Where Notre Dame football ranks in post-spring USA Today Top 25
There are 116 days until Aug. 26. Who’s counting? Anyone who bleeds blue and gold and is anxiously awaiting the start of the 2023 Notre Dame football season.
That’s who.
Notre Dame kicks off the year against Navy in Dublin, Ireland, on the final Saturday in August. It’s highly likely the Fighting Irish will wear a top-10 number next to their name that day as they have for the last four season openers. USA Today released its post-spring top 25 rankings on Tuesday, and Notre Dame was firmly inside the top 10 at No. 7.
Here’s a full look at the rankings.
USA Today Post-Spring Top 25
- Georgia
- Michigan
- Alabama
- Penn State
- Florida State
- Ohio State
- Notre Dame
- Clemson
- Texas
- USC
- Washington
- Tennessee
- Oregon
- Iowa
- LSU
- North Carolina
- Utah
- Oklahoma
- Oregon State
- Kansas State
- UTSA
- TCU
- Texas Tech
- Troy
- Wisconsin
Here’s what USA Today writers Paul Myerberg and Erick Smith said about Notre Dame: The Irish could be transformed by the addition of Wake Forest transfer Sam Hartman, who put a stranglehold on the starting job with a very strong spring. His stability and production solidify the quarterback position and provides even more reason for optimism heading into Marcus Freeman’s second year. The Irish won 9 of 11 to end last season after an 0-2 start. Can they continue that momentum with home game with Ohio State looming late in September?
The Ohio State game takes place in South Bend Sept. 23. Unlike last year, Freeman and company have four games to get right and prepare for the Buckeyes. Notre Dame also does not have to contend with quarterback C.J. Stroud, who was just selected No. 2 overall by the Houston Texans in the NFL Draft. Ohio State is in line to start either junior Kyle McCord or redshirt freshman Devin Brown.
Top 10
- 1
Underranked SEC
Lane Kiffin protests CFP rankings
- 2New
Saban chirped
Big 12 comes after GOAT
- 3
DJ Lagway
Fan flashes Florida QB to Pope
- 4Hot
Strength of Schedule
CFP Top 25 SOS ranking
- 5
Alabama needs a prayer
Tide can make the CFP but needs help
As it stands in early May, Notre Dame has a clear advantage at the quarterback position over Ohio State. Hartman has a vast experience edge over McCord and Brown. The Buckeyes are still very talented, and McCord or Brown could be a breakout star by late September.
From USA Today’s post-spring top 25, Notre Dame also plays No. 8 Clemson (Nov. 4) on the road and No. 10 USC (Oct. 14) at home.
