals
• $6 million for advancing to the national championship
So, Notre Dame has earned the maximum $20 million, all for themselves. Meanwhile, Ohio State gets 1/18 of the $20 million they earned (1-11 Purdue gets the same amount)
Also, by Notre Dame making sure they dont get a bye in the tournament, as long as they are seeded #5-#8, they get a 1st round home game. So they get:
-$4 million for making it
-The gate money for another home game in the 1st round
-Another $4 million for winning that home game
Notre Dame out here winning