Notre Dame

The Irish face a complete backfield rebuild after losing their top two rushers — Jeremiyah Love (48.9 PPA) and Jadarian Price (23.5 PPA) — to the NFL Draft, but strategic portal additions like Oregon defensive tackle Tionne Gray position this squad for a stronger championship push than last year's title game runners-up. Notre Dame enters 2026 ranked fifth nationally in JP+'s preseason ratings at +22.9 points, powered by elite units on both sides of the ball: the offense grades fifth at +11.2 while the defense checks in sixth at +10.2. CJ Carr returns at quarterback to anchor an attack that welcomes Ohio State transfers Quincy Porter and Mylan Graham at receiver, while the defense maintains its foundation despite Colorado cornerback DJ McKinney headlining a modest seven-player incoming transfer class.

JP+ projects 10.1 wins for the Irish in their independent schedule, setting up another playoff berth with tougher tests coming at home against Miami and on the road at BYU and North Carolina. The defensive continuity provides stability while offensive coordinator must replace 93.3 PPA in departures — a massive hole that creates uncertainty despite the talent influx. If Carr develops chemistry quickly with his new receivers and the running game finds identity behind new faces, Notre Dame has the ceiling to contend for the national title that slipped away in 2025. If the backfield transition stalls, even 10 wins might prove optimistic against a loaded schedule.