The idea of the Dukes, who have only played one power conference opponent all season, getting into the playoff and Notre Dame getting left out is still something that seven-time champion and college football Hall of Famer Nick Saban disagrees with.

If Notre Dame is in this same position next year, they won’t have to worry about another College Football Playoff snub.

Nick Saban addressed Notre Dame’s CFP snub and the selection process, adding fuel to a growing debate over the 12-team format.

Notre Dame's 2026 scheduling will not win any awards, and should be one of college football's most favorable. Not all dates are finalized, but Notre Dame plays only three true road games — North Carolina, Syracuse and Purdue — and has neutral-site contests against Wisconsin and Navy.

The trickle-down effects of a bloated conference crowning an illogical champion led to the Fighting Irish missing the 12-team playoff field.

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish won't be part of the College Football Playoff this season, after they became the first team out of the 12-team bracket. After losing the season opener against the Miami Hurricanes (27-24) and the following matchup against Texas A&M (41-40),

A mainstay of the offensive line for Notre Dame football the last two seasons is officially moving on. Aamil Wagner, who started all 28 games for the Fighting Irish the last two years, declared for the 2026 NFL Draft Saturday, Dec. 20. He made the new public on his Instagram account.