In the NIL era, the clearest path to winning in college sports is no longer just recruiting talent — it is buying experience, toughness, and proven production. Great coaching and chemistry still matter, but more and more, men are beating boys.

After being snubbed from the College Football Playoff, Notre Dame enters 2027 with a “Leave No Doubt” mindset, a favorable schedule, a rising star in CJ Carr, an elite defense, and the kind of stability under Marcus Freeman that makes the Irish the team to beat.