Bring on the hate, as Notre Dame doesn't just remain in the field of the College Football Playoff this week, but they have even moved up a spot. After a convincing win over Navy on Saturday, the selection committee rewarded the Fighting Irish by moving them from No. 10 to No. 9 in this week's rankings.
Sitting at No. 9, Notre Dame would have to travel for its first round game, but with a ranked matchup on the docket this week, it could really help the Fighting Irish. No. 9 Notre Dame is now set to take on No. 22 Pitt as the Panthers moved up a few spots this week as well. This will add another ranked matchup to Notre Dame's resume, and if they can walk away with a convincing win, it could vault them into a home playoff game.
9️⃣ in the College Football Playoff Rankings#GoIrish☘️ pic.twitter.com/LUEn6qqSrS
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) November 12, 2025
Greg McElroy believes Notre Dame has the best shot at hosting a home playoff game
After the rankings were released, of course, it brings up a lot of conversations, especially with the season quickly winding down. Looking at who would be hosting and who would have to travel right now, Notre Dame would have to pack it up and hit the road, but there are still a few weeks left to be played this season.
Notre Dame is set for a big matchup with No. 22 Pitt this week, and it could serve as the perfect game to move Notre Dame even higher up in the CFP rankings. ESPN college football analyst Greg McElroy believes the Fighting Irish could have the best opportunity to host a playoff game, even with where they are ranked right now.
If Notre Dame can go to Pitt and come away with a convincing win, McElroy believes that should be enough firepower for the Fighting Irish to have a game in South Bend.
"That will provide potentially just enough firepower and strength to that resume to get Notre Dame to allow themselves to have a home game in South Bend," McElroy said.
McElroy did somewhat change his tune, though saying that Notre Dame's destiny is not in its own hands, with who is behind them. Notre Dame at this point just has to focus on winning and nothing else.