Notre Dame’s Week 1 win keeps them on top of bowl projections

Notre Dame football entered the 2026 season dreams of hoisting the national championship trophy. Those goals remain in sight after their Week 1 win over Wisconsin.

Their 41-13 victory didn’t discourage many from doubting the Fighting Irish. Which is why Notre Dame remains the No. 1 seed in Bryan Fischer of Sports Illustrated’s projected playoff rankings. Fischer’s full top-12 rankings read:

Notre Dame
Ohio State
Georgia
Miami
LSU
Texas
Oregon
BYU
Indiana
Oklahoma
USC
Boise State

Throughout the season, Notre Dame will be playing with a target on their back. At the same time, they know there isn’t much room for error, even with an expanded 12-team playoff. For now, they remain atop the college football landscape. But the Fighting Irish know how quickly things could change.

They will be the heavy favorites in their next matchup against Rice. Notre Dame’s first ranked matchup, based on current standings, doesn’t come until October 17 against BYU. The Fighting Irish will be expected to handle business against any unranked foe. Once they match up against the heavy hitters, Notre Dame can’t crumble if they’re serious about contending for a title.

Notre Dame handles business against Wisconsin

Notre Dame Aneyas Williams — University of Notre Dame’s Aneyas Williams (22) runs the ball against the University of Wisconsin during a football game on Sept. 6, 2026, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Notre Dame defeated Wisconsin 41-13.

Wisconsin actually scored the first points of the Week 1 matchup via a field goal. It was a close battle leading into halftime, with Notre Dame leading just 13-10. However, the second half was all Fighting Irish, as they outscored the Badgers 28-3.

Notre Dame’s onslaught was brought forward by a 55-yard pick-six by cornerback DJ McKinney while Aneyas Williams scored a pair of rushing touchdowns. Williams rushed 20 times overall for 90 yards and two touchdowns.

Heisman candidate CJ Carr completed 19-of-29 passes for 239 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. He helped lead Notre Dame gain 350 total yards, compared to Wisconsin’s 284.

The Fighting Irish will need to be on top of their game through the entire season. But Week 1 was a strong example of what Notre Dame is made of.

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