It’s the first College Football Playoff rankings of the 2026. The last season of the 12-Team Format. After all of the tumult and strife of the 2025 season pertaining to the 2025 season, I know that eyes of Notre Dame fans and the College Football World are on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish this year.
2026 CFP Rankings November 3: Notre Dame’s #11 Ranking and What That Means
The Irish are ranked #11 in these first rankings. I don’t think many people predicted it being so low.
This initial ranking probably won’t be relevant beginning next week. Keep in mind that the Irish have
the stipulation in place this season that if they are ranked #12 or higher in the final rankings that they do, in fact, make the 12-Team Playoff field.
However, a loss on Saturday night would be two losses in the two biggest games on the schedule, essentially putting the Irish in the same spot as last season. We will see how things progress. Like many first rankings of any kind, there is still SO much more of the season left.
With these rankings, the Irish currently, via Fanduel, sit at -340 to make the playoff and +500 to win the National Championship.
