Notre Dame finds itself in a prime position after the first round of the College Football Playoff rankings. Who won and lost, and how does this matter?

The 6-foot-8 forward has checked out of the school and might play his senior season at a national prep school.

ND head coach Marcus Freeman had a tough decision to make this week as the team prepares to host the Midshipmen on Saturday. The Irish have dealt with issues in the kicking game all season. Most recently, Notre Dame missed three kicks (by three different kickers) in its 25-10 win over Boston College in Week 10.

Isabella Daley, Anna Guido, Elizabeth O’Mara and Avery Whittle also converted penalty kicks for Notre Dame, which improved its record to 14-7-1 and advanced to face second-seeded Trinity Hall in Monday’s sectional semifinals.

Notre Dame football quarterback CJ Carr was all over multiple sets this week as he spoke about the Irish and the College Football Playoff.

Auburn's scheduling of Notre Dame comes as the SEC further strengthens its schedules for its teams as the league moves from an eight-game league schedule this season to a nine-game league schedule in 2026. The new league rules also require SEC programs to schedule at least one Power 4 non-conference game each season.

Sixteen starts into a career destined to take him to the NFL, Notre Dame cornerback Leonard Moore doesn’t shy away from tough topics or receivers.