Notre Dame is heading into the 2026 college football season with a chip on its shoulder and a roster that looks every bit the part of a national title contender. FOX Sports analyst Joel Klatt has the Fighting Irish slotted at No. 5 in his Way-Too-Early Top 10 rankings - and it’s not hard to see why.
Last season’s College Football Playoff snub still lingers in South Bend. Notre Dame felt it had done enough to earn a spot in the final four, and with the way things played out - especially Miami’s postseason run - there’s a real sense that the Irish could’ve made serious noise had they been given the chance.
That sting is fueling a team that already looked like one of the most complete units in the country at times last fall. Now?
They’re coming back even stronger.
Let’s start with the offense. Quarterback C.J.
Carr enters his second year as the starter, and that continuity under center is a major asset. He’s got chemistry with his top two receivers, Jaden Greathouse and Jordan Faison, both of whom return after strong campaigns.
And Notre Dame didn’t stop there - they added even more firepower to the passing game by picking up wideouts Quincy Porter and Myles Graham out of the transfer portal from Ohio State. That gives Carr a versatile and explosive receiving corps to work with.
The run game will look a little different with Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price off to the NFL, but the Irish aren’t exactly hurting for talent in the backfield. Aneyas Williams is poised to take on a bigger role, and the offensive line should be more than capable of paving the way.
Anthonie Knapp anchors the left side, Guerby Lambert holds down the right guard spot, and Charles Jagusah returns from injury to bolster the trenches. Offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock has a deep, skilled group to work with - a luxury not many teams can claim.
On the defensive side of the ball, Notre Dame might just have the best unit in the nation. Their secondary is loaded with talent and depth - Leonard Moore, Christian Gray, Tae Johnson, and Adon Shuler form a group that’s going to make life miserable for opposing quarterbacks. And that’s just the back end.
Up front, the Irish bring back both of their starting edge rushers in Boubacar Traore and Bryce Young, and every linebacker in last year’s rotation returns. That kind of continuity is rare in today’s college football landscape, and it gives defensive coordinator Al Golden a rock-solid foundation to build on. Add in a strong recruiting class and key portal additions, and this defense looks ready to dominate from Week 1.
What sets Notre Dame apart from many of the other top-tier programs heading into 2026 is stability. Head coach Marcus Freeman is back.
Both coordinators are back. Nearly every position coach returns.
That kind of consistency is invaluable, especially when paired with a roster that’s as deep and talented as this one.
Klatt’s Top 10 includes the usual heavyweights - Oregon, Georgia, Ohio State, Texas - but Notre Dame isn’t just part of the conversation. They’re in the thick of it.
With a top-three roster (and as Klatt hinted, maybe even top-two), the Irish aren’t sneaking up on anyone this year. They’re coming in with expectations, experience, and a roster built to win now.
Twelve national championships already line the walls in South Bend. If this group plays to its potential, No. 13 might not be far behind.