Full Breakdown
Josh Pate Says Notre Dame Could Win the SEC
8/12/2026, 9:45:59 PM
Core Claim: Notre Dame as SEC Contender
College-football analyst Josh Pate argued that the Fighting Irish would be capable of winning the SEC if they were a member this season. He framed the comment as a provocation for Southern fans while emphasizing the team’s ability to handle any schedule.
Background & Context
Notre Dame entered the 2026 season after a 10-2 record the previous year and a narrow miss of the College Football Playoff by one spot. The Irish also reached the national-title game in 2024 under Marcus Freeman, who has a 43-12 record at the school. Historically an independent, Notre Dame briefly competed in the ACC in 2020, winning the regular-season title before falling to Clemson in the conference championship.
The SEC, meanwhile, has seen Georgia dominate the conference media poll with 88 of 164 votes, but the league has not produced a national champion since its back-to-back titles in 2021 and 2022. Analysts, including Pate, note a perceived “loss of mojo” in the conference.
Data & Statistics
- Notre Dame 2025 record: 10-2, missed CFP by one position.
- Marcus Freeman’s tenure: 43 wins, 12 losses; led the Irish to the 2024 national-title game.
- SEC 2024 champion: Georgia (selected by media poll).
- SEC national-championship drought: No title since the 2022 season.
Official Statements & Responses
Pate’s assessment was delivered during an appearance on “The Herd” with Colin Cowherd. Notre Dame. He also highlighted the Irish’s “extremely good” talent and praised the program’s internal hiring decisions.
He contrasted the Irish’s trajectory with that of former head coach Brian Kelly, suggesting the current direction exceeds past expectations.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I'll put it to you this way: If they played in the SEC, I think I'd pick them to win the SEC this year,” — Josh Pate, college football analyst
- “He's the most dangerous player in college football,” — Josh Pate, college football analyst
- “I am a believer that Keelon Russell will ultimately win this job,” — Josh Pate, college football analyst
- “I don't know when you would have ever looked over an upcoming five-year period and felt better about the future of Notre Dame football than you do 2026 through 2031,” — Josh Pate, college football analyst
Why It Matters
Pate’s claim underscores ongoing debate about SEC bias in College Football Playoff selections, a point he raised when recalling Notre Dame’s exclusion despite a strong résumé the prior season. If the Irish were to join the SEC, the perception of a “clear favorite” could shift, potentially affecting recruiting, media narratives, and conference revenue distribution. Conversely, the SEC’s recent lack of national titles may invite scrutiny of its competitive standing, a theme Pate emphasized when noting the league’s “floundering” status.
What’s Next
Notre Dame opens the 2026 season ranked No. 5 in the preseason coaches poll, with its first game against Wisconsin at Lambeau Field, followed by a home matchup versus Rice. The team’s performance in these early contests will shape public and analytical opinion on whether Pate’s bold prediction holds any merit.
