Notre Dame's Path to the 2026 College Football Playoff: Schedule, Rankings, and Playoff Format Updates
Notre Dame faced disappointment in the 2025 College Football Playoff selection but has a clear path to the 2026 playoffs by securing a top-12 ranking. The playoff format will remain at 12 teams, with automatic bids for four Power 4 conference champions and the top-ranked Group of 6 conference champion. Notre Dame's athletic director emphasized the need to earn their spot on the field despite the ranking privilege.
Discussions about expanding the playoff to 16 or 24 teams between the Big Ten and SEC have stalled, leading to the decision to maintain the current 12-team format for another season. The CFP executive director highlighted the need for further evaluation before considering potential changes to the playoff structure. The current format has brought more excitement to college football and provided more schools with postseason opportunities.
Notre Dame's 2026 schedule includes matchups against two teams that finished in the CFP top 12, with games against No. 12 BYU and national runner-up Miami. The Irish will also face SMU and Navy, the only teams on their schedule that won more than five games in 2025. Notre Dame's schedule features four true road games and two neutral-site matchups against Wisconsin and Navy.
The longstanding rivalry series between Notre Dame and USC is on hold after scheduling disagreements. The full Notre Dame football schedule includes matchups against Wisconsin, Rice, Michigan State, Purdue, North Carolina, Stanford, BYU, and a bye week. Additional game times are yet to be announced. Notre Dame aims to secure a top-12 ranking and earn a spot in the 2026 College Football Playoff.