The Notre Dame Fighting Irish posted a 10-3 record last season, despite losing both regular season games by two points each and battling several injuries. With plenty of talent returning, Notre Dame will likely be a popular pick to make the College Football Playoff next season. Here's how the Fighting Irish rank in the way-too-early top 25 polls published by major publications:
Chat Sports
Ranking: 2
Breakdown: "Notre Dame loses some great talent, but the team was hit so hard by injuries that it will feel like the team is getting than it is losing. Notre Dame has two starting-quality QBs and several skill position players that can produce big plays. If Notre Dame can just stay healthy, the Fighting Irish will be in position for a playoff berth."
USA Today
Ranking: 7
Breakdown: "A potential quarterback competition will make headlines, but what makes Notre Dame a legitimate title contender is a roster brimming with athleticism. This was on display during this past season, even if the Irish were stymied by injuries. A healthy team could play with any opponent in the country."
ESPN
Ranking: 12
Breakdown: "The Fighting Irish must replace some key skill players on offense, especially after receiver Fuller and tailback Prosise left early for the NFL draft. The good news: A boatload of players are coming back from injuries that forced them to miss most of 2015, including quarterback Malik Zaire, tailback Tarean Folston and tight end Durham Smythe. There are also heavy personnel losses on a defense that needs to improve, including Russell and Smith, who have both declared for the draft. Notre Dame will play only three true road games (at Texas, NC State and USC) in 2016, along with neutral-site games against Syracuse, Navy and Army."
CBS
Ranking: 8
Breakdown: "Brian Kelly finished his eighth 10-win season as a coach despite massive injury issues. He gets back quarterback Malik Zaire to go along with a surprisingly efficient DeShone Kizer. The toughest ACC games are Texas, Michigan State, Miami and USC. The Irish should continue to be a playoff contender."
Sports Illustrated
Ranking: N/A
Breakdown: Sports Illustrated only published a Top 5. Notre Dame did not make the cut.
FOX
Ranking: 16
Breakdown: "Brian Kelly has some rebuilding to do after losing standouts like WR Will Fuller, T Ronnie Stanley, LBs Jaylon Smith and Joe Schmidt and DT Sheldon Day. He’ll also have to decide between QBs Malik Zaire and DeShone Kizer. RB Josh Adams and WR Corey Robinson headline the skill players, while S Max Redfield leads a strong secondary."
Bleacher Report
Ranking: 17
Breakdown: Bleacher Report didn't have a breakdown for Notre Dame in their Top 25.