The ESPN.com has updated their way too early rankings for next season and the Irish get a nice bump.
Movin on up, movin on up, to the top 5, to the top 5...
5.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Previous ranking: 10
2023 record: 10-3
Winter update: The Fighting Irish weren't bad in coach Marcus Freeman's first two seasons, winning 19 games. But it's time for them to turn the corner, and Freeman has laid the groundwork by adding former Duke quarterback
Riley Leonard and bringing back offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock, who directed LSU's high-flying offense in 2023. Leonard underwent ankle surgery to repair an injury suffered last season. He is expected to be ready for spring practice in March. The Irish also added receivers
Kris Mitchell (Florida International) and
Beaux Collins (Clemson) to shore up an underwhelming receiver corps. Finding replacements for bookend tackles
Joe Alt and
Blake Fisher will be a priority in spring practice.