In the final College Football Playoff bracket projection before Sunday’s reveal, the Crimson Tide would face the Fighting Irish in the first round. The Hurricanes sit just outside the 12-team field.

Notre Dame continues to move up the College Football Playoff rankings after its 49-35 win over USC. The Irish also benefited from Ohio State losing at home to Michigan this weekend. Notre Dame was 10th in the first rankings release but continues to rise as they continue to win.

Find out below five thoughts on Notre Dame’s placement in the second-to-last College Football Playoff rankings. The Notre Dame Leprechaun takes the field before a NCAA college football game against Florida State at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in South Bend.