​Although the season hasn’t officially begun, expectations for Notre Dame this year are sky-high. Many believe the Irish could mount a lengthy run in the College Football Playoff, and ESPN has joined those projections. The network recently updated its Football Power Index, and the results look promising for Notre Dame. The Irish sit at No. 3 in the FPI, trailing only Ohio State and Texas, with strong odds of a standout season.
According to the FPI, Notre Dame is projected to finish 11-1, with a 32.7% chance to go undefeated—the highest probability of any team in the country. The model also suggests Notre Dame has a very favorable path to the CFP, currently sitting at 74.4% in its metrics, just a percentage point behind the Buckeyes.
While a run at the playoff and a spot in the national championship game would be thrilling, the ultimate prize remains the title. The FPI reflects a strong likelihood for the Irish to contend for the championship, granting Notre Dame a 19.7% chance to reach the title game and about a 10.5% chance to win it all.
If these projections hold, it promises another exciting fall in South Bend, with championship ambitions guiding Notre Dame’s season. Stay connected for updates and continued coverage of Notre Dame news, notes, and opinions.
Follow updates on X (formerly Twitter) at @IrishWireND and like the page on Facebook to keep up with ongoing Notre Dame coverage. For ongoing analysis and breaking news, you can also follow Mike on X at @MikeFChen. This rewrite reflects a summary of ESPN’s latest projections, originally featured on Fighting Irish Wire under the title ESPN gives Notre Dame a top chance to win the College Football Playoff.