Jeremiyah Love compared this year’s Irish team has a stronger brotherhood and more confidence compared to last season’s title-game run.

Paul Finebaum and Stephen A. Smith had a fiery debate over Notre Dame's CFP ranking on a Nov. 19 "First Take" segment.

The 247Sports Composite, which takes into account the 247, Rivals and ESPN rankings, lists Notre Dame with four current five-star talents, with even more just on the cusp of making it in. As it stands, the 247Sports Composite has the following Fighting Irish commits as five-stars: EDGE Rodney Dunham TE Ian Premer CB Khary Adams S Joey O'Brien

Love certainly has done his part to help Notre Dame (8-2, No. 9 CFP) rebound from two straight losses to start the season by winning eight straight to put the Irish back in the postseason debate.

Since starting the season 0-2 with last-second losses to major playoff contenders, Notre Dame has settled in as one of the most reliable teams in college football. The Irish sit at No. 9 in the College Football Playoff Rankings with only games against bottom feeders Syracuse and Stanford remaining.

The SEC Network personality can't fathom how the Fighting Irish were slotted at No. 9 in this week's CFP rankings.

Notre Dame will be heavy favorites against Syracuse and Stanford to end the season, and would likely make the Playoff at 10-2.

Quarterback CJ Carr has also emerged as one of the most exciting young quarterbacks in the nation, completing 67% of his passes for 2,487 yards and 21 touchdowns. Next to Love, the star running back, the Notre Dame offense is incredibly potent and physical.

CFP chairman explains why Alabama trails Notre Dame in the latest rankings, highlighting loss quality and key shortcomings.

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman, left, celebrates with wide receiver Jordan Faison (6) after a touchdown during the first half of a NCAA football game against Navy at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, in South Bend. / MICHAEL CLUBB/SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images