College Football Playoff selection committee experts project the Texas Longhorns and Notre Dame Fighting Irish to secure prominent positions in the upcoming rankings, according to analysis released Tuesday.
The projections come as Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman was seen conferring with officials during the team's game against the Navy Midshipmen on October 31, 2026, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
The latest playoff rankings are expected to be announced later this week, with both programs considered strong contenders for a top-four berth.
