Overview:
Haitian-Americans RJ Oben and Guerby Lambert played in the CFP Championship, highlighting Haitian talent.
For two Haitian-American athletes, playing in the College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship Game marked a career milestone, it was also an opportunity for the Haitian diaspora to celebrate athletes of Haitian descent excelling on the world stage. While Notre Dame fell short in their bid for the title, RJ Oben and Guerby Lambert left viewers with much to look forward to in the seasons ahead.
Guerby Lambert, a freshman offensive lineman from Boston, Massachusetts, made his debut on college football’s biggest stage. The 6’6” standout joined the Fighting Irish this season, and though the championship didn’t end in Notre Dame’s favor, Lambert’s presence in such a high-stakes game reflects his hard work and potential as a future star.
RJ Oben, a senior defensive lineman with Cameroonian and Haitian roots, capped off his college career in his first national title game. The son of Roman Oben, a former NFL player and Super Bowl champion, RJ carried on his family’s athletic legacy while showcasing the talent and determination that defines many Haitian athletes.
Notre Dame fell 34-23 to Ohio State at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Jan. 20. While Ohio State celebrated their victory, Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day reflected on the game and praised Notre Dame’s performance.
“I just can’t say enough about our guys and what they’ve overcome to get to this point,” Day said. “I thought Notre Dame had a great season, and I think Marcus does a great job and they have a very, very good team and had a really good game plan.”
While soccer has long been the sport most associated with Haitian athletes, the diaspora is increasingly making its mark in college football. Haitian-Americans like Lambert and Oben are part of a growing wave of players bringing pride to their communities through achievements on the gridiron.
For example, Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, who also has Haitian roots, rushed for more than 1,200 yards and scored 13 touchdowns during the 2024 season, earning All-Mountain West honors. His success, alongside players like Lambert and Oben, highlights how Haitian athletes are excelling in a sport where their presence has traditionally been limited.
While soccer has long been the sport most associated with Haitian athletes, the diaspora is increasingly making its mark on college football. Haitian-American players like Lambert and Oben are part of a growing wave of athletes excelling on the gridiron, bringing pride to their communities.
Notre Dame’s journey
Notre Dame’s season concluded with disappointment, but their efforts throughout the year under head coach Marcus Freeman demonstrated the team’s resilience. Freeman, the first African-American and Korean-American head coach to lead a team to the CFP National Championship, expressed gratitude for players like Oben, who leave a lasting impact on the program.
“There’s going to be a lot of guys, seniors, that this was their final game with Notre Dame football,” Freeman said. “But they’ve left this place better, and I’m very grateful to be on the journey with them.”
Lambert, a freshman, will return next season, bringing the promise of continued growth and leadership to Notre Dame’s offensive line. His performance this season has already established him as a player to watch in the years ahead.
Ohio State’s victory and Haitian pride in sports
On the opposing side, Ohio State celebrated their championship with emotional moments for players like Will Howard and Eric Mensah. Howard, the team’s graduate transfer quarterback, credited his teammates and coaches for believing in him.
“I’m just so thankful that I got the chance to come here and to be a Buckeye,” Howard said. “Even if it was for just one year, I’m blessed and unbelievably thankful.”
For Mensah, a freshman defensive lineman and first-generation Ghanaian-American, the victory marked an incredible start to his college career. “Everything is going through my mind, I’m just thanking God right now,” Mensah said.
The accomplishments of Oben, Lambert, and other Haitian-American athletes reflect a broader narrative of diverse achievement for the Haitian diaspora. Their presence on college football’s biggest stage not only highlights their talent but also inspires young Haitians to pursue their dreams in sports and beyond.
As college football transitions to a 12-team playoff format, opportunities to shine will only increase.
