While New England has traditionally been more focused on pro sports than college football, Massachusetts players are making their mark as Notre Dame aims for its first national title since 1988. The Fighting Irish will face Ohio State in the College Football Playoff national championship game, and the roster features five Massachusetts natives.

Here’s a look at them:

• Boubacar Traore, DL (Boston/Catholic Memorial): Traore was a key contributor earlier in the season, leading the team in sacks before tearing his ACL in the fifth game against Louisville.
• Preston Zinter, LB (North Andover/Central Catholic): Zinter, a sophomore, has played in every game this season, mostly on special teams. His older brother, Zak, was drafted by the Browns in 2024 after playing at Michigan.
• Guerby Lambert, OL (Boston/Catholic Memorial): Lambert, the top recruit in Massachusetts for the Class of 2024, has played a few snaps this season but is primarily a future prospect for the team.
• Ty Chan, OL (Lowell/Lawrence Academy): Chan, the top recruit in Massachusetts for the Class of 2022, has struggled for a role in the offense but contributes on special teams.
• Joseph Vinci, LS (Westwood): Vinci, a freshman, debuted in late October and has since become the team’s primary long snapper on punts.