Finebaum argues Notre Dame under-ranked in preseason polls
Paul Finebaum contends the Fighting Irish sit too low at No. 4 in the AP Poll, challenging the consensus view as the college football season approaches.
SEC analyst Paul Finebaum has challenged the prevailing consensus on Notre Dame’s standing in the 2026 college football preseason rankings, arguing that the Fighting Irish are being undervalued by major polling bodies. Speaking on ESPN’s First Take, Finebaum expressed dissatisfaction with Notre Dame’s placement at No. 4 in the Associated Press Poll, suggesting the team deserves a higher position as the season begins.
Finebaum positioned Notre Dame and the Oregon Ducks as the clear elite tier of the sport, describing them as the 1A and 1B teams in the country. His commentary stands in contrast to the broader media landscape, where many observers view the No. 4 ranking as a fair assessment of the team’s capabilities. The discrepancy is further highlighted by the US LBM Coaches Poll, which ranks Notre Dame at No. 5, indicating a slight divergence in how different institutions view the Irish’s prospects.
The analyst’s preference for Notre Dame and Oregon over traditional powerhouses from other conferences drew attention during the broadcast. Finebaum had the opportunity to highlight SEC favourites such as Texas or Georgia, or Big Ten contenders like Ohio State and Indiana, but instead chose to elevate the Irish and the Ducks. This selection underscores a specific narrative regarding Notre Dame’s status among experts who view them as genuine contenders for the College Football Playoff.
Notre Dame enters the season with a roster featuring numerous stars and veterans, leading many experts to classify them as one of the few true playoff contenders. However, questions remain about how the team will perform under pressure, issues that will likely be tested throughout the campaign. Despite these uncertainties, the team benefits from a favourable media narrative that plays a significant role in the broader battle for playoff inclusion.
The debate over rankings reflects the complex interplay between statistical polling and media perception in college football. As the season progresses, the performance of teams like Notre Dame will determine whether preseason assessments like Finebaum’s prove accurate or if the established hierarchy holds firm. The upcoming games will serve as the ultimate arbiter for the Irish’s standing in the national conversation.
