Shortly after ESPN announced the full bracket for the CFP on Sunday afternoon, selection committee chairman Hunter Yurachek joined the broadcast to justify a pair of controversial selections: Alabama in; Notre Dame out.

After being on the outside looking in last year, Alabama and Miami can breathe a sigh of relief as the Crimson Tide and Hurricanes were the last at-large teams selected -- ahead of Notre Dame -- for the 12-team College Football Playoff field announced Sunday.

NCAA legend Nick Saban said Notre Dame should be in the College Football Playoff, adding that AI would struggle with the committee's job.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Aneyas Williams (22) is lifted in a touchdown celebration against the Syracuse Orange at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend, IN. Scott Schild | [email protected] Scott Schild | [email protected]

After announcing the Fighting Irish would opt out of a bowl on Sunday, Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua embarked on a media tour to voice the school's concerns. He took aim at the Atlantic Coast Conference,