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Notre Dame

Notre Dame ranks No. 5 in ESPN’s multiyear college football power rankings

IMG_9992by:Tyler Horka•06/12/25•

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Marcus Freeman
Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman. (© MICHAEL CLUBB/SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg ranked every power conference college football team in the context of how they’re positioned to be a power player in the sport for the next two seasons — not just 2025. He put Notre Dame in the No. 5 slot.

Rittenberg used the following criteria for his rankings; returning quarterback, likelihood of a multiyear QB on roster, offensive line/defensive line outlook, roster management, star power (All-Americans, national award contenders, all-conference contenders) and coaching staff. Here’s what he wrote about Notre Dame in those areas.

The following text is all courtesy of Adam Rittenberg of ESPN.

Returning quarterback: No. Riley Leonard helped Notre Dame to its first three CFP wins and a national title game appearance in his only year with the Irish. He was a sixth-round NFL draft pick by Indianapolis.

Likelihood of a multiyear QB on roster: Definite potential. Notre Dame will go with redshirt freshman CJ Carr or third-year sophomore Kenny Minchey as its starter in 2025. Carr, ESPN’s No. 36 overall recruit in the 2024 class, has been labeled Notre Dame’s quarterback of the future and could enter that role this fall.

Offensive line/defensive line outlook: Notre Dame’s depth along both lines showed up repeatedly in 2024 after a string of major injuries. The upshot is an offensive line that, despite no seniors as projected starters, should be one of the nation’s most talented groups. Notre Dame could have a remarkably similar O-line the next two seasons with tackle Anthonie Knapp and guard/tackle Charles Jagusah carrying sophomore eligibility. The defensive line must replace more in the short term but regains edges Jordan Botelho and Boubacar Traore from injury and returns Joshua Burnham, Gabriel Rubio and others.

Roster management: Coach Marcus Freeman has accelerated Notre Dame’s recruiting efforts, as the team’s 2026 recruiting class currently sits at No. 3 in ESPN’s national rankings. The Irish aren’t a volume transfer program, but they addressed a clear need at wide receiver with Malachi Fields (Virginia) and Will Pauling (Wisconsin). Notre Dame also enhanced its depth in the secondary with cornerback DeVonta Smith (Alabama) and safety Jalen Stroman (Virginia Tech). The Irish did a good job retaining arguably the nation’s best running back room and its gifted young offensive linemen.

Star power: The team has a bona fide Heisman Trophy candidate in running back Jeremiyah Love, whose electric speed and added bulk likely will increase his usage. Several offensive linemen should be in the mix for national awards, as will defenders like linebacker Drayk Bowen, cornerback Leonard Moore and safety Adon Shuler.

Coaching staff: After some unsightly losses, Freeman’s run to the national title game established him as one of the sport’s top young coaches. An offensive staff led by coordinator Mike Denbrock is loaded with experience. New defensive coordinator Chris Ash fills big shoes in replacing Al Golden, the Broyles Award winner.

Here’s Rittenberg’s full future top 10.

1. Texas
2. Ohio State
3. Georgia
4. Oregon
5. Notre Dame

6. Penn State
7. Clemson
8. LSU
9. Tennessee
10. Alabama

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