Notre Dame Football a favorite to be ‘next Clemson,” ESPN says

The Notre Dame Football team is stockpiling talent across the next few recruiting classes, and ESPN feels they could be the next “Clemson.”

The Notre Dame Football program has enjoyed some outstanding success in the last four years, winning at least ten games in each season, while making it to two College Football Playoffs. Over that time, however, the Irish have gotten a reputation of not being able to win the big one, and not really on par with the likes of Clemson, Alabama, or Ohio State.

While that may be the case, as their appearances in the CFP are short-lived, that does not mean that Brian Kelly and company are not building up to something special. With the addition of elite recruiter Marcus Freeman as defensive coordinator, the Irish are bringing in blue-chip talent, and they could be good for years to come.

Notre Dame Football the next Clemson?

Recently, ESPN put together a list of some programs that could follow the Clemson model, and not only make it to the CFP but be successful. Looking at some programs across college football, the Notre Dame Football program was rated No. 2 in terms of which school could become the next “Clemson.”

There is a lot to like about this year’s team, though another trip to the College Football Playoff is going to be hard to come by. The program is replacing some big-name defensive players, nearly their entire offensive line, and a quarterback who won more games than any signal-caller in school history in Ian Book.

However, they are returning a bunch of talent as well, including an elite running back and tight end on offense, and one of the best defensive backs in college football in Kyle Hamilton. Overall, the Irish could be in line for another ten-win season and based on the recruits coming in so far in 2021, 2022, and 2023, the future certainly is bright in South Bend.