CBS Sports ranks Notre Dame a top ten unit for 2026, highlighting an explosive offense led by quarterback C.J. Carr and a dominant offensive line.
In 2025, we saw a Notre Dame offense that was extremely efficient and explosive over the course of the season. They finished the year ranked No. 2 in the country in yards per play (7.3) which was also a school record, No. 5 in the country in 30-yard plays from scrimmage and No. 2 in the country in points per game (42.0). As the Irish are gearing up for the 2026 season, outlets like CBS Sports believe they'll see a similar offense this fall.
"There will be no Jeremiyah Love or Jadarian Price to rescue the offense when needed next season, but Fighting Irish offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock has little reason to panic," explained CBS's Brad Crawford. "After losing the first two starts of his career, C.J. Carr responded with 10 consecutive wins, finishing with 2,741 yards and 24 touchdowns. He was tied for No. 2 in the country in yards per attempt (9.4) and fifth in passer rating (168.06). Aneyas Williams is expected to receive the first reps at running back, though Notre Dame could opt for a committee approach in 2026."
The Irish return a host of talent, including a starting quarterback for the first time since 2020. Their offensive coordinator is also headed into year three of his tenure in South Bend. This is the first time head coach Marcus Freeman has had a returning quarterback and offensive coordinator in the same season during his time at Notre Dame. They also have a host of very talented receivers to work with this season as well.
"Ohio State transfers Mylan Graham and Quincy Porter join a talented group of pass-catchers that includes Jaden Greathouse and Jordan Faison, who led the team in receptions and receiving yards as a junior," Crawford stated.
The pass catching unit will also feature likely breakouts from at least one of Cam Williams, Micah Gilbert, Elijah Burress or one of the talented true freshman who have all already arrived on campus as early enrollees. The Irish also have a host of talent at the tight end position, but it remains uncertain who their primary pass-game target will be. As talented as they are at the skilled positions, the nucleus of their offensive success will come from the trenches.
"If there is one position group Notre Dame rarely worries about, it is the offensive line," Crawford explained. "The Fighting Irish are consistently well-coached up front and typically set the tone in the trenches. With a favorable schedule ahead, this offense should post significant numbers throughout 2026."
The Notre Dame offensive line has had it's fair share of ups and downs over the last couple of seasons, but the talent is currently in the room to be a high-level, championship-caliber unit this upcoming season. Offensive line coach Joe Rudolph will need them to perform well with the losses of Love and Price and their quarterback, Carr, being a preseason Heisman favorite.
Notre Dame's offense, in my opinion, will be judged on three, potentially four, performances over the course of the season: the season opener against Wisconsin, on the road against BYU, home against Miami and home against SMU. Big game performance will be huge for this highly talented unit. It won't surprise me if they enter the post season as one of, if not the most, formidable offense in the playoff field.
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