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Cam Newton Sets Off Awkward Moment On ESPN

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jan 24, 2026 10:24 AM ET

The College Football Playoff’s decision to stick with a 12-team format for the 2026 season was announced on Friday, and Cam Newton wasn't happy about it.

During ESPN’s Friday edition of "First Take," the former NFL MVP and Auburn quarterback joined the panel to discuss the adjusted CFP structure.

The topic veered into the historical weight and perceived favoritism shown toward Notre Dame, and Newton made his stance on the Fighting Irish clear.

“Bump Notre Dame,” Newton said during the segment. “You start to think about the preferential treatment that Notre Dame has gotten, will get, and will continue to get. That’s why I’m like, ‘Bump Notre Dame.’”

Former NFL and Auburn quarterback Cam Newton.© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Beginning in 2026, Notre Dame is guaranteed a spot in the 12-team CFP as long as the Fighting Irish finish ranked within the top 12 of the final committee rankings. As an independent school, this new rule ensures the Irish do not need to win a conference championship to secure a berth, a key change from previous years.

Newton went further on why Notre Dame shouldn't get the "preferential treatment" the college still gets these days.

“Notre Dame hasn’t been relevant in years,” Newton said.

That take immediately prompted a correction from co-host Shae Cornette, who interrupted to remind Newton that Notre Dame appeared in the national championship game just one season ago.

“They were just in the national championship game one year ago,” Cornette said. “One year ago!”

Cam Newton: "Notre Dame hasn't been relevant in years."

Shae Cornette: "They were just in the national championship game one year ago" pic.twitter.com/E59b7FaiAr
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 23, 2026

Still, Newton doubled down on his opinion.

“They haven’t been relevant for years. You take that one national championship game with coach (Marcus) Freeman out of the equation — they have not been relevant for years,” Newton responded.

Notre Dame has put together a 24-4 run in the last two seasons, has won 11 national championships and has produced seven Heisman winners.

The Fighting Irish finished the 2024 season with a 34–23 loss to Ohio State in the CFP national championship game, but opted out of a bowl game after being left off the 2025 CFP by the committee.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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