Notre Dame's No. 4 Preseason Ranking Carries High Hopes and Heavy History
The Associated Press preseason top 25 poll dropped Monday, and Notre Dame landed at No. 4, giving the Fighting Irish their highest preseason billing in years. For Iowa fans, the ranking also puts a spotlight on the Hawkeyes, who checked in at No. 22, setting up a season of high expectations across the college football landscape.
Notre Dame's spot in the top five is rare. Since 1993, the Fighting Irish have started a season ranked in the top five just four times, including this year. The previous three attempts ended in disappointment, a pattern head coach Marcus Freeman and quarterback CJ Carr aim to break in 2026.
Full Preseason AP Poll Top 25
Here is the complete preseason poll, with Iowa positioned in the back half of the rankings:
- Ohio State
- Oregon
- Georgia
- Notre Dame
- Texas
- Indiana
- Miami (FL)
- Texas A&M
- Ole Miss
- Oklahoma
- LSU
- Texas Tech
- Alabama
- BYU
- USC
- Michigan
- Washington
- Penn State
- SMU
- Tennessee
- Utah
- Iowa
- Houston
- Louisville
- Missouri
Notre Dame's Recent Top Five Starts: A History of Letdowns
Notre Dame's high preseason rankings have not translated into championship seasons in recent decades. Here is a look at the three most recent top five starts and how they ended.
1994: The Ron Powlus Era Starts with a 6-5-1 Flop
After a controversial finish to the 1993 season, Notre Dame opened 1994 at No. 2. Quarterback Ron Powlus took over, but a last-second loss to Michigan in Week 2 sent things sideways. The Irish stumbled to losses at Boston College and against BYU, settled for a 17-17 tie with USC, and capped the year with a 41-24 Fiesta Bowl loss to Colorado. The final record: 6-5-1.
2006: Ten Wins, But Three Blowout Losses
The 2006 squad looked like a title contender after dominating Penn State in Week 2, jumping to No. 2. Then Michigan rolled into South Bend and won 47-21. Notre Dame finished 10-3, but losses to Michigan, USC, and LSU came by a combined 73 points.
2022: A Rebound After an Early Flop
Notre Dame started 2022 at No. 5, a ranking some attributed to the drama of Brian Kelly's departure to LSU. After a close loss to Ohio State, the Irish were stunned by Marshall and later fell to Stanford. They rallied to finish 9-4 with a Gator Bowl win over South Carolina, but the final ranking of No. 18 was far below the preseason hype.
Can Freeman and Carr Deliver This Time?
Critics have labeled Notre Dame overrated in years when expectations run high. This season, the No. 4 spot seems fair given the roster talent. The question is whether Freeman's squad can perform under pressure, something the program has not done consistently since the early 1990s.
For Iowa, the No. 22 ranking offers a chance to build momentum. The Hawkeyes will look to climb the standings as the season unfolds, with matchups against ranked opponents likely to define their path.
What This Means for Iowa Football Fans
Iowa's placement in the preseason poll signals respect for the program, but it also raises the stakes. A strong start could push the Hawkeyes into the top 15, while an early loss could drop them out entirely. Fans should watch the first few weeks closely, as early-season games often set the tone for the entire year.
The college football season kicks off soon, and both Notre Dame and Iowa have plenty to prove. For Notre Dame, the goal is clear: avoid the history of preseason letdowns. For Iowa, the aim is to exceed expectations and make a run at the Big Ten title.