Notre Dame's Response To The CFP Snub Named A Top Storyline By Sporting News
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Despite having some of the highest odds on Selection Sunday, Notre Dame was ultimately left out of the 2025 College Football Playoffs. That singular event trigger a chain of events that led us to the Irish adopting the motto 'Leave No Doubt' for the 2026 season.
Their response to the playoff snub has been one of the biggest talking points of the offseason. Sporting News considers Notre Dame's response to the playoff snub as one of the top storylines of the 2026 season.
"The Big Ten has won three consecutive national championships with Michigan, Ohio State and Indiana," Bill Bender of Sporting News shared. "All three schools are approximately 250 miles of Notre Dame. The Irish are still looking for their first national championship since Lou Holtz, who passed away this past March, led the program to a perfect 12-0 season in 1988. Indiana won the CFP championship in storybook fashion last season and beat Ohio State in the Big Ten championship game.
"Curt Cignetti's only two losses at IU are to Notre Dame and Ohio State," Bender continued. "The Buckeyes broke a four-game losing streak to Michigan and beat Notre Dame the previous season in the CFP championship game. The rivalries between these neighboring schools will intensify. Notre Dame comes into focus in 2026. The Irish were snubbed from last season's College Football Playoffs despite a 10-2 record under Marcus Freeman. The Irish return Heisman Trophy hopeful CJ Carr and a loaded defense led by cornerback Leonard Moore. This is their best chance to break that national title drought."
Last season's snub was heartbreaking, and one that many didn't see coming. It was the hottest topic of discussion around the College Football Playoffs, and was routinely talked about while CFP games were occurring. Notre Dame put a stamp on their disapproval by opting out of the Pop-Tarts Bowl against the BYU Cougars, a matchup we'll get to see in Provo, Utah on October 17.
This is the most talented, experienced and deepest roster Freeman has had during his time in South Bend. Add in the fact that he returns both coordinators in Mike Denbrock and Chris Ash for the first time in his career, all signs are pointing to a triumphant season for the Irish. Now, they just have to go out and prove it. There's no lack of motivation for this squad, and if any more was needed, they're liking not playing the correct sport.
Several outlets, including Sporting News, have talked about this storyline throughout the offseason. ESPN, Athlon Sports, CBS Sports and several others have talked about how Notre Dame's 'revenge tour' is one of the premier headlines entering the 2026 season. The Irish are riding a 38-year season title drought, but have a prime opportunity to put that to an end this year.
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