Notre Dame football always finds itself in the spotlight. Lately, though, the attention hasn’t been so flattering.
After getting snubbed by the College Football Playoff (CFP) selection committee for the 2025-26 season, the Fighting Irish decided to skip a bowl game. They cited disappointment—who could blame them?
On top of that, their 2026 schedule is already drawing heat for being, well, pretty soft. Only three road games, and not a lot of tough opponents.
With that kind of slate, Notre Dame’s got some convincing to do if they want back in the playoff conversation. Let’s take a closer look at what’s ahead for them.
Notre Dame’s 2025 Season: A Year of Disappointments
The 2025 season was a wild ride for Notre Dame. They finished 10-2, which looks great on paper.
Still, the CFP committee left them out, favoring a Miami team with a similar record. That stung—fans and players alike felt the snub.
Skipping the bowl game was a direct response to that letdown. The team just didn’t feel they got a fair shot at the title.
Key Losses in 2025
Notre Dame’s playoff hopes really took a hit with two big losses:
- Miami: That one hurt. A win there could’ve sealed their playoff spot.
- Texas A&M: Another tough defeat at a crucial moment.
Those games ended up defining their season, and now all eyes are on what’s next.
The 2026 Schedule: A Weak Slate?
The 2026 schedule has everyone talking—and not in a good way. Only three road games? That’s not exactly an ironman run.
Most critics say the lineup just isn’t strong enough. Sure, there are games against Wisconsin, Rice, and Michigan State, but none of them really move the needle for playoff voters.
Key Matchups in 2026
Some games do stand out, at least on paper:
- vs. Wisconsin: Decent challenge, but hardly a blockbuster.
- vs. Michigan State: Important, though Michigan State hasn’t exactly been a powerhouse lately.
- vs. Miami: Maybe a shot at redemption after last year’s heartbreak.
- vs. USC: The rivalry is always intense, but USC’s been unpredictable.
Even with those, most folks agree the schedule’s just not tough enough to impress the committee.
Challenges Ahead
Notre Dame’s got a real challenge: prove they belong in the CFP, even with a schedule that’s getting side-eye from everyone. It’s not just about winning—they’ll need to dominate.
Coach Marcus Freeman and his staff have their work cut out for them. Every game is a chance for a stumble, and one slip could end their playoff hopes.
Focus Areas for Improvement
So, what needs to happen? A few things, honestly:
- Consistency: Can’t afford any off weeks.
- Dominance: Wins have to be convincing—no squeaking by.
- Preparation: Every opponent matters, even if the schedule’s soft.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Redemption
Notre Dame’s 2026 journey is going to be under the microscope. There’s confidence in the locker room that they can bounce back, but it’s going to take more than hope.
Support from Fans and Alumni
If there’s one thing Notre Dame can always count on, it’s their fans and alumni. That support is huge, especially when the team needs a boost.
For more details on Notre Dame’s 2026 football schedule and the challenges they face, you can read the full article on The Spun.
Conclusion
Notre Dame’s 2026 football season feels like it’s carrying a lot of weight. After the sting of missing the 2025 CFP, you can sense the determination in the air.
People keep picking apart their schedule, but the team’s got their eyes on something bigger. They want to show everyone they belong in the playoff conversation.
The support from fans could be a real difference-maker this time. If things fall into place, maybe, just maybe, they’ll be in the hunt for that elusive national title.
We’ll be keeping an eye on their journey through 2026. It won’t be easy, but the Fighting Irish never seem to back down from a tough road.
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