Notre Dame’s 2026 Playoff Outlook: Talent, Depth, and a Clear Path Forward
With the 2026 college football season still months away, Notre Dame is already earning a spot in the early playoff conversation-and for good reason. The Fighting Irish cracked the top four in CBS Sports’ way-too-early College Football Playoff projections, and while some might point to their favorable schedule as the main reason, there’s a lot more fueling this team’s rise than just who they’re playing.
Let’s start with the obvious: Notre Dame is loaded.
The Irish return rising sophomore quarterback CJ Carr, who closed out his freshman season with 10 straight wins and is already drawing Heisman buzz. Carr’s poise, arm talent, and command of the offense were evident down the stretch last season, and now he enters Year 2 with continuity on the coaching staff and some serious weapons around him.
Head coach Marcus Freeman is entering his fifth season at the helm, with offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock back for his third and defensive coordinator Chris Ash returning for a second year after finding his stride late last season. That kind of coaching stability matters, especially with a young quarterback stepping into a leadership role.
Up front, Notre Dame will return three starters on the offensive line-left tackle Anthonie Knapp, center Ashton Craig, and right guard Guerby Lambert. That trio provides a strong foundation for both the run game and pass protection, giving Carr the support he needs to operate efficiently. On the outside, returning wideouts Jordan Faison and Jaden Greathouse bring familiarity and production, while high-profile transfers Quincy Porter and Mylan Graham-both from Ohio State-add explosiveness and depth to the receiver room.
Defensively, the Irish are just as stacked. Both starting defensive ends are back, as is defensive tackle Jason Onye.
The linebacker corps might be one of the deepest in the country, returning the full rotation from last year: Drayk Bowen, Jaiden Ausberry, Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, Jaylen Sneed, and Madden Faraimo. That’s a group with range, physicality, and experience-everything you want in the heart of your defense.
And the secondary? It’s anchored by Unanimous All-American Leonard Moore, one of the most dominant cornerbacks in the nation. He’s joined by Christian Gray, Tae Johnson, and Adon Shuler, giving the Irish a strong, versatile back end that can match up with anyone.
So yes, the schedule may not be the toughest among top-tier contenders, but this team isn’t just a product of favorable matchups. Notre Dame has a top-five roster in the country-top-to-bottom talent, veteran leadership, and a quarterback who looks ready to take the next step. That’s a potent combination.
And while the 12-team playoff format does offer more flexibility, especially for programs with independent status or less grueling schedules, the Irish aren’t just skating by on technicalities. They’re building something real.
They’ve recruited well, hit on key transfers, and developed a core that knows how to win. This isn’t about being “graced” with playoff assurance-it’s about earning it.
Looking ahead, matchups against BYU, Miami, and SMU-each ranked in CBS Sports’ early Top 25-will offer chances to prove their mettle. None of those games are gimmes, and all will serve as key tests on the road to the postseason. But if Notre Dame handles business the way they’re capable of, they won’t just make the playoff-they’ll be a serious threat to win the whole thing.
The Irish have the pieces. Now it’s about putting it all together.