For the most part, Notre Dame football is viewed as a major College Football Playoff contender, not just making it, but having a great chance at winning it.
However, not everyone believes that is the case. CBS Sports and former Florida State quarterback Danny Kanell is selling the idea that the Irish are national championship contenders as said on the “Cover 3 Podcast.” He cites his reason as the schedule, “I think their lack of competition in the regular season, which is only a three game schedule, with BYU, SMU and Miami. I think that eventually comes back to haunt them in the postseason.”
The déjà vu feeling of 2025 doesn’t feel great, but this year has a different feel to it. Quarterback CJ Carr returns after a breakout redshirt-freshman campaign,
with an elite defense to carry the load early as the new skill position players get their feet wet. Notre Dame isn’t breaking in a new quarterback, having to start his first two games against top-20 competition, no new coordinators, and plenty of experience.
With the new rules that the CFP committee have, it’s hard to see Notre Dame missing out on the playoff this season.
"I am selling Notre Dame as a national championship contender...
— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) August 12, 2026
I think their lack of competition in the regular season -- I think that comes back to haunt them in the postseason." -- @dannykanell 👀@Cover3Podcast pic.twitter.com/BrYKJCazjk
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This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: Former Florida State QB turned broadcaster bearish on Notre Dame
