Notre Dame suffers a first round exit in latest 2024 College Football Playoff projections

College football programs are opening camp across the country this week, which means college football is almost officially back! With just a month out from games beginning, it’s time to get excited. Notre Dame opens up camp on Wednesday, and optimism is high.

With the 12-team playoff format kicking off this year for the first time, getting into the field shouldn’t be an overly difficult feat, especially when you consider the talented roster that the Irish have coming back. In the latest A to Z Sports playoff projection, they have Notre Dame getting in and earning a No. 8 seed.

For people who haven’t followed the playoff format, the four major Power Four champions get automatic berths into the field, as does the highest-ranked G5 champion. The other seven teams make the field at “at-large bids”, so the remaining top-ranked teams in college football that are not conference champions. Considering that Notre Dame is not in a conference, that will always be their path while independent.

In this simulation, Notre Dame is matched up in their first game against Ole Miss, who comes in as the No. 9 seed. An interesting matchup that should create a lot of buzz, A to Z has the Rebels coming out on top.

Here is what is being projected:

#9 Ole Miss at #8 Notre Dame

Jaxson Dart, his elite wide receivers, and their revamped defensive front do just enough to edge out the Fighting Irish.

If Riley Leonard stays healthy for Notre Dame the Fighting Irish should be able to stick with just about any opponent. Running back Jeremiyah Love's explosion and versatility should be a problem on offense too. However, when facing Jaxson Dart's future NFL arm and a defense with elite transfers defensive tackle Walter Nolen, edge rusher Princely Umanmielen, and cornerback Trey Amos the Irish might meet their match. Ole Miss goes all-in this fall and wins their first College Football Playoff game in Notre Dame's house.

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For most Notre Dame fans, the expectations are simple heading into the 2024 season. Making the playoffs is a nonnegotiable, something that there is no reason for not accomplishing. They have a talented roster, very good coaching staff, and are playing a soft schedule.

Just making it wouldn’t be enough for Irish supporters. Winning a playoff game certainly has to be a part of the equation. Anything beyond that is a great sign, but those are the expectations. Obviously, a first round exit to Ole Miss would be far from ideal.

It’s especially concerning against a program like Ole Miss. Although things have been trending in a good direction under Lane Kiffin, they are not a program you think of when you think of college football powers. Especially considering the Rebels have been a trendy sleeper pick seemingly every season recently, and always seem to come up short in the most important moments, like the Alabama and Georgia games last season.

Ole Miss did break the bank in the transfer portal this offseason, so they are setting up for a big 2024 season. This matchup would bring a lot of attention, several storylines, and real intrigue. Notre Dame has to be able to come out on top in this hypothetical matchup. It’s time to see ascension under Coach Freeman in year three.