Notre Dame Faces High Stakes for College Football Playoff Return
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Despite a manageable schedule and strong FPI projections, the Fighting Irish are under significant pressure to secure a playoff berth.
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish enter the 2026 college football season facing immense expectations as they attempt to end a national championship drought spanning nearly four decades. According to reporting from Sports Illustrated, the program has established itself as a consistent contender under head coach Marcus Freeman, having reached the national championship game in 2024 before losing to the Ohio State Buckeyes.
While the team saw a resurgence last season with 10 consecutive wins after an 0-2 start, they were ultimately snubbed from the playoffs. Sports Illustrated reports that the Miami Hurricanes, who beat the Fighting Irish during the regular season, jumped Notre Dame after conference championship weekend despite neither team playing that weekend.
Speaking on "Get Up," ESPN's Heather Dinich noted that while winning a championship is difficult for any team in the current landscape, Notre Dame is specifically under pressure to make the playoff.
Statistical projections suggest the team is well-positioned for success. Sports Illustrated notes that ESPN's Football Power Index (FPI) ranks Notre Dame No. 3 in the country, trailing only the Texas Longhorns and the Ohio State Buckeyes. The FPI predicts an 11-1 season and assigns the Fighting Irish a 10.5% chance of winning the national championship. This outlook is bolstered by a schedule ranked No. 56 in the country, with only three opponents expected to be ranked in the preseason: the SMU Mustangs, the Miami Hurricanes, and the BYU Cougars.