‘Something That Concerns Me’ — CFB Analyst Isn’t Sold on Notre Dame As Potential National Champs After Wisconsin Matchup
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Notre Dame has started the 2026 college football season, and fans are expecting the program to be one of the leading contenders to win the national championship.
Lambeau Field witnessed one of the biggest games of the season on Sunday, as Notre Dame defeated Wisconsin 41–13, but its performance was not up to the mark.
Notre Dame had a difficult first half before pulling away behind a composed performance from quarterback CJ Carr.
Danny Kanell Questions Notre Dame’s Title Hopes
In a recent episode of the “Cover 3” podcast, college football analyst Danny Kanell was seen praising the victory but still expressing concerns about the Fighting Irish, as the final score did not tell the complete story. The team was clearly seen struggling, as it held only a 13–10 lead at halftime. He said:
“Watching the entire weekend and what we think are going to be national championship contenders, this would be something that concerns me if you’re Notre Dame. When you see Miami, you see Malachi Toney. When you see Texas, you see Cam Coleman. When you see Ohio State, you see Jeremiah Smith. When you watch Trey’Dez Green for LSU, you see these playmakers light up the field.”
The analyst was seen questioning whether the team’s offensive players are capable enough to provide strong competition. He said:
“I know it’s the year of the quarterback. I also think it’s the year of the playmaker, the offensive weapon. Most of these guys are at wide receiver. Where is that guy going to be for Notre Dame?”
Is Notre Dame ACTUALLY a National Championship contender?
— Cover 3 Podcast (@Cover3Podcast) September 8, 2026
Although the performance in the victory was somewhat sluggish, fans are optimistic, as head coach Marcus Freeman has created an amazing squad. The team has a quarterback like CJ Carr, a deep and talented new-look defensive line featuring Francis Brewu and Tionne Gray, one of the best secondaries in college football featuring All-American cornerback Leonard Moore and star safeties Brauntae Johnson and Adon Shuler, as well as all three returning coordinators.
The first half shocked everyone, as Notre Dame held a 13–10 halftime lead despite recording just 29 yards on 16 carries. Carr completed just 9 of 16 passes for 106 yards and one touchdown.
Notre Dame found its rhythm and dominated Wisconsin in the second half, but the slow start supported Kanell’s concerns. The Fighting Irish have enough talent to reach the College Football Playoff, although their national championship hopes may depend on an offensive playmaker emerging. Until then, questions about whether they can defeat the country’s strongest teams will continue to follow them.
Notre Dame found its rhythm and dominated Wisconsin in the second half, but the slow start supported Kanell’s concerns. The Fighting Irish have enough talent to reach the College Football Playoff, although their national championship hopes may depend on an offensive playmaker emerging. Until then, questions about whether they can defeat the country’s strongest teams will continue to follow them.
The games will give Freeman and his players an opportunity to answer those doubts. If Carr continues developing and the receiving unit produces a dependable star, Notre Dame could prove Kanell wrong and establish itself as a national championship threat.
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