Notre Dame leads FBS returning production at 72% for 2026, boosting their SP+ projection despite a 2025 slip to 11th in the CFP. The Fighting Irish return key contributors like quarterback CJ Carr and Jordan Faison, who accounted for 42 offensive line starts. This marks a significant drop from 2024's 86% leader Iowa State, whose 11-3 jump showed the old model's power.

The SEC and Big Ten maintain higher averages (58.2% and 59.2%) than the Group of 6 (45%), reflecting power conference advantages in the transfer portal. SEC teams average 58.2% returning production, while Notre Dame's 72% would have ranked 14th in 2024. The transfer surge (64% increase) dilutes overall returning stats, but elite programs leverage incoming talent effectively. Clemson's 2025 regression (7-6) despite 100% QB return underscores the new era's unpredictability. Notre Dame's projected improvement stems from both continuity and strategic additions, positioning them as title contenders without needing drastic changes.