Coach Marcus Freeman wants his Fighting Irish to keep their attention on the September opener rather than the looming College Football Playoff. He says the 2024 team must prove itself now to avoid repeating last year’s snub and to secure a spot in the 12‑team bracket.

Last season, Notre Dame finished 10‑2 and ranked No. 11 in the CFP rankings, yet was left out of the playoff field. The Fighting Irish declined a bowl game, cementing their desire to return.

The roster boasts NFL‑ready talent: quarterback C.J. Carr leads a receiving corps that includes Jordan Faison Refinement; running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price form a one‑two rush attack; defensive standouts Leonard Moore, Boubacar Traore, and Kyngstonn Viliamu‑Asa add depth.

Freeman urges his players to stop worrying about the playoffs and focus on the 10‑game schedule that starts at Lambeau Field against Wisconsin. The foundation is higher, but the clock is ticking as the team prepares for September 6.

The Irish must avoid the pitfalls of early losses that derailed their 2023 campaign, including a 0‑2 start to the season.