Notre Dame Primed for College Football Playoff Return as Athlon Sports Projects Strong 2024 Season
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are no strangers to the national spotlight, and in 2024, they appear poised to reclaim their place among college football’s elite. According to a recent projection by Athlon Sports, Notre Dame is expected to return to the College Football Playoff (CFP), marking what could be another milestone in the program’s storied history. With a combination of experienced talent, strategic coaching, and a favorable schedule, the Irish have all the ingredients necessary to make a deep postseason run.
Notre Dame has been a frequent contender in the College Football Playoff conversation since the format’s inception in 2014. The Irish made their first CFP appearance in 2018 under head coach Brian Kelly, falling to Clemson in the Cotton Bowl. They returned in 2020, securing another playoff berth before losing to Alabama in the Rose Bowl. Since then, the program has been on the cusp, narrowly missing the playoff in recent years despite strong seasons.
Now, with Marcus Freeman entering his third year as head coach, Notre Dame appears ready to take the next step. Freeman, a former defensive coordinator for the Irish, has steadily built a roster capable of competing with the nation’s best. Athlon Sports’ projection underscores the growing confidence in Notre Dame’s ability to break through once again.
One of the biggest question marks heading into 2023 was quarterback play, but the Irish addressed that concern by landing Duke transfer Riley Leonard. A dynamic dual-threat quarterback, Leonard brings experience, athleticism, and leadership to South Bend. His ability to extend plays and make throws under pressure will be crucial in Notre Dame’s offensive scheme.
Leonard’s 2022 season at Duke showcased his potential—he threw for 2,967 yards and 20 touchdowns while adding 699 rushing yards and 13 more scores. If he stays healthy and adapts quickly to Notre Dame’s system, he could be the difference-maker in close games.
Beyond Leonard, Notre Dame boasts one of the most talented offensive skill groups in recent memory. Running back Jeremiyah Love, alongside Jadarian Price and Gi’Bran Payne, forms a deep and explosive backfield. The receiving corps, led by transfer Kris Mitchell (FIU) and holdovers Jayden Thomas and Deion Colzie, provides Leonard with reliable targets.
The offensive line, a perennial strength for the Irish, returns multiple starters, including All-ACC transfer tackle Noah Grubbs. If this unit gels early, Notre Dame’s offense could be among the most balanced in the country.
Marcus Freeman made his name as a defensive mastermind, and that side of the ball should again be a strength in 2024. The Irish return key contributors at every level, including defensive lineman Howard Cross III, linebacker Jack Kiser, and cornerback Benjamin Morrison—a potential first-round NFL Draft pick.
Notre Dame’s defense ranked in the top 15 nationally in scoring defense last season, and with Freeman’s hands-on approach, this unit could be even better. The secondary, in particular, is loaded with playmakers, making life difficult for opposing quarterbacks.
While no schedule in college football is easy, Notre Dame’s 2024 slate sets up favorably for a playoff push. The Irish avoid both Michigan and Ohio State in the regular season, and their toughest matchups—Texas A&M, Florida State, and USC—are spread out.
The season opener at Texas A&M will be a major litmus test, but a win there could instantly establish Notre Dame as a playoff frontrunner. Other pivotal games include home contests against Louisville and Stanford, as well as the annual showdown with USC. If the Irish can navigate this schedule with one loss or fewer, they’ll be in prime position for a CFP bid.
Perhaps the biggest X-factor is Marcus Freeman himself. After a rocky start in 2022, Freeman has grown into the head coaching role, leading Notre Dame to a 10-3 record last season. His recruiting prowess has kept the Irish competitive, and his ability to motivate players in big games will be tested in 2024.
If Freeman can guide Notre Dame to a playoff berth, it would solidify his standing as one of the sport’s rising coaching stars. The pressure is on, but the pieces are in place for a special season.
Notre Dame has the talent, coaching, and schedule to make a legitimate playoff push in 2024. Athlon Sports’ projection is not just hype—it’s a reflection of a program that has consistently been on the doorstep of greatness. With Riley Leonard at quarterback, a deep roster, and a defense that should rank among the nation’s best, the Irish are primed to reclaim their place in the College Football Playoff.
The road won’t be easy, but if everything falls into place, Notre Dame could be playing for a national championship come January. For Irish fans, that’s a dream worth believing in.