Cam Newton Criticized CFP's Treatment of Notre Dame During ESPN's "First Take"

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

Cam Newton Criticized CFP's Treatment of Notre Dame During ESPN's "First Take"

The College Football Playoff’s decision to stick with a 12-team format for the 2026 season was announced on Friday, and Heisman Trophy winner and national champion Cam Newton wasn’t happy about it.

During ESPN’s Friday edition of “First Take,” the former NFL MVP and Auburn Tigers quarterback joined the panel to discuss the adjusted CFP structure.

The topic veered into the historical weight and perceived favoritism shown toward the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and Newton made his stance clear.

“Bump Notre Dame,” Newton said during the segment. “You start to think about the preferential treatment that Notre Dame has gotten, will get and will continue to get. That’s why I’m like, ‘Bump Notre Dame.’”

Former NFL and Auburn Tigers quarterback Cam Newton.© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Beginning in 2026, Notre Dame is guaranteed a spot in the 12-team CFP as long as the Fighting Irish finish ranked within the top 12 of the final committee rankings. This new rule ensures the Irish, an independent program, are not excluded from the CFP by a lower-ranked conference champion that earns an automatic berth, a key change from previous years.

Newton went further on why Notre Dame shouldn’t get “preferential treatment.”

“Notre Dame hasn’t been relevant in years,” Newton said.

That take immediately prompted a correction from co-host Shae Cornette.

“They were just in the national championship game one year ago,” Cornette said. “One year ago!”

Still, Newton doubled down on his opinion.

“They haven’t been relevant for years. You take that one national championship game with coach [Marcus] Freeman out of the equation — they have not been relevant for years,” Newton responded.

Notre Dame has put together a 24-4 run in the last two seasons, has won 11 national championships and has produced seven Heisman winners.

The Fighting Irish finished the 2024 season with a 34–23 loss to Ohio State in the CFP title game. Notre Dame opted out of a bowl game this season after being left out of the 2025 CFP by the committee despite earning the No. 11 ranking.

Related: NCAA Hints At Investigation After Dabo Swinney’s Tampering Allegations

Related: Clemson’s Dabo Swinney Sends Clear Message to Rest of College Football

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 24, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos