Notre Dame news: Heather Dinich reveals Irish’s key to avoiding CFP snub

Notre Dame made a run to the National Championship game of the College Football Playoff in 2024. In 2025, they would miss the CFP, being the first team out, leading to Notre Dame opting out of a bowl game over the perceived snub.

Now, Heather Dinich of ESPN is giving the key to the Irish making the playoff in 2026.

“Convincing wins. Notre Dame’s highest-ranked opponents will likely be Miami and BYU, with SMU also a likely CFP top-25 team. There might not be another ranked opponent on the schedule. If the Irish can assert themselves against weaker, unranked opponents on a consistent basis, and not leave any doubt in the eyes of the committee that they were the better team, Notre Dame can overcome what is at least now perceived to be a weaker schedule and have a chance at a higher seed. Dominant performances could mean the difference between earning a first-round bye, hosting a playoff game or having to hit the road,” Dinich wrote.

The Irish have a very manageable schedule. They open up against Wisconsin at Lambeau Field on September 6, before games agaisnt Rice and Michigan State at home. The most difficult game of the season will come in November against Miami (FL) at home. Notre Dame just needs to finish in the top 12 of the final CFP rankings to make the playoffs.

“Three losses. Remember, under the new CFP contract, Notre Dame is guaranteed a spot in the playoff if it finishes in the top 12. So the Irish would really have to screw up to be excluded — or play so poorly all season that the committee calls into question their playoff worth. If Notre Dame finishes with two losses, and those losses are to Miami and BYU, the committee will have a hard time justifying Notre Dame’s remaining strength of schedule,” Dinich concluded.

Notre Dame returns a stacked defense and solid offense, expecting to make a run at a national title in 2026.