notre dame 5th in cbs way too early rankings
CBS has released it’s way too early rankings for the 2026 season and they are impressed with what head coach Marcus Freeman has coming back. They have the Fighting Irish fifth in their rankings largely due to a talented roster that can be connected to Marcus Freeman 2023 recruiting class.
Graced with a playoff assurance next season and a schedule that's the most favorable in the country among contenders, it would take a cataclysmic fall for the Fighting Irish not to be included in the 12-team bracket," Brad Crawford of CBS Sports explained. "Notre Dame plucked a half-dozen new likely starters from the transfer market and anticipates a Heisman-like season out of rising sophomore quarterback CJ Carr, who won 10 straight starts to end his freshman campaign."
Big picture, as far as where they're seeded, I have zero issues with this ranking overall. I also have Notre Dame receiving a first round bye this year. The Irish return head coach Marcus Freeman who is going into his fifth year, offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock who is going into his third year and defensive coordinator Chris Ash who overcame the rough start in 2025 and returns for his second season.
They have a starting quarterback returning for the first time since 2020, three starting offensive lineman in left tackle Anthonie Knapp, center Ashton Craig and right guard Guerby Lambert and two starting wide receivers in Jordan Faison and Jaden Greathouse on offense to go along with impactful portal pick ups from Ohio State in wide receivers Quincy Porter and Mylan Graham.
Defensively, they return both starting defensive ends, Jason Onye at defensive tackle, their entire linebacker rotation from 2025 featuring Drayk Bowen, Jaiden Ausberry, Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, Jaylen Sneed and Madden Faraimo. On the back end, they return Christian Gray, Tae Johnson, Adon Shuler and Unanimous All-American cornerback Leonard Moore.
Here is the CBS analysis for the Irish being ranked 5th:
5. Notre Dame
Marcus Freeman told players the motto this year is to "leave no doubt" after falling short of the CFP. The Irish added receivers Mylan Graham and Quincy Porter from the transfer portal. Freeman is still one of the five best coaches in college football, as evidenced by the rumors of NFL teams showing interest in the 40-year-old coach. The schedule sets up nicely for a playoff run and is a big reason why Notre Dame is a co-favorite to win the national championship.
