Notre Dame
2019 record: 11-2
Returning starters: seven offense, five defense, two special teams.
Despite a lopsided loss to Clemson in the CFP two seasons ago, it might be argued the Irish are as close as ever to returning to the sport's elite. They're 33-6 since 2017, matching the most victories in a three-year stretch in the program's history (the Irish also won 33 from 1988-90). After early losses at Georgia and Michigan, Notre Dame won its final six games in 2019, including a 33-9 rout of Iowa State in the Camping World Bowl. With quarterback Book and all five starting offensive linemen returning, there's good continuity on that side of the ball for 2020. Kevin Austin, who was suspended for the 2019 season. Coach Brian Kelly promoted former quarterback Tom Rees to offensive coordinator; he called plays in the bowl game after Chip Long was pushed out. There's much work to do on defense, especially in the secondary.
Returning starters: seven offense, five defense, two special teams.
Despite a lopsided loss to Clemson in the CFP two seasons ago, it might be argued the Irish are as close as ever to returning to the sport's elite. They're 33-6 since 2017, matching the most victories in a three-year stretch in the program's history (the Irish also won 33 from 1988-90). After early losses at Georgia and Michigan, Notre Dame won its final six games in 2019, including a 33-9 rout of Iowa State in the Camping World Bowl. With quarterback Book and all five starting offensive linemen returning, there's good continuity on that side of the ball for 2020. Kevin Austin, who was suspended for the 2019 season. Coach Brian Kelly promoted former quarterback Tom Rees to offensive coordinator; he called plays in the bowl game after Chip Long was pushed out. There's much work to do on defense, especially in the secondary.