Notre Dame kicks off the 2026 college football season ranked No. 5 in the preseason Coaches Poll, marking a strong start with 1,524 points and five first-place votes. Ohio State leads the poll at No. 1 with 38 first-place votes, followed by Oregon, Georgia, and Texas. The Fighting Irish, who finished the previous season ranked No. 11 after a 10-2 record, look to capitalize on significant returning production, especially star quarterback CJ Carr. Marcus Freeman emphasizes the need to earn their playoff berth this season after last year's exclusion. Notre Dame's schedule includes key matchups against three ranked teams: Miami, BYU, and SMU.

By the Numbers
  • Notre Dame scored 1,524 points in the preseason poll, ranking fifth.
  • They registered five first-place votes, tied with five other teams.
  • CJ Carr completed 66.6% of his passes last season for 2,741 yards, with 24 touchdowns.
State of Play
  • Notre Dame ranks No. 1 nationally in returning production for the 2026 season.
  • The Fighting Irish's schedule includes three ranked opponents, providing a challenging framework for success.
  • Despite returning strong talent, the committee's previous decision raises questions about playoff perceptions.
What's Next

The first test for Notre Dame comes on September 6 against Wisconsin at Lambeau Field, which will be crucial for their playoff aspirations. If they can secure wins against early opponents and maintain performance, they may bolster their position in future polls.

Bottom Line

Notre Dame's preseason ranking positions them as a main contender, but they must translate their potential into performance to secure a playoff berth. With a mix of returning talent and a manageable schedule, the Irish have a prime opportunity to prove their worth this season.