Notre Dame’s matchup against Miami was always going to be a big game, but it became even more important for the Fighting Irish this week.

The College Football Playoff committee revealed its first rankings of the season this week, putting Notre Dame at No. 11. That is despite the Fighting Irish entering the week with just one loss while several teams ahead of them lost two games already.

After last year, when the committee left Notre Dame out of the 12-team playoff due to strength of schedule concerns, the Fighting Irish need to win big games whenever they can. If Notre Dame loses to Miami at home, it’s hard to see the team finding a spot in the final 12-team field.

Here’s why Notre Dame’s strength of schedule is hurting the team.

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Notre Dame strength of schedule

Notre Dame’s status as an Independent means it can create its own schedule, but that hasn’t been a benefit for the Fighting Irish. While SEC and Big Ten teams often play ranked opponents, Notre Dame’s slate of games has them playing just two teams ranked in the top 25 over the regular season.

Thus far, Notre Dame lost to BYU in Provo, meaning the game against Miami is the only chance for a signature win left on their schedule. The Fighting Irish are 54th in strength of schedule according to ESPN’s Football Power Index.

CFP chairman Hunter Yurachek explained the importance of signature wins for the College Football Playoff, putting pressure on the Fighting Irish to beat the Hurricanes.

“When you look at their schedule, they don’t have that signature win right now,” Yurachek said. “They lost their only top-25 matchup. They have a great opportunity this weekend against Miami to get that signature win.”

CFP chairman Hunter Yurachek says they are impressed with Notre Dame or they wouldn’t be ranked #11. “When you look at their schedule, they don’t have that signature win right now. They lost their only top-25 matchup. They have a great opportunity this weekend against Miami to get that signature win.” 🎥 @CFBPlayoff

— CathVSConf☘️ (@CathVSConf) November 4, 2026

As a result, the CFP committee put Notre Dame at No. 11 on the first Playoff rankings of the season, sending a clear message to the Fighting Irish. If Notre Dame loses to Miami, it would be hard for the team to make the 12-team field, even if Notre Dame has just two losses this year.

A similar situation happened last year when Notre Dame missed the Playoff with a 10-2 record because their schedule was too weak. The Fighting Irish were furious with the outcome, arguing that they deserved a spot.

After last year and this initial ranking, it’s evident what the bar is for @NDFootball to get into a 12 team playoff. 10-2 isn’t good enough with this schedule of games. The partial affiliation with the ACC has brought one maybe two good games a year. Won’t matter once we go to 24 but as it currently stands this is the reality.

— Brady Quinn (@Brady_Quinn) November 4, 2026

It is possible that other teams’ successes could help Notre Dame’s case down the stretch. The Fighting Irish beat Wisconsin to open the season, and if the Badgers end the season ranked, that would give Notre Dame a higher-quality win. The same goes for SMU, whom Notre Dame plays later this season.

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Notre Dame schedule 2026

Here’s how Notre Dame schedule looks so far this year:

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