Kirk Herbstreit predicts Notre Dame as national champion for 2026
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 30, 2026, 10:03 AM
Last updated Aug 30, 2026
Kirk Herbstreit, ESPN College GameDay analyst, has revised his prediction for the 2026 college football national champion, now favoring Notre Dame. Herbstreit expects Notre Dame will face Indiana in the championship matchup, following semifinal victories over Georgia and Ohio State. This prediction marks a shift from his earlier choice of Miami winning it all. Herbstreit noted Notre Dame's motivation due to missing the playoffs last season and their manageable schedule this year.
- •Herbstreit predicts Indiana and Notre Dame in the national title game.
- •Indiana to defeat Ohio State in the semifinals.
- •Georgia expected to lose to Notre Dame in the other semifinal.
- •Notre Dame eager to prove themselves after missing the playoffs last year.
- •Herbstreit previously chose Miami as his national champion in May.
- 10:03 AMYahoo Sports — Kirk Herbstreit predicts college football's national champion
"ESPN "College GameDay" analyst Kirk Herbstreit has predicted the national champions after having a change of heart
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