Notre Dame took two big jabs Wednesday from two major sports media names after the College Football Playoff officially expanded to 12 teams for the 2024-25 season.
On ESPN’s “First Take,” Stephen A. Smith, Paul Finebaum and Chris Russo tackled the topic that grants the five highest-ranked conference champions automatic bids to the CFP, with the top four receiving first-round byes.
Smith asked his fellow co-hosts why the university remains relevant in the new ruling.
“They have not won a national title since 1988. That is 36 years,” he said. “Thirty-six years ago, doggie, I was graduating from high school. I had an afro. [My] hairline was two feet forward.”
Dave Portnoy, founder and owner of Barstool, echoed Smith’s opinion.
“Stephen A is dead ass right. ND is a relic of the past,” Portnoy posted on X. “They were good in the 1800’s with the Four Horse Horseman and Knute Rockne. But I don’t care about ancient history. You need to have won a natty before the days of the horse and buggy to be considered a premiere program.”
The ruling puts the Fighting Irish in an interesting position, granting them more access as an independent program.
However, if they join a conference or a new rule is established, they won’t be able to attain any of the four first-round byes, which would greatly impact their title odds.
Since 1988, Notre Dame has made one run to the national championship under Kelly in 2013 and it was a notable beat-down from Nick Saban and Alabama, 42-14.
According to Smith, Notre Dame seems to filter the conversation within the sport over talented powerhouse teams.
“What the hell have they done? We are on national television,” he said.
Smith claimed the Fighting Irish have taken up more television time than Georgia, which missed out on the playoffs last season after being the two-time defending national champions.
He argued LSU as well, who won national titles in recent memory with Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase, although that was before Kelly took the head coaching job in Baton Rouge.
“Everywhere you look, we talkin Notre Dame. You got them on national television,” Smith said. “Has anybody questioned NBC as to why you gave them this television deal? What have they done? What have they done? I’m still waiting.”
This past season, Notre Dame posted a 10-3 record and won the Sun Bowl over Oregon State, 40-8.
