The debate over the 2025 College Football Playoff (CFP) bracket intensified on Monday, with ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky arguing passionately that Notre Dame should have been included over Alabama. The Fighting Irish, despite a strong season, were left out of the 12-team playoff field, sparking outrage among fans, pundits, and even within the program itself.
On ESPN, Orlovsky didn’t mince words. He called Alabama’s inclusion “questionable” and highlighted Notre Dame’s impressive résumé as more deserving of a playoff berth. “Notre Dame should’ve been in over Alabama,” he said, citing the Irish’s consistent performance throughout the season and their ability to win against top-tier opponents.
Notre Dame finished the regular season with a 10‑2 record and a remarkable 10-game winning streak. Their victories over ranked teams like USC and a dominant showing against Arkansas bolstered their case for CFP inclusion. Yet, the final CFP rankings placed them at No. 11 — just outside the expanded 12-team field — while Alabama, despite recent struggles, retained a spot. Many analysts have described the exclusion as inconsistent and unfair, particularly given Alabama’s shaky end-of-season form.
The reaction from Notre Dame has been strong. Athletic Director Pete Bevacqua called the snub “the ultimate gut punch” and expressed disappointment on behalf of the players. In a bold statement, the program declined a bowl invitation, signaling their frustration with what they view as an unjust playoff selection process. The move has only fueled discussions among fans and pundits alike, with social media platforms erupting over the perceived injustice. One Reddit user wrote, “Notre Dame got screwed out of a playoff spot this year … This is an atrocious miscarriage of justice,” while another added, “Leaving Alabama in is indefensible. Notre Dame deserved it.”
This controversy highlights broader questions about the CFP selection process. With the playoff expanded to 12 teams, the expectation was that strong teams with elite résumés, like Notre Dame, would have a fair shot. Orlovsky’s critique underscores a growing tension between traditional powerhouses and teams that have demonstrated consistent success but may lack historical prestige or conference championships.
As the conversation continues, the fallout from Notre Dame’s exclusion is shaping the narrative for college football. Analysts are calling for greater transparency in the selection process, while fans are demanding accountability. The decision has reignited debate over how playoff spots are awarded and whether merit should outweigh history or reputation.
For now, Notre Dame remains on the sidelines, but the conversation sparked by Orlovsky and others ensures that their exclusion will be a topic of debate long into the season.
