Notre Dame: Reloading for a Return to the Championship
I have Notre Dame at No. 8 in my preseason Top 25, and after a historic 14-win season that ended in the national title game, the Fighting Irish have re-established themselves as perennial playoff contenders. Head coach Marcus Freeman has elevated the program’s talent and culture to a level where they don’t rebuild; they reload. Despite losing four program stars to the NFL Draft and a top coordinator, Notre Dame returns an elite offensive line, an All-American-caliber running back, and another championship-level defense, making them my pick for another at-large Playoff bid.
2024: A Season for the Ages
Last season was one of the most memorable runs in school history. After a shocking loss to Northern Illinois, the team refocused and rattled off 13 consecutive wins. The season was defined by iconic moments: two pick-sixes on consecutive defensive plays to seal a playoff berth against USC, a dominant win over Indiana in the first-ever on-campus playoff game in a South Bend snow globe, and a cathartic Sugar Bowl victory over Georgia that snapped a 30-year major bowl drought.
While they fell short in the national championship game against a historic Ohio State team, the Irish fought relentlessly to the end, proving they belong among the sport’s elite.
Offense: Built to Dominate in the Trenches
The offense found its identity last season in a powerful run game and incredible efficiency, ranking in the top 10 nationally in scoring and yards per carry. The passing game was a weakness, but this year’s team is built to address that. The keys to the offense have been handed to near-five-star prospect CJ Carr, who shined in the spring game and is projected to lead a more dynamic passing attack.
The strength of this team is its ground game. The one-two punch of Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price forms one of the best running back duos in the nation. They will run behind what I project to be a Joe Moore Award-contending offensive line. Led by ace coach Joe Rudolph, the veteran unit returns nearly intact and ranked #7 nationally in OL Run Push last season. The receiving corps has also been upgraded with the addition of productive Power 4 transfers Malachi Fields (Virginia) and Will Pauling (Wisconsin), who will join emerging star Jaden Greathouse.
Defense: New Coordinator, Same Elite Standard
Coordinator Al Golden left for the NFL, but Freeman responded with what Urban Meyer called the “coordinator signing of the offseason,” hiring former Ohio State co-coordinator and Rutgers head coach Chris Ash. Ash inherits a unit that, despite losing four NFL Draft picks, is loaded with talent.
The secondary is anchored by lockdown corner Christian Gray, whose season-defining plays against USC became legendary. The linebacker room is deep and talented, led by returning starter Drayk Bowen. While the defensive line lost key leaders, the staff has reloaded with experienced players like Gabriel Rubio and Louisville transfer Jared Dawson. Ash will have Notre Dame playing an aggressive 4-2-5 scheme, and this unit will once again be one of the best in the country.
The Schedule and the Path
As an independent, Notre Dame’s playoff path is straightforward: 11 wins should secure a bid. Their season will be defined by their “big three” games: at Miami, vs. Texas A&M, and vs. USC. They will be favored in their other nine contests, and a 2-1 record in those marquee matchups should be more than enough to get them back into the 12-team field.
Why I’m So Confident
Here’s why I’m picking Notre Dame to make another deep playoff run:
- The championship culture and experience from their 2024 title game run.
- One of the best offensive lines and running back tandems in the nation.
- A high-ceiling quarterback ready to lead a more balanced offense.
- A defense that continues to be elite despite roster turnover.
- Marcus Freeman’s proven ability to recruit and develop at the highest level.
This is a program built to last. At No. 8 in my preseason rankings, Notre Dame has the talent, toughness, and coaching to make another run at the national championship.
