2022 College Football Rankings: Updated top 10 after spring

7. Notre Dame

The Irish are a popular top-5 team in preseason college football rankings and there are plenty of reasons for optimism — there are questions too.

Marcus Freeman is a first-time head coach and he’s only coached one game, which was the Fiest Bowl last season against Oklahoma State.

However, he’s been outstanding as a defensive coordinator both at Cincinnati and Notre Dame. The Irish were dominant down the stretch defensively but they will have to replace Kyle Hamilton.

Notre Dame did add Brandon Joseph in the transfer portal, who is a great replacement and should make an immediate impact. Isaiah Foskey is also back along with a slew of other impact veterans on the defense.

Running back Kyren Williams is also gone but his replacements will be running behind what should be one of college football’s best offensive lines. But games against Clemson and Ohio State will probably be decided in large part on the development of rising sophomore Tyler Buchner at quarterback.

He is the biggest question mark that remains, but if he lives up to the expectations, Notre Dame will be back contending for the College Football Playoff.