College Football Playoff Confirms Change For Notre Dame in 2026

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The College Football Playoff has confirmed a change for Notre Dame in 2026.

The Fighting Irish went 10-2 this past season. They were ranked No. 10 in the country heading into the final weekend. However, in the final College Football Playoff selection committee rankings, the Fighting Irish were jumped by Miami, missing out on the postseason.

Notre Dame opted to skip out on bowl season, too.

"As a team, we've decided to withdraw our name from consideration for a bowl game following the 2025 season," read a statement posted on social media that was credited to the 2025 Notre Dame football team. "We appreciate all the support from our families and fans, and we're hoping to bring the 12th national title to South Bend in 2026."

But next year could be different. The College Football Playoff has confirmed a change for Notre Dame in 2026.

College Football Playoff confirms change for 2026

In 2026, if Notre Dame finishes in the Top 12 of the final College Football Playoff selection committee rankings, they are guaranteed a spot in the field.

"As part of the memorandum signed last spring, the conferences agreed to grant Notre Dame a guarantee for the future: If the Irish are ranked inside the top 12 of a 12-team playoff, they automatically advance into the field," Yahoo! Sports confirmed.

"That means, in this year’s playoff, Notre Dame, ranked No. 11, would be in the field in place of the last at-large bid: Miami."

The change is sure to bring controversy, but Notre Dame would've been in the field if that rule applied this year.

This story was originally published by The Spun on Dec 18, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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