Notre Dame enters 2026 with high expectations, and The Athletic’s staff believes they can achieve its top goal, winning the College Football Playoff.

As an independent, Notre Dame's inclusion in the College Football Playoff is subject to the committee's opinion. A new rule does not change that.

While the CFP is remaining at 12 teams in 2026, much of the value behind the scenes is about to change in a significant way.

Hannah Hidalgo said the Irish's lack of consistency is on the players, not coach Niele Ivey, after a loss to Clemson Sunday evening.

The Fighting Irish were projected to play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl Michael Reaves/Getty The Notre Dame Fighting Irish announced on Dec. 7 that they decided to withdraw their name from bowl game consideration following the 2025 season The decision came after ...

Snubbed by the College Football Playoff, Notre Dame took its ball and went home. It didn’t go well on social media for the Irish. Memes dominated news feeds mocking the unfortunate turn of events for the Irish. Even Rudy has hit the transfer portal as a ...

No. 17 Virginia (16-3, 5-2 ACC) travels to Notre Dame (11-9, 2-5 ACC) on Tuesday, Jan. 27. Tipoff for the ACC contest at Purcell Pavilion is set for 7 p.m. on ESPN2 and the Virginia Sports Radio Network.