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Notre Dame moves down in ESPNâs updated Way-Too-Early top-25 for 2026
TL;DR
Notre Dame has dropped to No. 4 in ESPN's updated Way-Too-Early top-25 for 2026, previously holding the No. 3 spot. The change is attributed to Ohio State becoming the new No. 1 team, while Indiana fell to No. 6.
Key points
- Notre Dame ranked No. 4 in ESPN's updated top-25 for 2026
- Ohio State is the new No. 1 team
- Indiana fell to No. 6 in the rankings
Mentioned in this story
Mark Schlabach
Notre DameOhio StateIndianaCJ Carr
With many teams coming to the end of their spring practices, Notre Dame still has about two weeks remaining, ESPN has made an update to its Way-Too-Early top-25.
In a previous version, the Irish ranked as the No. 3 team, but in this one fell a spot to No. 4. It really didnât have anything to do with how many view the Blue and Gold, just that there is a new No. 1 team, Ohio State. ESPNâs previous top team was Indiana, as the Hoosiers fell to No. 6.
Mark Schlabach, who comprised the list didnât really explain why Notre Dame dropped, instead spoke highly of the potential for this coming seasons team. He believes that quarterback CJ Carr will be even better than his redshirt-freshman season due to the additions of Ohio State transfers Mylan Graham and Quincy Porter and the potential of Jaden Greathouse.
While he didnât mention the Irish defense, you have to believe that there isnât much concern on that side of the ball. Schlabach thinks that Notre Dame âshould be right back in the mixâ for a College Football Playoff spot this year, and that is the general sentiment around the program.
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This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: Notre Dame drops in ESPNâs updated Way-Too-Early top-25 for 2026
Q&A
Why did Notre Dame drop in the ESPN Way-Too-Early top-25 for 2026?
Notre Dame dropped to No. 4 due to Ohio State becoming the new No. 1 team, not because of any decline in their own performance.
Who is the new No. 1 team in ESPN's updated top-25 for 2026?
Ohio State is the new No. 1 team in ESPN's updated Way-Too-Early top-25 for 2026.
What are the expectations for Notre Dame's football team in the upcoming season?
Expectations are high for Notre Dame, with hopes that quarterback CJ Carr will improve and the team will be in contention for a College Football Playoff spot.