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ESPN analysts select Notre Dame as favorite for 2026 college football title

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 3, 2026, 11:31 AM

Last updated Sep 3, 2026

ESPN analysts select Notre Dame as favorite for 2026 college football title

Summary

The 2026 college football season begins this weekend as Notre Dame travels to Lambeau Field for a matchup against the Wisconsin Badgers. Ahead of the opening games, ESPN released its final projections for the College Football Playoff field. Five of twelve analysts identified Notre Dame as their choice to win the national championship, marking the highest selection count for any team. Ohio State received three votes, while Texas and Oregon each earned two. The panel also evaluated the Heisman Trophy field, with quarterback CJ Carr receiving multiple mentions alongside wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Malachi Toney. This series of predictions arrives as Notre Dame prepares for its season-opening Shamrock Series game.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Notre Dame faces the Wisconsin Badgers at Lambeau Field during the opening weekend.
•Five of twelve ESPN analysts selected Notre Dame to win the 2026 national title.
•Ohio State earned three votes, while Texas and Oregon each received two.
•Quarterback CJ Carr was identified by two analysts as a potential Heisman Trophy winner.

Latest Updates

11:31 AMYahoo Sports — ESPN makes final CFP predictions as the season gets underway

What they're saying

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Notre Dame football is one of the few teams that ESPN believes has a legit shot at winning the College Football Playoff as their roundtable shows.
— Yahoo Sports

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