Where Notre Dame stands in way-too-early top 25s for 2023 season

We’re onto the 2023 season. The morning after the national title game brings the first round of prognostications for it – in the form of a deluge of way-too-early top 25s. Notre Dame is in every notable one.

The Irish’s average placement in 10 national outlets’ rankings is 11.5. The highest spot is No. 7 (Bleacher Report). The lowest is No. 14 (ESPN, Pro Football Focus). Here’s a look at all 10 and what they forecast for Notre Dame in 2023.

ESPN: Notre Dame is ranked No. 14

ESPN’s Mark Schlabach writes: “Things could have gotten ugly for Notre Dame in Marcus Freeman’s first season as coach, especially after an 0-2 start that included a home loss to Marshall. A 16-14 defeat against Stanford at home wasn’t much better.

“But Freeman and his staff got things back on track by winning six of seven games, including a 45-38 victory against South Carolina in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl. Former starting quarterback [Drew] Pyne transferred to Arizona State, but the Irish landed former Wake Forest starter Sam Hartman, who has thrown for nearly 13,000 yards with 110 touchdowns during five seasons with Wake Forest. He’ll compete with Tyler Buchner, who had five touchdowns against the Gamecocks.

“The top three tailbacks and three starting offensive linemen are expected to return, although [Michael] Mayer won’t easily be replaced. Top pass rushers [Isaiah] Foskey and Jayson Ademilola are moving on as well.”

The Athletic: No. 11

The Athletic’s Stewart Mandel writes: “Notre Dame has not had a star QB like Hartman (3,701 yards, 38 TDs) in some time. He boosts an offense that returns leading rushers Audric Estime and Logan Diggs and standout tackles Joe Alt and Blake Fisher and adds Virginia Tech WR Kaleb Smith (18.2 YPC). The defense, led by LB JD Bertrand and CB Ben Morrison, adds Oklahoma State S Thomas Harper but as of now is depleted on the D-line.”

CBS Sports: No. 10

CBS’ Dennis Dodd writes: “The addition of Hartman at QB in the transfer portal gives the Fighting Irish some CFP buzz. The ACC’s all-time leader in touchdown passes (110) will have to integrate himself into a thinned receiving corps that lost Mayer. Marcus Freeman did an amazing job after starting 0-2 (0-3 if you count the Fiesta Bowl).”

Sports Illustrated: No. 11

SI’s Pat Forde writes: “Freeman scored big in the transfer portal with the addition of [Hartman]. That addresses an immediate need for a program that was 98th in passing yards per game in 2022. Hartman should have a solid offense around him, though the loss of [Mayer] leaves big shoes to fill at that position. Several defensive players have graduated and/or declared for the draft, so there will be some retooling on that side of the ball—but talent remains. The schedule will bring Ohio State and USC to South Bend, with a road trip to play Clemson.”

Athlon Sports: No. 12

Athlon’s Steven Lassan writes: “Freeman’s first year had its share of ups (wins over North Carolina, Clemson and South Carolina) and downs (losses to Stanford and Marshall), but a 9-4 finish and another standout recruiting class provide plenty of optimism for the overall direction going into ’23.

“Finding more difference-makers at receiver and a replacement for Mayer tops the list of offseason priorities for coordinator Tommy Rees. Freeman’s defense should return largely intact after limiting opponents to just 5.2 yards per play in ’22. Foskey and safety Brandon Joseph leave big shoes to fill, but [Morrison] is a rising star and leading tacklers JD Bertrand and Jack Kiser are back to man the second level.”

Pro Football Focus: No. 14

PFF’s Max Chadwick writes: “Notre Dame started the season fifth in the preseason AP poll before losing its first two games of the season to Ohio State and Marshall. The Fighting Irish rebounded with a 9-2 record after that, including a victory over then-No. 4 Clemson.

Notre Dame secured the biggest prize of the transfer portal in [Hartman]. The redshirt junior is the most valuable player over the past two seasons according to PFF’s wins above average metric. Only Bryce Young, Caleb Williams and C.J. Stroud have higher grades than Hartman (92.2) over that span among Power Five quarterbacks.”

Other way-too-early top 25s to rank Notre Dame

Yahoo! Sports: No. 12

FOX Sports: No. 12

Action Network: No. 12

Bleacher Report: No. 7