C.J. Carr is a central strength of the returning core.
All programs
Capital Rank3
Notre Dame
The No. 1 returning-production profile, excellent offensive line and secondary, and C.J. Carr support a top-three ranking. Replacing the leading running backs is the main task.
Reported spendMore than $40M
Roster gradeA+
Confidencehigh
Reported estimate · not audited payroll
Roster construction
What the roster says
The offensive line profiles as an elite unit.
The secondary is a top-end roster advantage.
Continuity & integration
The overall returning-production profile is exceptional, though the leading running backs must be replaced.
The case
Strengths
- Top returning-production profile
- Excellent offensive line
- Excellent secondary
The countercase
Risks
- Replacing the leading running backs
Evidence trail
Sources used for this record
CBS SportsCollege football roster spending rankings: Most expensive teams in 2026247SportsCollege football roster spending tiers for the Power Four247Sports2026 College Football Team Talent CompositeESPNFinal preseason college football SP+ rankings and takeaways for 2026CBS SportsCollege football's top offensive lines for 2026Notre Dame Athletics2026–27 Football Roster and Staff