The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have concluded their season in the college football landscape, ending at No. 10 in the final Associated Press Top 25 poll for the 2025-2026 season. Despite not playing a game since November, the Fighting Irish slipped one position in the rankings.
The top of the rankings saw Indiana secure their spot at No. 1 after winning the national championship by defeating Miami (FL) 27-21. The Hurricanes, having reached the championship game, enjoyed a significant boost, moving up eight spots to finish at No. 2. Ole Miss, which faced Miami in the semifinals, climbed three spots to land at No. 3, while Oregon moved up one spot to No. 4 after losing to Indiana in the semifinals. Ohio State, which had also faced Miami earlier in the playoffs, slipped one place to complete the top five.
Georgia, Texas Tech, Texas A&M, Alabama, and Notre Dame rounded out the top 10, displaying the competitive nature of college football this season. In terms of notable shifts beyond the top 10, Oklahoma experienced a fall of five spots to No. 13, USC dropped four spots to reach No. 20, Michigan slid down three spots to No. 21, while Virginia gained four spots to finish at No. 16.
This season showcased intense competition and fluctuating rankings, underlining the unpredictable nature of college football. As fans reflect on the season, there is hope and excitement for what lies ahead for the Fighting Irish in the next season.