Josh Pate released his Early Top 25 rankings and placed the Canes just outside the Top 5. His list, and explanation for each ranking, is below.

#25 Washington​

I’ll start at the bottom. Washington at 25. I honestly don’t know what the dynamic is up there right now. I haven’t talked to Demond Williams ever, let alone since he tried to leave, found out the door was locked, and then said, “Never mind, I’m staying.” I have no idea what that does to a locker room. I just don’t. So I’m cautious. That’s why they’re here.

#24 Louisville​

Louisville at 24 feels like one of the safest bets in the country. Jeff Brohm has those guys floating in this range almost every year. They’re solid, they’re organized, and the floor doesn’t feel much lower than this.

#23 Vanderbilt​

Vanderbilt at 23. A lot of newness. Is Jared Curtis starting as a true freshman? Maybe. But they’ve earned the right to be talked about here—although let’s be honest, it’s February. What has anyone truly earned yet?

#22 Iowa​

Iowa at 22. Solid bowl game, which technically matters none in this exercise, but still. These are proven commodities. Teams where the floor feels pretty firm.

#21 Missouri​

Missouri at 21. Another program that’s just kind of there every year. Reliable, competitive, not flashy, but not falling apart either.

#20 SMU​

SMU at 20. I’m buying a little more SMU stock than the public right now. That could change, but in February, I like what I see.

#19 Utah​

Utah at 19. Same story as always—tough, physical, disciplined. They usually find a way to matter.

#18 Houston​

Houston at 18. I hinted at this the other night—I’m kind of feeling Houston right now. I’ve got eight months to change my mind, but today? I like them.

#17 Michigan​

Michigan at 17. Transition period, but still Michigan. There’s enough institutional stability to keep them in this range.

#16 Ole Miss​

Ole Miss at 16, with a massive asterisk. Nobody knows what’s happening with Trinidad Chambliss. He could be quarterbacking Ole Miss. He could be working for this show next year. If he’s there, they’re probably higher than 16. If not, this feels about right.

#15 Penn State​

This one’s going to make people mad. Penn State at 15. I’m banking on stability. I like the coaching staff they brought in. They imported dependable parts of the Iowa State roster and recruiting classes. I’m projecting a higher floor here. If you’re yelling overrated, that’s fine—I didn’t put them top five. I put them 15th. Name me 15 teams that clearly deserve to start higher in February.

#14 BYU​

BYU at 14. Over the last five seasons, they’ve got the eighth-best winning percentage in the country. Sitake is back. Bachmeier is back. They’re proven, and they’re still hungry because in some people’s minds, if you haven’t won a national title, you haven’t won anything.

#13 Alabama​

Alabama at 13. This feels weird to say, but it can’t get worse. They made the playoff last year while being terrible at running the ball. They’re changing offensive line staff, reshaping the run game, and I like their quarterback situation whether it’s Keelan Russell or Austin Mack. There’s upside here, but I don’t trust it fully out of the gate.

#12 Texas Tech​

Texas Tech at 12. Top-five portal team. Brendan Sorsby in. This doesn’t feel like a one-year flash. This feels like program stability. I will never doubt their portal execution again after last year.

#11 USC​

Yes, USC at 11. This is a faith ranking. Lincoln Riley had his “we’re changing everything” moment, and it started to work. The defense improved. Gary Patterson is now the defensive coordinator. They’ve got a third-year quarterback and the number-one recruiting class. I’m not saying we look smart yet—but I think we stop looking stupid.

#10 LSU​

LSU at 10, even though the ceiling is way higher. Blake Baker stayed. The coordinator situation is strong. Number-two portal class. I think they peak late, not early, so this is where they start for me.

#9 Oklahoma​

Oklahoma at 9. They feel like a playoff-caliber program most years. More experience, but they’ve got to fix the run game. Still, this feels right.

#8 Texas A&M​

Texas A&M at 8. Marcel Reed just has to be better in big games—but even his “best” last year was good enough to make the playoff. Top-five talent acquisition program. The baseline roster is there.

#7 Georgia​

Georgia at 7. Even when they’re “off,” they win the SEC. Gunnar Stockton is back. Kirby Smart is still Kirby Smart. Seven might actually be low.

#6 Miami​

Miami at 6. Darian Mensah may be an upgrade at quarterback. Mark Fletcher’s back. Malachi Toney is another year older. The offensive line is replacing a lot, but with Mario Cristobal and Alex Mirabal, that’s a high-floor position group. I like the defensive line and Cory Hetherman entering year two as DC.

#5 Oregon​

Oregon at 5. They felt like a year away last season—and now they’re here. Dante Moore is back. Better injury luck, more continuity. This is a playoff-level team.

#4 Ohio State​

Ohio State at 4. Extremely high floor. Quarterback experience, Jeremiah Smith back, NFL-level coordinators. Four might even be low.

#3 Indiana​

Indiana at 3. I’m not blindly trusting them—but I kind of am. Josh Hoover fits seamlessly. Portal backfills worked. The coordinators are still together. After the last two years, I trust the DNA.

#2 Texas​

Texas at 2. Arch Manning’s finish mattered. They upgraded the running back room aggressively—Raleek Brown, Hollywood Smothers. Cam Coleman and Wingo at receiver. Will Muschamp coaching defense. This is a loaded team.

#1 Notre Dame​

Notre Dame at 1. They have everything I want in February: CJ Carr at quarterback, a complete roster, elite staffing, and hunger. They’re machine-like right now. They’re stacking coaches, calling guys co-DCs just to make it work. They’ve been close. They’re still chasing the belt. So yes—Notre Dame is number one. And yes, it’s February. They could be out of the top 10 by August. That’s the fun of it.

 

Oregon and Lanning are vastly overrated.

Oregon has a 76% blue-chip ratio according to rivals. This is the highest blue-chip ratio since money is no object. See attached link:

2026 Industry Football Team Recruiting Rankings

A list of the top 2026 Football teams in order of recruiting rankings solely based off of the Rivals Industry Ranking

www.on3.com

Oregon is comprised of soft people.

I would love to play them in the CFP.

So Oregon is “vastly overrated” but you admit that they will make the CFP field of 12. Do you read what you before hitting “post reply”?

On one hand they are vastly overrated but you then admit that they will make the CFP therefore admitting that they are one of the best teams in the Big 10.

 

Good. Watch us do the same again, with better results.

We're going to help Freeman make the choice to go to the NFL easy.

 

Oh you mean the guy (Williams) who played behind two superstar RBs excelled when he got his opportunity to play? Wow, you got me there. Go away

Nobody cares about putting up numbers against bums. Maybe u do.

 

6 or 60 who cares…freakin win!!!

 

Nobody cares about putting up numbers against bums. Maybe u do.

That’s not the point dude. He’s third string RB who plays behind two superstars on a top 10 team. When his number was called, he made the most of it and played well. He’s RB1 on a CFP next season.

 

So Oregon is “vastly overrated” but you admit that they will make the CFP field of 12. Do you read what you before hitting “post reply”?

On one hand they are vastly overrated but you then admit that they will make the CFP therefore admitting that they are one of the best teams in the Big 1

The blue-chip ratio does not mean s***.

I scored in the 99th percentile in reading comprehension.

There are a lot of morons on this board and you are at the top of the list.

 

Notre Dame at number 1 is laughable they’ll feel the absence of Jeremiah Love & Jadarian Price more than they think. They also don’t have a player on offense close to Malachi Toney. Can’t wait till Nov 7th

 

Everything Pate said about ND is true. Their roster is loaded. But they have to spot the ball eventually.

Are they loaded? Genuinely asking I know CJ and that CB are back but the 2 OSU “5*” WRs are probably overrated

 

The blue-chip ratio does not mean s***.

I scored in the 99th percentile in reading comprehension.

There are a lot of morons on this board and you are at the top of the list.

So you calling Oregon vastly overrated but making the CFP next year (but losing to us) isn’t contradictory?

For instance, for a Big 10 to make he CFP field of 12, they would have to be a top 3 team in that conference. How is that vastly overrated? Preseason too early projections have them as a top 3 team in the Big 10, which you do as well.

 

Are they loaded? Genuinely asking I know CJ and that CB are back but the 2 OSU “5*” WRs are probably overrated

They return their defense and add some interesting portal guys. I think they will be **** good

 

CJ Carr (who is an absolute baller).

I have Carr as my 11th best and that is being generous. He racked up stats against garbage teams for almost all 10 final games. he faced 3 top 50 defenses, UM, TAMU , USC in 2025. Managed 4 TDs, 3 INTs through the air. I don’t know think he has demonstrated that he is a major threat to teams with good defenses. USC was the worst of the 3 top defenses and he didn’t help much. They won by 10 with Love running for 228 yards, and ND had a 100 yard return to boot. What are Carrs notable wins over ranked teams? #20 USC where he was outplayed by Maiava?

 

I trust this guy’s reasoning on substantive football the same way I trust my wife to stay away from Amazon Shopping.

 

I have Carr as my 11th best and that is being generous. He racked up stats against garbage teams for almost all 10 final games. he faced 3 top 50 defenses, UM, TAMU , USC in 2025. Managed 4 TDs, 3 INTs through the air. I don’t know think he has demonstrated that he is a major threat to teams with good defenses. USC was the worst of the 3 top defenses and he didn’t help much. They won by 10 with Love running for 228 yards, and ND had a 100 yard return to boot. What are Carrs notable wins over ranked teams? #20 USC where he was outplayed by Maiava?

1. He was one game from being a true freshman dude. He entered 2025 as the starter for ND football after playing in one game the previous season when he didn’t attempt a pass.

2. Boise State. and Pitt were top 50 defenses and BSU was top 15 pass defense. So vs top 50 defenses: 8 TDs 5 INTs.

3. He was the QB of a team that should have made the CFP (over Bama or OU), went 10-2 and both losses by a combined 4 points.

4. This is projection not an indictment of his past season. This ENTIRE thread is about projection. Carr will be good next season.

 

CJ Carr (who is an absolute baller).
They return nearly all of their defense including the secondary.

Although they lose both Love and Price, Williams is returning and he averaged over 9 yards per carry for them. They also add some interesting portal guys including DT Brewu.

on a team that finished with two losses and another very manageable schedule outside of playing us at home in November (possible bad weather in South Bend.

I would def put them in the top 5 preseason for next year.

1. Miami
2. Oregon
3. ND
4. Indiana
5. Texas

With OSU, Tech, UGA, BYU, and A&M rounding out the top 10

Before our game last year, we heard all sorts of vague reasons why their DL would be stout and tough and gritty and difficult. It was nonsense. Lot of the same nonsense this year about their OL.

They have a great QB (really like Carr), an elite CB, solid WR, and a bunch of ok players around those guys. The reasons provided for their perceived juggernaut status are as much about clicks and perception as they are about football plays.

If the hype continues to grow, I’ll say the same thing I said about Clemson prior to last season: smells overrated, though Carr won’t let them bust the way Clemson did in 2025.

 

Before our game last year, we heard all sorts of vague reasons why their DL would be stout and tough and gritty and difficult. It was nonsense. Lot of the same nonsense this year about their OL.

They have a great QB (really like Carr), an elite CB, solid WR, and a bunch of ok players around those guys. The reasons provided for their perceived juggernaut status are as much about clicks and perception as they are about football plays.

If the hype continues to grow, I’ll say the same thing I said about Clemson prior to last season: smells overrated, though Carr won’t let them bust the way Clemson did in 2025.

Juggernaut is a bit much. They certainly have a top 10 team.

 

1. He was one game from being a true freshman dude. He entered 2025 as the starter for ND football after playing in one game the previous season when he didn’t attempt a pass.

2. Boise State. and Pitt were top 50 defenses and BSU was top 15 pass defense. So vs top 50 defenses: 8 TDs 5 INTs.

3. He was the QB of a team that should have made the CFP (over Bama or OU), went 10-2 and both losses by a combined 4 points.

4. This is projection not an indictment of his past season. This ENTIRE thread is about projection. Carr will be good next season.

I don’t think he’s a bad QB by any means, I just don’t see a justification for thinking he is significantly better in 2026 other than he is older. Seen plenty of QBs that don’t make a big leap in their sophomore season,
especially because now teams have plenty of tape and they hit a sophomore slump. His run game won’t be as good so teams focus more on their passing attack.

BSU having the 15th ranked pass defense? Bruh. Come on. That’s a G5 team that played a slightly better than FCS schedule. They are the tallest midget in the room. That is simply not a credible data point.

Pitt actually played a big boy schedule so I will give full weight to their stats. 84th in passing efficiency defense. 99th in passing yards allowed. They had a HORRENDOUS pass defense.

he could be an amazing QB in 2026, I not saying he’s a bad qb. but based on what I saw, I think he’s in the 11-15 range for best returning QBs, and most definitely not top 5. That’s still plenty good enough for ND to get in the playoffs and get smoked when they play a real team.

 

Lots of fake Miami and Mario fans in the media

 

Josh Pate released his Early Top 25 rankings and placed the Canes just outside the Top 5. His list, and explanation for each ranking, is below.

#25 Washington​

I’ll start at the bottom. Washington at 25. I honestly don’t know what the dynamic is up there right now. I haven’t talked to Demond Williams ever, let alone since he tried to leave, found out the door was locked, and then said, “Never mind, I’m staying.” I have no idea what that does to a locker room. I just don’t. So I’m cautious. That’s why they’re here.

#24 Louisville​

Louisville at 24 feels like one of the safest bets in the country. Jeff Brohm has those guys floating in this range almost every year. They’re solid, they’re organized, and the floor doesn’t feel much lower than this.

#23 Vanderbilt​

Vanderbilt at 23. A lot of newness. Is Jared Curtis starting as a true freshman? Maybe. But they’ve earned the right to be talked about here—although let’s be honest, it’s February. What has anyone truly earned yet?

#22 Iowa​

Iowa at 22. Solid bowl game, which technically matters none in this exercise, but still. These are proven commodities. Teams where the floor feels pretty firm.

#21 Missouri​

Missouri at 21. Another program that’s just kind of there every year. Reliable, competitive, not flashy, but not falling apart either.

#20 SMU​

SMU at 20. I’m buying a little more SMU stock than the public right now. That could change, but in February, I like what I see.

#19 Utah​

Utah at 19. Same story as always—tough, physical, disciplined. They usually find a way to matter.

#18 Houston​

Houston at 18. I hinted at this the other night—I’m kind of feeling Houston right now. I’ve got eight months to change my mind, but today? I like them.

#17 Michigan​

Michigan at 17. Transition period, but still Michigan. There’s enough institutional stability to keep them in this range.

#16 Ole Miss​

Ole Miss at 16, with a massive asterisk. Nobody knows what’s happening with Trinidad Chambliss. He could be quarterbacking Ole Miss. He could be working for this show next year. If he’s there, they’re probably higher than 16. If not, this feels about right.

#15 Penn State​

This one’s going to make people mad. Penn State at 15. I’m banking on stability. I like the coaching staff they brought in. They imported dependable parts of the Iowa State roster and recruiting classes. I’m projecting a higher floor here. If you’re yelling overrated, that’s fine—I didn’t put them top five. I put them 15th. Name me 15 teams that clearly deserve to start higher in February.

#14 BYU​

BYU at 14. Over the last five seasons, they’ve got the eighth-best winning percentage in the country. Sitake is back. Bachmeier is back. They’re proven, and they’re still hungry because in some people’s minds, if you haven’t won a national title, you haven’t won anything.

#13 Alabama​

Alabama at 13. This feels weird to say, but it can’t get worse. They made the playoff last year while being terrible at running the ball. They’re changing offensive line staff, reshaping the run game, and I like their quarterback situation whether it’s Keelan Russell or Austin Mack. There’s upside here, but I don’t trust it fully out of the gate.

#12 Texas Tech​

Texas Tech at 12. Top-five portal team. Brendan Sorsby in. This doesn’t feel like a one-year flash. This feels like program stability. I will never doubt their portal execution again after last year.

#11 USC​

Yes, USC at 11. This is a faith ranking. Lincoln Riley had his “we’re changing everything” moment, and it started to work. The defense improved. Gary Patterson is now the defensive coordinator. They’ve got a third-year quarterback and the number-one recruiting class. I’m not saying we look smart yet—but I think we stop looking stupid.

#10 LSU​

LSU at 10, even though the ceiling is way higher. Blake Baker stayed. The coordinator situation is strong. Number-two portal class. I think they peak late, not early, so this is where they start for me.

#9 Oklahoma​

Oklahoma at 9. They feel like a playoff-caliber program most years. More experience, but they’ve got to fix the run game. Still, this feels right.

#8 Texas A&M​

Texas A&M at 8. Marcel Reed just has to be better in big games—but even his “best” last year was good enough to make the playoff. Top-five talent acquisition program. The baseline roster is there.

#7 Georgia​

Georgia at 7. Even when they’re “off,” they win the SEC. Gunnar Stockton is back. Kirby Smart is still Kirby Smart. Seven might actually be low.

#6 Miami​

Miami at 6. Darian Mensah may be an upgrade at quarterback. Mark Fletcher’s back. Malachi Toney is another year older. The offensive line is replacing a lot, but with Mario Cristobal and Alex Mirabal, that’s a high-floor position group. I like the defensive line and Cory Hetherman entering year two as DC.

#5 Oregon​

Oregon at 5. They felt like a year away last season—and now they’re here. Dante Moore is back. Better injury luck, more continuity. This is a playoff-level team.

#4 Ohio State​

Ohio State at 4. Extremely high floor. Quarterback experience, Jeremiah Smith back, NFL-level coordinators. Four might even be low.

#3 Indiana​

Indiana at 3. I’m not blindly trusting them—but I kind of am. Josh Hoover fits seamlessly. Portal backfills worked. The coordinators are still together. After the last two years, I trust the DNA.

#2 Texas​

Texas at 2. Arch Manning’s finish mattered. They upgraded the running back room aggressively—Raleek Brown, Hollywood Smothers. Cam Coleman and Wingo at receiver. Will Muschamp coaching defense. This is a loaded team.

#1 Notre Dame​

Notre Dame at 1. They have everything I want in February: CJ Carr at quarterback, a complete roster, elite staffing, and hunger. They’re machine-like right now. They’re stacking coaches, calling guys co-DCs just to make it work. They’ve been close. They’re still chasing the belt. So yes—Notre Dame is number one. And yes, it’s February. They could be out of the top 10 by August. That’s the fun of it.

Only way i see notre dame as the best team is if cj carr is the best qb in the country. Not mad at them top5 tho

Also me personally I wouldn’t put two teams who missed the playoffs as the top2 lol

Overall im not mad at the ranking, i think just as far as pre season rankings you can shuffle around this top7

I think we don’t have the benefit of the doubt factor for reloading talent like the other schools do yet. As the year goes on they will start to understand

 

I mean they didn’t really play anyone. I personally Carr is a good QB. But no Love makes things more difficult for him. Regardless, ND will win at least 10 games this year. I’m glad we get them later in the year. No reason we can’t have our offensive kinks worked out by then.

they refused to schedule USC at the beginning of the season to avoid a possible early season loss. They know they need to work their own "kinks" out. Their schedule is ridiculous. They play no one until they play the Canes. They wanted to make sure they come into our game undefeated.

 

We may end up whooping Notre Dame *** TWICE.