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League: NCAAFSport: College SportsCountry: United StatesCategory: Scores & Results

Notre Dame remains outside CFP top five despite 2-0 start

2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 14, 2026, 11:02 AM

Last updated Sep 14, 2026

Notre Dame remains outside CFP top five despite 2-0 start
Summary

Notre Dame, currently ranked No. 3 in the country, has a 2-0 record after a 52-0 win over Rice. However, On3's latest College Football Playoff projections place them just outside the top five at No. 6. They are projected to host No. 11 Virginia in the first round of the CFP, with the potential to face No. 3 Georgia in the quarterfinals. The Fighting Irish will play Michigan State next on Saturday evening. This matchup is a rematch from their 2017 game, which Notre Dame won 38-18.

Source Links
Yahoo Sports
By the Numbers
  • •Notre Dame is 2-0 after the win over Rice.
  • •On3 ranks them No. 6 in CFP projections.
  • •They are set to host No. 11 Virginia in the playoffs.
  • •Next opponent is Michigan State, a rematch from 2017.
  • •Notre Dame won their last matchup against Michigan State 38-18.
Latest Updates
  • 11:02 AMYahoo Sports — Notre Dame still a top-5 team in ESPN’s Football Power Index
  • 10:31 AMYahoo Sports — On3 has Notre Dame outside of top five in latest CFP projections
What they're saying
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Notre Dame is off to a 2-0 start and No. 3 in the AP and Coaches polls. ESPN agrees that the Irish are a top-five team with recent CFP projections.

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Notre Dame is off to a 2-0 start. The Irish are No. 3 in the country, but outside the top-5 in On3's latest College Football Playoff projections.

Related Teams & Leagues
NCAAFCollege Sports

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