The Fighting Irish have lost a few key players to the NFL after their incredible 2024 season, but some analysts still favor them to be playoff contenders this upcoming year due to one particular reasonMarcus Freeman led Notre Dame all the way to the National Championship game last seasonMarcus Freeman led Notre Dame all the way to the National Championship game last season(Image: Getty Images)

Many analysts feel that Notre Dame will struggle to reach the heights of last season after making it all the way to the College Football Playoff National Championship game.

But ESPN star Paul Finebaum is not counting the Fighting Irish out because of Marcus Freeman. The head coach had an incredible year in 2024, leading a team that not too many had favored to be serious competitors deep into the CFP.

Notre Dame ultimately fell to Ohio State and its red-hot offense in the final. Freeman was hugely credited for his role in the Fighting Irish making it as far as they did, despite missing several key players, including their best pass-rusher (Rylie Mills, now with the Seattle Seahawks) and defensive back (Benjamin Morrison, Tampa Bay Buccaneers).

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While Ohio State, Texas, Penn State, Georgia, and Clemson are seen as the favorites to compete this year, Finebaum believes that Freeman’s team will be in the mix heading into the CFP.

When asked if he believes they will indeed be in the playoffs, Finebaum said on ESPN: “Yes, and the reason is the head coach.

“He showed that last year, beating and out-coaching James Franklin in the crunch at the Orange Bowl. It was brilliant, it was a masterclass, and he nearly pulled it off against Ohio State..

ESPN college football analyst Paul Finebaum is high on Notre Dame heading into the seasonESPN college football analyst Paul Finebaum is high on Notre Dame heading into the season(Image: Getty Images)

“He has done more with less talent than anyone in college football, so therefore, even though this team has serious question marks.

“They have a difficult schedule opening with Miami, I think he will find a way to mold them and push them back into the playoff and maybe a decent run.”

Notre Dame is set to start its former back-up quarterback in C.J. Carr, after being redshirted in his freshman season while behind Riley Leonard.

C.J. Carr is set to start at QB for Notre DameC.J. Carr is set to start at QB for Notre Dame(Image: Getty Images)

Leonard struggled at times throughout the season, being reliant on his rushing ability, which perhaps was a big reason as to why he fell to the sixth round of the NFL Draft.

Carr will heavily lean on running back Jeremiyah Love, who is among the favorites to compete for a Heisman Trophy this season.

Mirror U.S. Sports ranks Love as the No. 1 running back heading into the 2026 NFL Draft

The Fighting Irish will have one of the better offensive lines in college football this year, putting Love in a good position to exceed the 17 rushing touchdowns he scored last year.