Notre Dame Ranks 6th In Sports Illustrated Way-Too-Early Top 25

Coaching changes have certainly changed perceptions for top teams heading into the 2024 season, and those changes have resulted in Sports Illustrated releasing a new Way-Too-Early Top 25 for the 2024 season.

Those changes have moved Notre Dame up the rankings, with the Irish checking in at No. 6 in the latest preseason rankings.

"Riley Leonard is this year’s ACC transfer QB, following Sam Hartman last year. Leonard is a good athlete and productive runner who still has some proving to do as a passer, but the return of Mike Denbrock as offensive coordinator after two seasons at LSU could be just what he needs to take the next step. The Fighting Irish defense was strong in 2023 and should remain so, especially in the secondary. At a time when most schedules are getting much tougher, Notre Dame’s is largely the same in terms of number of heavyweight opponents—look for the Irish to have one of the best records in the country." - Pat Forde, Sports Illustrated

Three Notre Dame opponents were ranked in the latest Top 25 from Sports Illustrated.

Florida State is Notre Dame's highest ranked opponent, coming in at No. 10 in the rankings. The Seminoles were one team that benefitted from Nick Saban leaving Alabama, with FSU landing five transfers from the Crimson Tide program. Notre Dame hosts Florida State on Nov. 9.

Louisville has also benefitted from the transfer portal, and the Cardinals checked in at No. 22 on the rankings. Notre Dame will be looking for payback against the Cardinals, who beat the Irish 33-20 last season. Notre Dame hosts Louisville on September 28th.

Notre Dame ends the regular season on November 16th with a road game at USC. The Trojans ranked 23rd in the SI Top 25. USC beat Notre Dame by a 38-27 score the last time these two teams played in Los Angeles.

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Irish Breakdown Content

2024 Scholarship Chart
2023 Football Schedule

Notre Dame 2024 Scholarship Offers

2024 Commit Rankings - Offense
2024 Commit Rankings - Defense

2024 Recruiting Class Grades - Offense
2024 Recruiting Class Grades - Defense

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