Notre Dame made another climb in the US LBM Coaches Poll after Week 2, moving up to No. 3 as the rankings shuffled behind a new No. 1.
Texas took over the top spot after edging Ohio State 24-23 on Saturday night with a touchdown in the final minute. The Longhorns jumped from No. 3 to No. 1, while Georgia held firm at No. 2 and the Irish rose one spot from No.
- Indiana and Miami finished out the top five.
The Buckeyes were the week’s biggest faller near the top, sliding to No. 6 after starting at No. 1. LSU checked in at No. 7, followed by Texas A&M, Ole Miss and Alabama to complete the top 10.
For Notre Dame, the latest poll only adds more intrigue to a schedule that could keep paying off in the rankings. The Irish have Miami ahead later in the season, a game that now looks like a potential top-five matchup. BYU sits at No. 13 and SMU at No. 16, giving Notre Dame three possible top-25 games still on the slate.
Here’s the full updated Coaches Poll, with each team’s previous ranking and record:
25 - Virginia Cavaliers (25) 2-0
24 - Washington Huskies (19) 2-0
23 - Houston Cougars (22) 2-0
22 - Missouri Tigers (23) 2-0
21 - Oklahoma Sooners (10) 1-1
20 - Iowa Hawkeyes (21) 2-0
19 - Michigan Wolverines (24) 2-0
18 - Oregon Ducks (12) 1-1
17 - Utah Utes (20) 2-0
16 - SMU Mustangs (17) 2-0
15 - Penn State Nittany Lions (16) 2-0
14 - Tennessee Volunteers (18) 2-0
13 - BYU Cougars (15) 2-0
12 - Texas Tech Red Raiders (13) 2-0
11 - USC Trojans (14) 3-0
10 - Alabama Crimson Tide (12) 2-0
9 - Ole Miss Rebels (11) 2-0
8 - Texas A&M Aggies (9) 2-0
7 - LSU Tigers (8, 1 first place vote) 2-0
6 - Ohio State Buckeyes (1) 1-1
5 - Miami Hurricanes (7, 2 first place votes) 2-0
4 - Indiana Hoosiers (5, 10 first place votes) 2-0
3 - Notre Dame Fighting Irish (4, 3 first place votes) 2-0
2 - Georgia Bulldogs (2, 15 first place votes) 2-0
1 - Texas Longhorns (3, 42 first place votes) 2-0
In Other News...
Notre Dame May Have Seized Early Control In A Huge Recruiting Fight
Notre Dames 52-0 rout of Rice did more than pad a season opener, it also gave the Irish another chance to make a strong impression on one of their top long-term targets. Wyatt VanBoening, a four-star offensive tackle in the 2028 class, was among the visitors taking in the atmosphere, and the performance only reinforced what the program wanted recruits to see: a team that can dominate on the field while making campus feel like a place worth returning to.
VanBoening has been around Notre Dame several times already, and that familiarity matters in a recruiting battle that includes offers from several major programs. The Irish appear to have given themselves an early edge, but with so much time still left in his recruitment, the real question is whether those repeated visits and the latest trip can eventually turn into something more permanent. [Read more 🡒]
Notre Dame Defense Faces A Bigger Week 3 Concern Than Expected
The injury picture on Notre Dames roster got a little clearer this week, and not in a way that eases much concern for the defense. Safety Brauntae Johnson and defensive lineman Jason Onye will remain out for the matchup with Michigan State after being hurt in Week 1, leaving the Irish to keep adjusting on the back end and up front as they prepare for another early-season test.
Head coach Marcus Freeman said both defenders are expected back later in the season, which helps explain why there is no panic yet. Even so, their continued absence makes this a deeper Week 3 issue than it first appeared, especially with the defense trying to hold up while other pieces remain unavailable and the staff waits to see when the full group can finally be back together. [Read more 🡒]
Notre Dame Freshman Just Made The Irish Backfield More Interesting
A freshman running back already finding his way into Notre Dames rotation is the kind of development that can quietly change the feel of an offense, and Jonaz Walton did exactly that in the home opener against Rice. Walton led the Irish in rushing yards with 48 on eight carries, giving the staff a glimpse of what his speed can add as the season moves forward.
Marcus Freeman singled out Waltons growth at the college level, and the broader takeaway from the opener was just as important for Notre Dames depth chart. Young contributors such as offensive lineman Cam Herron and wide receivers Jerome Bettis Jr. and Elijah Burress also got involved, and their early usage suggests the Irish may keep leaning on this next wave of talent sooner rather than later. [Read more 🡒]