With a top-ranked recruiting class and impactful transfers, Notre Dame is aggressively building a championship-contending roster for 2026.
After 2024, the expectations were at an all time high for Notre Dame and head coach Marcus Freeman. After starting the seasons 1-1, the Irish went on a 13-game win streak and ended up playing for the national title before falling short 34-23 to Ohio State. In 2025, their 0-2 start plagued their chances and their 10-game win streak to end the regular season wasn't enough to get them into the playoffs.
The playoff snub on Selection Sunday still leaves a bitter taste in many fan's mouths, mine included. But it's about the response, and how they handle business. Freeman has spoken to the media multiple times about their mindset heading into 2026, and the answer was simple; 'leave no doubt'. Based on the moves they made to their roster, it's clear that will be the goal and ESPN agrees.
"After missing the College Football Playoff field in 2025, Notre Dame has stocked its 2026 roster like a program intent on making sure that doesn't happen again," ESPN write Craig Haubert stated. "Help is on the way at virtually every position. The Irish landed the nation's No. 4 recruiting class, featuring 18 SC Next Top 300 prospects, including running backs Javian Osborne and Jonaz Walton, who could play a role in helping replace Jeremiyah Love's production."
The Irish have the No. 1 recruiting class in the country in 2026 according to Rivals/On3 and it's clear to see why. They're bringing in top-level talent at every position across the board including two quarterbacks, two running backs, five wide receivers, two tight ends, six offensive lineman, four defensive lineman, two linebackers and five defensive backs. The majority of their recruits, with the exception of a few, are already on campus as early enrollees.
As talent as the recruiting class will be, their portal class is just as impactful filling more immediate needs. It's likely we will see all seven of their skilled transfers in some capacity whether it's in the starting lineup or in key spots in a rotations.
"Notre Dame also added four of the top 100 transfers, featuring several big bodies who could immediately help along the defensive front," Haubert explained. "Included in that is massive 336-pound Oregon defensive tackle Tionne Gray and Francis Brewu from Pitt, both of whom can be stout defenders against the run."
"Receiver Quincy Porter could be viewed as a valuable long-term portal add but more immediately can also be a big target who can win contested matchups and help strengthen Notre Dame's depth in 2026 by giving CJ Carr another target," Haubert continued. "The class even has some NFL legacy, adding linebacker Thomas Davis Jr. and wide receiver Devin Fitzgerald, son of former Arizona Cardinals star Larry Fitzgerald."
Notre Dame had a top five roster heading into this season and they weren't 5th before the portal additions. They return Carr at quarterback, three of their five starting offensive lineman, receivers Jordan Faison and Jaden Greathouse. Defensively, they bring back Boubacar Traore, Jason Onye, Bryce Young and Loghan Thomas in the trenches, their entire linebacker rotation from 2025, Leonard Moore, Christian Gray, Tae Johnson and Adon Shuler on the back end.
Freeman and his staff won't have a talent shortage on the roster this upcoming season and all signs are pointing to a deep playoff run. If Notre Dame handles their business in the regular season, there's a good chance they will not only make the playoffs, but receive a bye in the first round.
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