Notre Dame ranked fifth in The Athletic’s preseason rankings

Notre Dame Fighting Irish football is ranked fifth ahead of the 2026 season’s Week 0, according to The Athletic.

The outlet is ranking all 138 FBS teams ahead of Week 0, and it has Notre Dame fifth behind Indiana, Ohio State, Georgia and Oregon. Texas, Miami (FL), LSU, Texas Tech and Oklahoma round out the top 10.

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Here’s what The Athletic says about the Fighting Irish this go-round: “5. Notre Dame: The Irish return the most production in the FBS and may have the best defense, but will enough playmakers emerge at running back and receiver? Another weak schedule leaves little room for error.”

Notre Dame’s season kicks off during Week 1 on Sunday, Sept. 6 against Wisconsin at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.