Not too long ago, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish looked like a near lock for the College Football Playoff despite their two early-season losses. However, with how things currently stand that is no longer the case.

Ohio State, Indiana, Georgia and Texas Tech owned the top four spots in the penultimate College Football Playoff rankings released Tuesday night ahead of conference championship weekend. Georgia and Texas Tech moved up a spot thanks to then-No.

Notre Dame appears to be in good standing for the College Football Playoff, but there is one scenario for it to look out for Saturday.

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Ten thoughts on Notre Dame’s drop to No. 10 in the penultimate College Football Playoff rankings, including why that overwhelming sense of dread around the Irish fan base is probably a little bit overstated. There’s no reason to panic if you’re Notre Dame right now.

The penultimate week of the 2025 college football regular season is in the books. From Notre Dame's statement win to Georgia Tech's stunning collapse, here are Week 13's winners and losers.

Nov 29, 2025; Stanford, California, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish safety Luke Talich (28) runs for a touchdown on a fake punt against the Stanford Cardinal during the second quarter at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-Imagn Images / Stan Szeto-Imagn Images

College football expert Thomas Casale breaks down how to approach betting on the College Football Playoff ahead of conference championship games

Markus Burton scored a game-high 26 points, helping Notre Dame rally for a 71-68 win over visiting Georgia Tech in Atlantic Coast Conference play.