3 things that need to happen for Notre Dame to win the national championship in 2026
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The Irish the look of a championship contender, but they need some developments to happen to win their first title since 1988.
The 2026 season is Marcus Freeman’s best opportunity to win a national championship at Notre Dame, and it couldn’t be more evident that the pieces are in place for a legitimate run. The Fighting Irish return an experienced and athletic defense, with a budding star at quarterback. The question is whether three specific areas of concern can be resolved before the season begins.
CJ Carr needs a go-to target in the passing game
The most important factor for Notre Dame’s 2026 success is the emergence of a primary receiving threat for quarterback CJ Carr. Losing Jadarian Price and Jeremiyah Love will fundamentally shift how this offense operates. Without a talent as dynamic as Love, the Irish will need to find new ways to generate explosive plays, and that burden falls squarely on the wide receiver room.
The good news is that the talent is there. Quincy Porter, Mylan Graham, Micah Gilbert, Jordan Faison, and Jaden Greathouse all bring different skill sets to the table. It’s the most talented receiving corps Notre Dame has had in a long time. The problem is that it’s unclear who the go-to guy will be. Having depth is valuable, but championship offenses need a defined No. 1 option who can win contested catches and create separation when it matters most. One of those players has to separate himself from the pack.
The defensive line must step up with new faces
Notre Dame’s pass rush and defensive front need to take a significant step forward with younger, less-proven players. The Irish did a strong job in the transfer portal, adding high-floor pieces like Francis Brewu, Tionne Gray, and Keon Keeley. They also have young up-and-comers like Bryce Young and Rodney Dunham who could develop into stars.
Last year’s defensive line wasn’t necessarily a liability, but it wasn’t a strength either. If this group can become genuinely impactful, it will elevate everybody around them. Notre Dame already possesses an elite, experienced secondary and a talented linebacker corps. The defensive line is the missing piece. Should these players take the leap, the Irish defense could be one of the best units in college football.
Aneyas Williams needs to provide stability at running back
Replacing the best running back tandem in college football is a tall order, and there should be no expectation that Aneyas Williams can replicate the combined production of Price and Love. That’s simply too much to ask of one player.
With that being said, Williams has the talent to be a productive starter. A 1,000-yard rushing season feels realistic for him, and that would be more than enough to keep the offense balanced. The Irish don’t need him to be a superstar. They need him to grind out yards in short-yardage situations, sustain drives, and generate the occasional big play. If the coaching staff can feel secure in his ability to do those things, the offense will remain steady enough to complement what should be an elite defense.
It’s clear this Notre Dame is equipped for a national championship run in 2026. The roster is loaded, the experience is there, and Freeman has as clear a path to a title as he’s likely to get. If these three areas come together, I think Notre Dame can finally get the job done.
This article was originally published on A to Z Sports. Read the full story here: 3 things that need to happen for Notre Dame to win the national championship in 2026
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