Notre Dame Football and the AP Poll: A Look Back at Preseason Rankings
Notre Dame football has a storied history with the Associated Press (AP) Poll, especially when it comes to preseason rankings. For decades, the Fighting Irish have been a prominent fixture in college football, often landing in the AP Poll’s top rankings before the season even begins. These preseason rankings are crucial, as they reflect the team’s national standing and fan expectations heading into the year.
Notre Dame’s success in the preseason polls isn’t just a recent phenomenon. The program has been ranked high many times over the years, with early-season buzz often surrounding their talented rosters and storied tradition. However, like many top programs, their positioning in the poll has fluctuated, reflecting the challenges of maintaining consistency and meeting high expectations.
Over the years, the Fighting Irish have often been picked to contend for national championships based on their preseason ranking, though their path to a title hasn’t always followed the forecast. The team’s success or struggles in the early games often influence how they move up or down the poll as the season progresses.
As Notre Dame continues to evolve under new coaching staffs and changing team dynamics, their relationship with the AP Poll remains an integral part of their identity. For fans and analysts alike, the preseason rankings provide a glimpse into the potential success of the program, while also serving as a benchmark for measuring progress as the season unfolds. With each new year, the anticipation builds for where the Irish will land in the rankings and how they will perform on the national stage.
