‘How could you not get emotional?’: Family ties at heart of Melb boys’ US college football face-off

No matter what happens when Joe McGuire and James Rendell face-off against each other in the US college football final tomorrow, the punter’s championship ring will be coming home to a “great Melbourne family”.

As the McGuires and the Rendells prepare for their date with destiny the enormity of the occasion is sinking in.

Two Melbourne boys will go head-to-head in the biggest match in American college football – the national championship final to be played in Atlanta on Tuesday morning Australian time.

It’s an incredible turn of events for the 24-year-old punters – Joe McGuire at Ohio State and James Rendell at Notre Dame – the significance of which is not lost on either family whose ties bind more to AFL than gridiron.

Joe McGuire of the Ohio State Buckeyes during the Rose Bowl. Picture: Getty Images North America

“At the MCG last year, before they went to take up their positions, these boys were guests in my box at the Collingwood versus Carlton match,’’ said Joe’s father Eddie McGuire.

“More than 30 million people will watch this and the cheapest tickets are $1500 and the good seats about $5000.

“Last time I was in Atlanta was for a Super Bowl and now it’s quite amazing I’ll be watching my son out there. There’s 360 million Americans and 27 million Australians and two out there are both from Melbourne.”

Eddie, the former president of Collingwood and long-time television host, along with wife Carla, has been at most of Joe’s matches over the past two months after he debuted in September.

Joe, son of former Collingwood president Eddie McGuire, wears the number 42 which was also worn by late Magpies premiership player Darren Millane.

They’ve travelled through different freezing US states and Eddie has been amazed by the consistent 100,000-plus crowds and passion at each of their matches with the Buckeyes ranked No.1 club in the college system with a worth of $US1.32bn.

Leonie Rendell is also in the states and has been at many of her son James’ matches in Indiana and elsewhere since he got the life-changing phone call in April last year from The Fighting Irish.

For her it’s a time filled with much emotion.

Leonie Rendell says it’s an emotional time for the family, following the Matthew’s sudden death in 2023.

James’ father Matthew Rendell, a former Fitzroy captain and former Collingwood recruiter, passed away at age 64 from a cardiac arrest in June 2023.

A television make up artist, she also worked with McGuire when he was a reporter at Channel 10.

“How could you not get emotional,’’ she said from North Carolina ahead of the trip to Atlanta.

“There’s so many connections and it’s just meant to be. It makes the world very small doesn’t it.

“I’ve got a feeling Matthew is pulling a whole lot of strings. When James got the call from Notre Dame is was on Matthew’s birthday and his very first game was on Father’s Day in Australia.

Leonie and James Rendell after Notre Dame won at Yankee Stadium in December.

“He and Matthew used to sit and watch Notre Dame play, I had no idea about the game, and Matthew said to him you should be doing this and told him about (Nathan Chapman’s) Pro Kick. After Matthew died he said ‘I have to give this a go’.

“It’s such a vibe, and the games are so fun. What’s happened with James has put life back into life.”

James, who played footy with Frankston in the VFL, said he gained perspective that life was short and wanted to chase his dreams.

James decided to ‘give it a go’ as a punter following his dad’s death.

He feels like his dad is on the journey with him in South Bend and beyond.

There’s also special links for the McGuires with Joe coincidentally being given the number 42 jersey – the same number worn by late Collingwood premiership player Darren Millane.

Eddie’s younger son, television sports reporter Xander, has flown over to attend the match.

“The worst result is a great family will bring the punter’s ring back to Melbourne,’’ Eddie said.

Carla and Eddie McGuire will be in Atlanta to see Joe play.

“The Millane family has been riding the wave with us and it’s been great. I’ve got two boys and love them both, I’ve got two teams and I love them both. This is just Joe and this is a four-year run which he’s dedicated his life to and similarly we have the greatest respect for James.

“They don’t go against each other as such but it’s emotional for me thinking about Matt and he was such a force of nature. When I was a young reporter we were mates and I can only empathise with young James and understand where his heart will be.”

Joe said he’s relished his time at university and has lapped up the excitement – wherever you go people say ‘o-h’ and you answer back ‘i-o’.

“When I was heading over I didn’t quite get it,’’ Joe said.

“There’s literally (crowds of) 100,000 every week and it doesn’t quite feel real we’re in it yet.

“We’re a very tight-knit team and the coaches have done a great job of getting everyone to be close. It’s a big culture and I’ve loved it.”

College Football Playoff National Championship, Notre Dame Fighting Irish v Ohio State Buckeyes, 11.30am Tuesday AEST, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta.

Watch live on Kayo via ESPN.