For the program to make a leap into elite status, they’ll have to continue to make the 12-team ( more in the future) tournament. There are plenty of reasons why that should happen and here are the top three why Notre Dame will make a return visit to the College Football Playoff.

Eli Raridon enters his senior year with 16 career catches and a block-first reputation. Offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock is on record predicting “a huge season” for Raridon this fall, but that will require instant chemistry with a first-time starting quarterback to be determined.

Notre Dame football has been riding a large wave of momentum in the 2026 class, and head coach Marcus Freeman and the Fighting Irish staff have already carried that over to the 2027 group as well. That includes a commitment from Kennesaw (Ga.

All eyes will be on running back Jeremiyah Love, who could be primed for Heisman Trophy run this season if he can repeat last year’s production.

Notre Dame football newcomer Malachi Fields, a converted quarterback, was targeted a whopping 194 times the past two seasons at Virginia.

Today, Notre Dame star running back Jeremiyah Love was named to the Maxwell Award watchlist. The Maxwell is awarded every year to the most outstanding player in college football; it recognizes superb play on the field and outstanding contributions to the game.

There might only be a few starters from this group, but this collection of players may be key to rounding out the roster.

Whether Notre Dame football's opening night starter at Miami is redshirt freshman CJ Carr or third-year backup Kenny Minchey remains to be seen.