Notre Dame ranked No. 2 in Andy Staples' post-spring Top 25
Notre Dame finished second in college football last season. Most way-too-early top-25 rankings after the national championship game had the Irish in the 4-6 range.
On3’s Andy Staples, however, believes Notre Dame has enough to make it back to college football’s biggest stage. He ranked the Irish No. 2 in his post-spring Top 25, behind only Texas at No. 1.
“The most telling fact about Notre Dame’s offseason? Two offensive linemen who started in the national title game immediately hit the transfer portal after the season because they probably wouldn’t have starting jobs in 2025,” Staples wrote. “A great offensive line is the most recession-proof factor in football.”
The two offensive linemen, of course, are Rocco Spindler (who transferred to Nebraska) and Pat Coogan (who transferred to Indiana). Notre Dame’s offensive line of sophomore Anthonie Knapp, senior Billy Schrauth, senior Ashton Craig, sophomore Charles Jagusah and senior Aamil Wagner, from left to right, should be one of the nation’s best.
The Irish made the national title game on the strength of their defense a year ago, and they’ll need to deal with losing stars like safety Xavier Watts, linebacker Jack Kiser, cornerback Benjamin Morrison and defensive tackles Rylie Mills and Howard Cross III. Staples, though, thinks Notre Dame can do it.
“Can Notre Dame’s defense maintain the level at which it played last year? That’s the question,” Staples wrote. “But injuries last season forced younger players like cornerback Leonard Moore to show us that the Fighting Irish have future stars ready to emerge.”
Staples also predicted a winner in the quarterback competition between junior Kenny Minchey and sophomore CJ Carr.
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“We think CJ Carr wins the quarterback job, and a bigger arm than the Irish have had in years could unlock a downfield passing game that should complement a punishing run game,” Staples wrote.
Clemson, Penn State and Ohio State, respectively, round out Staples’ top 5 after the Irish. Only one of Notre Dame’s opponents is on the top-25 list: Miami, coming in at No. 20.
“I’m less worried about QB Carson Beck’s return from elbow surgery than I am about Miami’s ability to replace some excellent receivers,” Staples wrote. “The offensive line should be great, though, and that should make everything easier. Whether Miami winds up around here or playing for the ACC title and a CFP berth likely will depend on how well new coordinator Corey Hetherman improves the defense.”
Miami will be Notre Dame’s first test, with that game kicking off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Aug. 31 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.
Post-spring top 25, via On3’s Andy Staples: Notre Dame at No. 2
- Texas
- Notre Dame
- Clemson
- Penn State
- Ohio State
- Oregon
- Alabama
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Florida
- Texas Tech
- South Carolina
- Auburn
- SMU
- LSU
- Arizona State
- Michigan
- BYU
- Ole Miss
- Miami
- Tennessee
- Nebraska
- Iowa State
- Louisville
- Iowa
