Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Irvin is looking forward to the matchup between Notre Dame and the Miami Hurricanes, his alma mater, this upcoming season, though he is afraid of the extra context that comes with it.
Irvin, one of the all-time great Hurricanes, recently doubled down on his concerns about Notre Dame and their new path into the 12-team College Football Playoff field. What he is referencing is that beginning in 2026, Notre Dame is guaranteed a playoff berth if it finishes in the top-12 of the final CFP rankings. This new provision is a part of the CFP's revised format, which also grants automatic bids to the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, and SEC champions, plus the highest-ranked champion from the group of 6 conferences.
"I'm worried about this promise to ND, as long as they're top 12, they're in," Irvin said. "That means if Miami is ranked high, we've got to make sure they win that game. And I'm worried about that."
The Irish and Hurricanes are scheduled to face off on Nov. 7 at Notre Dame Stadium this season. The timing of the matchup could make it one of the most consequential games of the entire season.
For Notre Dame fans, the goal is clear. Finish in the top 12 and the Fighting Irish are in. That clarity brings peace of mind to those who support Notre Dame. But for Miami and other similar competitors, it brings an extra point of contention and stress.
Michael Irvin doubled down on his concern about Notre Dame’s "autobid."
He says it forces Miami into a must‑win against the Irish:
“I’m worried about this promise to ND — as long as they’re top 12, they’re in. That means if Miami is ranked high, we’ve got to make sure they win… pic.twitter.com/dCZgfUZiSP
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This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: Michael Irvin sounds off on Notre Dame’s CFP top-12 guaranteed entry
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