ESPN experts send strong message on Notre Dame's 2026 championship chances

Week 1 of the college football season is here, and predictions are coming in left and right. 

ESPN had 12 writers compile predictions for this year's national champion, and five of them selected the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. 

It's an overwhelming prediction with half of the writers picking Marcus Freeman's team to win it all. Adam Rittenberg was among those backing the Fighting Irish.

"Carr is the type of quarterback Notre Dame hasn't had during its nearly four-decade drought without a national title, and he -- along with two elite lines -- will propel the Irish to a championship."

In 2025, Notre Dame was famously snubbed from the 12-team College Football Playoff field, which led to the Irish not playing any bowl game, and provided motivation for this year's team. 

"This team has veterans across the board and is motivated after the CFP snub last year," Andrea Adelson wrote. 

The other national title pics were Ohio State (three), Oregon and Texas (two each). 

Is this the year Notre Dame wins it all? 

Marcus Freeman reportedly drew NFL interest, but he chose to return to South Bend. 

CJ Carr is being pegged as a Heisman Trophy candidate, and now the Irish are in the national title conversation. 

Notre Dame has top-25 matchups against BYU (on the road), Miami (FL) and SMU, and they also have games against Wisconsin, North Carolina and Michigan State. 

There is a very realistic scenario that Notre Dame is undefeated going into that November 7 showdown against Miami, which would be a huge statement if they can defeat the Hurricanes. 

In 2025, Notre Dame only lost to Miami (FL) and Texas A&M, but that was enough for them not to make the 12-team CFP field. 

Only time will tell if Notre Dame can make a deep run, but the experts are loving what this Irish team has on the roster entering 2026.