Alabama football won’t be playing in Monday’s national championship game. The SEC will be completely absent from the matchup, which features Notre Dame and Ohio State.

However, the roster for the Buckeyes features three players from Alabama’s 2023 team. Notre Dame has one.

Here’s how those names could impact the title game.

Caleb Downs

Of all the ex-Alabama players, Downs is the one who could make the most impact on the game. He has continued his superstardom at Ohio State, after transferring out of Alabama post-Nick Saban retirement.

“You have to make some decisions about how you’re going to treat (Downs),” Notre Dame offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock said. “Is he a linebacker? Is he a safety? Is he something in between? It’s a unique scheme you don’t see a lot. I’d call it kind of a little bit of a nest look, where they’ve kind of got him perched up there waiting to pounce, whether you run it or pass it. He’s in a position to affect the game on either side of the field.”

Downs was named the Big Ten’s defensive back of the year this season, and was a unanimous All-American.

Julian Sayin

The national championship is likely not the spot to get a talented freshman backup reps. Sayin isn’t likely to be an exception.

The five-star member of the class of 2024, who signed and early-enrolled at Alabama, joining the team for Rose Bowl practices before transferring after Saban retired, will likely remain on the sidelines. However, he did see action against Tennessee in the CFP, so an appearance is possible, with coaches expressing optimism about his future.

“(Sayin’s ceiling is) as high as he wants it to be,” OSU offensive coordinator Chip Kelly told reporters in Atlanta. “I think he’s a tremendously talented player. He’s got a great work ethic. We’re excited about him. He came in early so he got spring ball with us. Did a good job in preseason camp.”

Seth McLaughlin

Obviously, McLaughlin won’t be making an impact on the field at center, due to a ruptured Achilles he suffered earlier this year. Still, according to the Georgia native, he’s trying to help out in other ways.

“Just be in the meeting rooms and help coach Carson (Hinzman, Mclaughlin’s replacement) up,” McLaughlin told AL.com. “That’s where I spend most of my time, is just helping him. And he doesn’t need a whole lot of help, he’s a great player. But just being that extra center coach to maybe bounce ideas off of, or plans for blocking people.”

McLaughlin won the Rimington Trophy as the nation’s top center this season, despite the injury. He is out of eligibility after Saturday, and will be in the 2025 NFL Draft, saying he should be ready to go for next season.

Tyler Buchner

The lone ex-Alabama player on Notre Dame’s roster, Buchner’s ride to the national championship is a bit unexpected. When he left the Crimson Tide to return to the Fighting Irish, it was as a lacrosse player.

After winning a national title in that sport, Buchner could do the same as a walk-one wide receiver. He helps signal in the plays to the Irish offense.

Buchner also occasionally contributes on special teams. As a holder, he ran to convert a fourth-down against Georgia Tech, and passed for a conversion on a fake punt against Southern Cal.