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Following last year’s College Football Playoff snub, Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman has said the goal is to “leave no doubt” in 2026. The Fighting Irish are squarely in the national championship picture, and ESPN’s Bill Connelly broke down three key ways they can become a title contender.
Notre Dame notably lost its top two running backs from last season, both of whom became first-round picks in the NFL Draft. The program notably has quarterback CJ Carr coming back on offense, as well as returning pieces on defense headlined by Leonard Moore and Adon Shuler in the secondary.
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The Irish also brought in some key pieces from the portal, as well as a talented recruiting class. That means there are title aspirations in South Bend once again, and ESPN broke down its three “ifs” for Notre Dame in 2026.
‘If … they’re a second-half (of the season) team’
Last year, Notre Dame dropped its first two games out of the gate, including one to the Miami team that made the CFP. The Fighting Irish rattled off 10 straight wins from there as CJ Carr developed at quarterback and the defense settled in to new coordinator Chris Ash’s scheme.
Looking at the 2026 slate, BYU and the rematch against Miami are the marquee games, but Bill Connelly noted Notre Dame won’t necessarily have a strength-of-schedule advantage. That means those two matchups will be especially important, though there could be an opportunity ramp up to them at the start of the season.
‘If … the new run game clears the bar’
With both Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price off to the NFL, Notre Dame will have a completely new backfield in 2026. That unit will be crucial to the Fighting Irish’s success if they want to contend for a national title.
Aneyas Williams and Nolan James Jr. are among the names expected to get some run, but Love and Price set a high bar, as Bill Connelly noted. But if Mike Denbrock and the staff can keep the running game operating at a high level, Notre Dame can complement a passing game that will also step squarely into the spotlight.
‘If … a big-play receiver emerges’
CJ Carr continued to develop last season, but he lost top receiver Malachi Fields to the NFL Draft. Notre Dame then turned to the portal to bring in help at the position to pair with Jaden Greathouse and Jordan Faison, but Bill Connelly wants to see a big-play threat emerge.
Ohio State transfers Quincy Porter and Mylan Graham are making their way to South Bend to help replace some of that production. Notre Dame also has some young talent that will look to develop at wide receiver and help the passing game take a leap.
For the Irish, 2026 presents an opportunity to make a statement after missing the postseason a year ago. There are pieces in place to make it happen, but as Marcus Freeman has noted, it all comes down to proving it on the field come game time.
