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Where is Notre Dame in ESPN’s power rankings after Week 5?

Notre Dame’s undefeated start to the 2026 college football season has kept the Fighting Irish firmly planted in the national conversation, but their latest ranking shakeup in ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI) signals a shift in perception. After maintaining a top-three spot for weeks, Notre Dame dropped slightly following a Week 5 win over North Carolina—a result that, while impressive on paper, failed to fully convince the algorithmic rankings.

The 5-0 record hasn’t translated into the same level of dominance in computer metrics, raising questions about whether the Fighting Irish can sustain their momentum without facing stiffer competition. Meanwhile, the program’s star freshman running back, Jonaz Walton, has emerged as a standout performer, adding another layer of intrigue to Notre Dame’s title aspirations despite the ranking dip.

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