Notre Dame was one win away from securing the national title last season. Although the Fighting Irish came up short, fans won’t forget the 2024 run anytime soon. College football expert Phil Steele believes Notre Dame has more good times ahead,

In Phil Steele’s college football 2025 preview magazine, he ranks Notre Dame as the No. 2 team in the country as the season is almost here.

As it stands, Notre Dame now must be considered the second-best program in the country, trailing only defending champion Ohio State. The gap is narrowing, and with the 2026 recruiting class shaping up to be one of the best in school history, the Irish are well-positioned to challenge for the top spot.