Notre Dame’s 2022 campaign, reviewed on May 14, 2026, reignited the College Football playoff debate as the Fighting Irish fell short of ten wins and a national title shot. The numbers reveal a season that could thrive in a 24‑team format, prompting critics to warn the expansion may dilute elite competition.
College Football fans and analysts alike cite the Irish’s nine‑win, three‑loss record as a cautionary tale; a sub‑110‑win team could secure a berth under a larger field, challenging the merit‑based ethos of the current system.
Notre Dame’s 2022 performance under the microscope
Notre Dame posted a 9‑13 overall record with a 6‑12 ACC mark after joining the conference for football in 2020. Their offense averaged 31.2 points per game, ranking 18th nationally, while the defense allowed 28.5 points per game, a drop from previous years. Quarterback Drew Pyne threw for 2,745 yards, but turnovers plagued the unit, contributing to three defeats.
Key details from the 2022 Irish season
Notre Dame’s loss to Marshall was a 24‑21 overtime upset, marking the first time a Power Five program fell to a Group of Five opponent since 2019. The Irish’s recruiting class ranked 5th nationally, yet on‑field results showed a disconnect between talent acquisition and performance. According to ESPN, Notre Dame averaged 70,000 fans per home game, underscoring strong fan support despite mixed results.
Impact on the College Football Playoff discussion
Stakeholders—conference commissioners, TV partners, and the College Football Playoff Committee—must weigh the Irish case against broader competitive‑balance concerns. Proponents argue expansion boosts revenue and inclusivity, but the 2022 Irish example suggests a larger field could reward teams that merely scrape past the ten‑win threshold. As the CFP Board convenes in early 2027, the Notre Dame narrative will likely serve as a benchmark for evaluating a 24‑team format.
Key Developments
- Notre Dame finished the 2022 regular season ranked No. 13 in the final AP poll, a position that would have secured a first‑round bye in a 24‑team playoff.
- The Irish’s red‑zone efficiency fell to 65% in 2022, down from 72% the year before, highlighting scoring difficulties inside the 20‑yard line.
- Analysts from Sports Illustrated warned that expanding the playoff could incentivize teams to schedule weaker non‑conference opponents to pad win totals.
- Notre Dame’s average home attendance topped 70,000 per game, reflecting strong fan engagement despite on‑field inconsistency.
- The ACC posted a cumulative 78‑55 record in 2022, placing third among Power Five conferences in win percentage.
What was Notre Dame’s final AP ranking after the 2022 season?
Notre Dame ended the year ranked No. 13 in the final Associated Press poll, a spot that would have placed them in the top half of a 24‑team College Football Playoff field.
How did Notre Dame’s red‑zone efficiency compare to the previous season?
The Irish converted 65% of red‑zone trips in 2022, down from 72% in 2021, a drop that contributed to missed scoring opportunities.
Why do some analysts fear a 24‑team playoff could dilute competition?
Expanding to 24 teams would allow sub‑110‑win programs like the 2022 Notre Dame squad to qualify, potentially lowering overall matchup quality and rewarding weaker schedules.
