On a quiet Sunday morning, the College Football Playoff announced its 12‑team field, leaving Notre Dame, the Fighting Irish, entirely out of the mix.
Notre Dame’s 10‑2 Season
The Irish finished the regular season with a 10‑2 record, winning every game after a pair of early losses. Their first defeats came at the hands of Miami and Texas A&M—both of whom earned spots in the newly announced playoff.
Decision to Withdraw from Bowl Play
Following the announcement, the university issued a statement: “As a team, we’ve decided to withdraw our name from consideration for a bowl game following the 2025 season,” a statement from the university read. “We appreciate all the support from our families and fans, and we’re hoping to bring the 12th national title to South Bend in 2026.”
Playoff Rankings and Conference Champions
Notre Dame was ranked 11th in the final College Football Playoff rankings, a position that fell short of the 12‑team cut. The spots that opened up were claimed by Sun Belt champion James Madison and American champion Tulane, each earning a berth thanks to their conference championships.
Other Teams Declining Bowl Invitations
Iowa State and Kansas State—both hiring new coaches for the upcoming season—also declined bowl invitations. The NCAA has announced that the two programs will face fines for their decisions.
Uncertainty Over Potential Penalties
It was not immediately clear if Notre Dame would be assessed a fine for opting out of a bowl game, leaving the university in a gray area regarding NCAA enforcement.
The Broader Context of College Football
While the Fighting Irish and other top‑five programs may not command the same traditional glamour as classic powerhouses, they have distinguished themselves by producing some of the highest‑earning NFL players in recent years.
Key Takeaways
- Notre Dame finished 10‑2 but was left out of the 12‑team playoff field.
- The university withdrew its name from bowl consideration, citing a focus on a future national title.
- Iowa State and Kansas State also declined bowl bids and face NCAA fines; Notre Dame’s penalty status remains unclear.
In the end, the Fighting Irish chose to look ahead, setting sights on a 2026 championship while navigating the complexities of modern college football’s postseason landscape.
