As spring practices wind down across college football, ESPN has refreshed its famously premature look ahead, and Notre Dame finds itself adjusting its position. In the latest "Way-Too-Early" top-25 rankings for the 2026 season, the Fighting Irish have slipped one spot from No. 3 to No. 4.

This minor shift appears less a critique of Notre Dame and more a reflection of a reshuffle at the very top. Ohio State has ascended to claim the No. 1 ranking, displacing previous leader Indiana, who fell to No. 6. For Irish fans, the movement is more about the view from other programs than any significant change in their team's outlook.

ESPN's Mark Schlabach, who compiled the list, focused his commentary on the high-powered potential of Notre Dame's offense. He highlighted quarterback CJ Carr, expecting him to build on his redshirt-freshman campaign with help from new weapons like Ohio State transfer receivers Mylan Graham and Quincy Porter, alongside the continued development of Jaden Greathouse.

While the defense wasn't specifically mentioned, the implication is that unit remains a strength, leaving few concerns on that side of the ball. The overarching takeaway is one of continued confidence: Schlabach believes Notre Dame "should be right back in the mix" for a College Football Playoff berth, echoing the optimistic sentiment surrounding the program as it prepares for the upcoming campaign.