Controversy Surrounds Notre Dame's CFP Exclusion Amid Racial Bias Claims

The exclusion of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish from the 2025-2026 College Football Playoff has sparked controversy, particularly surrounding claims of racial bias against head coach Marcus Freeman. According to Outkick, Notre Dame was passed over despite a strong resume, with only two losses to top-10 opponents and a dominant final stretch of their season.

The article suggests that the Irish were overshadowed by Alabama and Miami, with the latter benefiting from a head-to-head win and the committee's inclination to include an ACC team. A column in the Chicago Sun-Times raised questions about the role of Freeman's race in the decision, implying that his status as a Black coach might have influenced the committee's judgment.

However, this assertion was met with skepticism by Outkick, which argued that the reasons for Notre Dame's exclusion were rooted in conference politics rather than race. The criticism reflects broader discussions about the treatment of different programs within college football and highlights the ongoing debate about representation in coaching positions.

The situation exemplifies the complexities and challenges within the College Football Playoff selection process, raising questions about fairness and transparency in decision-making.