The Fighting Irish’s Preseason AP Poll History: A Look at Notre Dame’s Rankings
The preseason AP Poll is a tradition in college football, a way for fans and pundits alike to project which teams will be the best in the upcoming year. Notre Dame, with its rich history and storied tradition, has been a staple in these polls for decades.
From the very first AP Preseason Top 20 poll, the Fighting Irish have been a prominent name. Back in 1936, they were ranked No. 1, a testament to their already established dominance in the sport. Since then, they’ve been ranked in the preseason a whopping 60 times, a true mark of their consistent excellence.
But how has their preseason ranking fared over the years? Let’s take a look at their placement in the preseason polls, exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between.
- Notre Dame has been ranked in the preseason AP Poll a total of 60 times, highlighting their consistent excellence in college football.
- The Fighting Irish were ranked No. 1 in the very first AP Preseason Top 20 poll in 1936, showcasing their early dominance in the sport.
- Throughout the years, Notre Dame has experienced highs of being ranked No. 1 six times and lows of not being ranked at all in some seasons.
- Despite format changes in the AP Preseason Poll over the years, Notre Dame has maintained a strong presence and continued to be a formidable contender in college football.
A Dive Into the History: Notre Dame’s Preseason Top 25 Rankings
The AP Preseason Poll has undergone some changes in its format over the years. Initially, it was a Top 20, then shifted to a Top 10 for a brief period, and finally settled on its current format of a Top 25. Notre Dame has been a part of this evolving landscape, experiencing the highs of being ranked No. 1 six times and the lows of not being ranked at all in some years.
Let’s take a journey back in time and examine some of the key moments in Notre Dame’s preseason poll history:
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The Early Years (1936-1960): This era saw Notre Dame consistently placed in the preseason rankings, reflecting their dominance in the sport. Their No. 1 ranking in the first ever AP Preseason Top 20 in 1936 set the tone for their early dominance. They frequently found themselves amongst the top teams, showcasing their consistent ability to compete for national championships.
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The Shift to Top 10 (1961-1967): The AP Preseason Poll transitioned to a Top 10 format for a short period, allowing for a more focused view on the top contenders. During this time, Notre Dame continued to maintain a strong presence, showcasing their enduring power in college football. While the Top 10 format might have been a change, the Fighting Irish remained a force to be reckoned with.
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The Return to Top 25 (1968-Present): The AP Preseason Poll returned to its Top 25 format in 1968, expanding the field and providing a broader picture of the top teams. Notre Dame continued to feature prominently in these rankings, highlighting their continued success and enduring legacy in college football. Their consistent presence in the Top 25 underscores their long-standing status as a national powerhouse.
Notre Dame’s Preseason Top 25 Rankings in Recent Years
In recent years, Notre Dame has maintained a steady presence in the preseason Top 25. Here’s a look at their rankings from the past five years:
| Season | Preseason AP Rank | Final AP Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 13 | 14 |
| 2022 | 5 | 18 |
| 2021 | 9 | 8 |
| 2020 | 10 | 5 |
As you can see, Notre Dame has consistently been ranked in the Top 15, demonstrating their continued competitiveness and their ability to attract attention in the college football landscape. Their preseason rankings reflect the expectations surrounding them, highlighting their position as a top program with a bright future.
Factors Influencing Notre Dame’s Preseason AP Poll Ranking
Several factors contribute to Notre Dame’s placement in the preseason AP Poll, including:
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Previous Season Performance: The previous season’s record plays a crucial role. A strong finish, especially a bowl win or a playoff appearance, usually translates into a higher preseason ranking. Notre Dame’s success in the previous season often sets the stage for their expectations in the coming year.
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Key Returners and Departures: The presence or absence of key players, particularly star players or those who have left for the NFL, significantly influences the preseason assessment of a team’s strength. Notre Dame’s roster turnover and the impact of returning players and new recruits are closely examined by experts.
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Schedule Strength: A challenging schedule, filled with tough opponents, can boost a team’s preseason ranking. Conversely, a weaker schedule might lead to a lower ranking. Notre Dame’s schedule, with its mix of conference and non-conference games, is a key factor in their preseason assessment.
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National Perception: The general perception of a team’s strength within the college football community also shapes their preseason ranking. Notre Dame’s reputation as a football powerhouse, their legacy of success, and their ability to attract top talent all contribute to their national perception.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect for Notre Dame in the Preseason AP Poll
Predicting the future is always a challenge, but based on their recent performance and the factors discussed above, we can make some educated guesses about Notre Dame’s potential placement in the preseason AP Poll for the upcoming season.
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Projected Strength: Based on their recent performance and the return of key players, a strong ranking in the top 15 or even the top 10 seems plausible. Notre Dame’s continued success and their consistently strong roster could lead to a high preseason ranking.
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Schedule Strength: Their schedule will likely feature several ranked opponents, which could further solidify their position in the preseason poll. A challenging schedule can boost a team’s ranking, showcasing their ability to compete against top competition.
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National Perception: Notre Dame’s national perception remains positive, with their traditional powerhouse status and recent success. Their reputation as a top program could propel them to a high preseason ranking, reflecting the expectations surrounding their program.
Notre Dame’s Place in College Football History
Notre Dame’s consistent presence in the preseason AP Poll is a testament to their enduring legacy in college football. They’ve been a dominant force for decades, consistently challenging for championships and producing some of the sport’s most iconic players. Their rich history and their ability to attract top talent have made them a perennial contender, and their preseason rankings reflect this enduring power.
While the preseason rankings are just a snapshot of a team’s potential, they offer a glimpse into the expectations surrounding them. For Notre Dame, the preseason rankings are a reflection of their consistent excellence and their status as a national powerhouse. They’ve earned their place in the history of college football, and their continued success ensures that they’ll remain a prominent name in the preseason AP Poll for years to come.
