Full Breakdown
Notre Dame's Ranking Shift in ESPN's Way-Too-Early 2026 College Football Projections
4/15/2026, 4:10:45 PM
Overview of the Ranking Change
In ESPN's mid-spring edition of the way-too-early 2026 college football rankings, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish have slipped from No. 3 to No. 4. This adjustment comes as both Notre Dame and Indiana experienced ranking changes, with Indiana dropping from the top position to No. 6 after being crowned national champion in January.
Key Factors Influencing the Ranking
Mark Schlabach, the analyst behind the rankings, highlighted several key players lost by Notre Dame, including running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price, who collectively contributed 2,046 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns last season. Despite these losses, Schlabach remains optimistic about the team's prospects, noting that quarterback CJ Carr is expected to improve in his second season as a starter. Additionally, the return of nine of the top ten tacklers from the previous season bolsters the team's defensive capabilities.
Notable Additions
Notre Dame has made significant additions to its roster, including defensive tackle Francis Brewu from Pittsburgh, defensive lineman Keon Keeley from Alabama, and wide receivers Quincy Porter and Mylan Graham from Ohio State. These new players are anticipated to play crucial roles in the upcoming season.
Comparison with Other Teams
The drop in ranking for Notre Dame is attributed more to the rise of other teams—Ohio State, Oregon, and Georgia—rather than a decline in the Irish's performance. These teams have consistently been competitive in the College Football Playoff (CFP), and for Notre Dame to reclaim a top position, they will likely need to defeat some of these rivals during the season.
Implications for the Upcoming Season
Despite the slight ranking decrease, Notre Dame is still viewed as a strong contender in college football. The team is expected to be favored in most of its games, with challenging matchups against Miami at home and BYU on the road. The upcoming season presents an opportunity for the Irish to demonstrate their capabilities and potentially improve their ranking.
Official Statements & Responses
Schlabach's analysis suggests that while Notre Dame's ranking has slipped, the team remains in a competitive position among elite college football programs. He emphasizes that the Irish have a strong case for a higher ranking and that the opportunity to prove themselves will come in the fall.
Criticism & Opposition
Some analysts argue that the ranking shift may not accurately reflect Notre Dame's potential, given the talent retained and added to the roster. Critics suggest that the Irish's historical performance and recent successes warrant a higher placement, regardless of the competition from other teams.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Notre Dame figures to be heavily favored in all but two games — home against Miami and at BYU.” — Mark Schlabach, ESPN Analyst
- “The bigger takeaway is the half dozen teams at the top plus reigning national runner-up Miami at No.” — Mark Schlabach, ESPN Analyst
As the 2026 season approaches, Notre Dame's performance will be closely monitored as they aim to reclaim a top spot in college football rankings.
