Marcus Freeman has led Notre Dame into a position where the Irish are seen as one of the leading National Championship contenders for the 2026 season. From college football analysts to former Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones, many believe Notre Dame has what it takes to become the top team when the season comes to an end.
Cardale Jones’ Notre Dame National Championship Pick Leaves Ohio State Fans Stunned
Notre Dame fans are likely still frustrated by last season’s College Football Playoff snub after the Irish finished 10-2 in 2025. Despite entering Selection Sunday ranked No. 10 and appearing to hold the final at-large spot, Freeman’s program was controversially left out of the 12-team field in favor of Miami.
The Hurricanes ultimately validated the committee’s decision by reaching the national championship game against Indiana, while the Irish declined to participate in a bowl game after missing the CFP.
Notre Dame will return with an experienced roster determined to finish the job, and Jones believes this could finally be Notre Dame’s year.
During a preseason segment on CBS Sports Network, Jones unveiled his projected 12-team College Football Playoff bracket, which featured a national championship game between Ohio State and Notre Dame. He ultimately picked the Irish to defeat his alma mater and win the title.
“I got to go with Notre Dame,” Jones said. “I think this is the best team that Marcus Freeman has had since he’s been a head coach there.”
Jones’ prediction raised eyebrows as Ohio State won the 2024 national championship and followed it up with a 12-2 record and a College Football Playoff quarterfinal appearance in 2025. His pick also surprised many Buckeyes fans, given his history as a national champion at Ohio State before beginning his professional career.
Some reactions poured in after Jones’ take.
“My favorite Buckeye ever picking Notre Dame to beat OSU?” one fan said while being surprised.
My favorite Buckeye ever picking Notre Dame to beat OSU? 😮 https://t.co/oXEd1kuDTl
— The Domerlorian ☘️ (@Jaredsla) August 12, 2026
“Guy knows his [expletive],” another fan added.
Meanwhile, some were skeptical of Notre Dame’s potential, even though the Irish had their leader, CJ Carr, coming off 2,741 passing yards and a 24-to-6 touchdown-to-interception ratio in the 2025 season.
“Please stop,” one fan said.
Another fan added, “I can’t wait till Notre Dame gets exposed.”
I can’t wait till Norte dame get exposed
— kingopp_chollo (@kingopp_mike) August 12, 2026
“Every year they say it’s Marcus Freeman’s best team lol,” a netizen said.
Notre Dame also enters the season with one of the more favorable schedules in the country and is expected to be favored in nearly every regular-season game, particularly through the first half of the season before facing BYU in October. So, anything less than a deep College Football Playoff run would likely be seen as a disappointment in South Bend.
Notre Dame is projected to be the strongest CFP contender in PFN’s CFB Playoff Meter, with an 88.1% chance to make the field, the highest of any team. The Irish are also given an 11.1% chance to win the national title.
