The Athletic’s staff loves Notre Dame’s chances to win the CFP

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Jan 31, 2026 - 18:00
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The Athletic’s staff loves Notre Dame’s chances to win the CFP

The 2025-26 college football season just ended a few weeks ago, but it hasn’t stopped anyone from thinking about next year with many having Notre Dame as a frontrunner.

The Irish return the most important position in sports, its quarterback in CJ Carr, along with a talented offensive line and a stellar defense. Notre Dame has the potential to win the College Football Playoff, and it seems like many on The Athletic’s staff believe that is the case.

They recently polled their contributors (subscription required) who they believe will win the CFP, and Notre Dame has the second-motes votes behind Oregon. It seems like many believe that the Irish are legit national title contenders.

Not only that, Carr got the third-most votes to win the Heisman Trophy, behind Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and Texas quarterback Arch Manning. If that is who he’ll have to beat out, you have to like his chances. It’s hard for a receiver to win the award and I’m just not bought into Manning. He could improve this offseason and take the next step, but right now, he’s solid, but not elite.

Notre Dame also got the most votes for a team who missed the playoff to make it this coming season, having 6 more votes than the Longhorns, who were second. It very much looks like their staff believes that the Irish are one of the best teams in the country for the 2026 season.

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This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: The Athletic’s staff believes Notre Dame can win the CFP

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