When assessing Notre Dame’s chances for a great 2026, analysts are almost completely uniform that the Fighting Irish could very well be the only team to finish undefeated. However, some believe that Marcus Freeman and Co. could trip over themselves and lose a game they have no business losing. David Cone, one of On3’s Crain & Cone podcast hosts, believes that SMU could not only be a big upset for the Golden Domers but also could be one of the biggest upsets of the entire season.
Other analysts have said that if the Irish really lay an egg, they might have to worry about Wisconsin. However, most people believe that game will be a big-time blowout. It could be one of, if not the, worst losses of Luke Fickell’s career with the Badgers. However, Cone believes a more realistic potential upset comes at the hands of SMU.
“SMU at Notre Dame,” Cone said in a recent podcast. “Two weeks after the Miami game. So let's just say Notre Dame's cruising. Notre Dame's cruising, and then they beat Miami. They think they're home sailing, probably. Unbeatable college football playoff, not going to keep us out this year.
“SMU, I mean, SMU beat Miami a year ago, made the college football playoff two years ago. You don't think returning your quarterback and Kevin Jennings. You can go to South Bend and get a win up there, a la Marcel Reed for Texas A &M a year ago. Very similar. Watch out for that upset.”
Top-5 of the Biggest Upsets for 2026
— Crain & Cone (@crainandcone) July 10, 2026
Which could be the most shocking this season? pic.twitter.com/q5ZtcSmdT0
David Cone picks SMU as major Notre Dame football upset threat
Cone has a point. Notre Dame has been the victim of more than one ugly upset. One need look no further than the 2024 season. Northern Illinois’ win in South Bend is one fo the worst upsets of the last decade, especially when considering that the Irish team that lost that game didn’t lose again until the National Championship Game.
SMU is also one of those teams that has the kind of offense, especially that can pull off an upset here and there. The Irish’s big strength this year is expected to be its defense. However, if the Mustangs can put everything together correctly, they can be a handful. As Cone pointed out, they did take down Miami last season, and the Hurricanes went to the National Title Game as well.
The biggest worry for Notre Dame this season is that they might accidentally let up when they can’t afford to. If they do let up, the SMU Mustangs could certainly take advantage.
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