It took a lot of convincing for voters to see US LBM Coaches Poll No. 3 Notre Dame as a legitimate contender at the top of the rankings.
The Fighting Irish‘s loss to BYU a couple of weeks ago put the team in a corner, and a big win over Navy the following week did very little to build a fresh rapport.
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Notre Dame, however, got its signature win following the 31-24 upset over previously top-ranked Miami. That convinced USA TODAY Sports to push the Irish up in the latest NCAA Re-Rank.
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See the best photos from Notre Dame’s 31-24 win over Miami (FL)
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA – NOVEMBER 07: CJ Carr #13 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish throws a pass against the Miami Hurricanes during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium on November 07, 2026 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
(Michael Reaves, Getty Images)
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See the best photos from Notre Dame’s 31-24 win over Miami (FL)
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA – NOVEMBER 07: CJ Carr #13 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish throws a pass against the Miami Hurricanes during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium on November 07, 2026 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
(Michael Reaves, Getty Images)
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See the best photos from Notre Dame’s 31-24 win over Miami (FL)
Nov 7, 2026; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Nolan James Jr. (2) carries the ball against the Miami Hurricanes during the first quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images
(Michael Caterina, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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See the best photos from Notre Dame’s 31-24 win over Miami (FL)
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA – NOVEMBER 07: A detail of a Notre Dame Fighting Irish helmet prior to the game against the Miami Hurricanes at Notre Dame Stadium on November 07, 2026 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
(Michael Reaves, Getty Images)
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See the best photos from Notre Dame’s 31-24 win over Miami (FL)
Nov 7, 2026; South Bend, Indiana, USA; A general view inside the empty stadium before the game between Miami Hurricanes and Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images
(Michael Caterina, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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See the best photos from Notre Dame’s 31-24 win over Miami (FL)
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA – NOVEMBER 07: Fans arrive prior to the game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Miami Hurricanes at Notre Dame Stadium on November 07, 2026 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
(Michael Reaves, Getty Images)
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See the best photos from Notre Dame’s 31-24 win over Miami (FL)
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA – NOVEMBER 07: A general view of Notre Dame Stadium prior to the game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Miami Hurricanes on November 07, 2026 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
(Michael Reaves, Getty Images)
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See the best photos from Notre Dame’s 31-24 win over Miami (FL)
Nov 7, 2026; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback CJ Carr (13) passes the ball against the Miami Hurricanes during the first quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images
(Michael Caterina, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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See the best photos from Notre Dame’s 31-24 win over Miami (FL)
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA – NOVEMBER 07: Head coach Marcus Freeman of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish looks on prior to the game against the Miami Hurricanes at Notre Dame Stadium on November 07, 2026 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
(Michael Reaves, Getty Images)
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See the best photos from Notre Dame’s 31-24 win over Miami (FL)
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA – NOVEMBER 07: CJ Carr #13 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish warms up prior to the game against the Miami (FL) Hurricanes at Notre Dame Stadium on November 07, 2026 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
(Michael Reaves, Getty Images)
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See the best photos from Notre Dame’s 31-24 win over Miami (FL)
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA – NOVEMBER 07: Head coach Marcus Freeman of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish reacts against the Miami Hurricanes during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium on November 07, 2026 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
(Michael Reaves, Getty Images)
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See the best photos from Notre Dame’s 31-24 win over Miami (FL)
Nov 7, 2026; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Nolan James Jr. (2) carries the ball against the Miami Hurricanes during the first quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images
(Michael Caterina, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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See the best photos from Notre Dame’s 31-24 win over Miami (FL)
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA – NOVEMBER 07: CJ Carr #13 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish looks to pass against the Miami Hurricanes during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium on November 07, 2026 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
(Michael Reaves, Getty Images)
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See the best photos from Notre Dame’s 31-24 win over Miami (FL)
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA – NOVEMBER 07: CJ Carr #13 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish warms up prior to the game against the Miami (FL) Hurricanes at Notre Dame Stadium on November 07, 2026 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
(Michael Reaves, Getty Images)
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See the best photos from Notre Dame’s 31-24 win over Miami (FL)
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA – NOVEMBER 07: Jordan Faison #6 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish catches a touchdown pass against the Miami Hurricanes during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium on November 07, 2026 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
(Michael Reaves, Getty Images)
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See the best photos from Notre Dame’s 31-24 win over Miami (FL)
Nov 7, 2026; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish kicker Spencer Porath (35) watches after kicking a field goal against the Miami Hurricanes during the first quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images
(Michael Caterina, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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See the best photos from Notre Dame’s 31-24 win over Miami (FL)
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA – NOVEMBER 07: Daylyn Upshaw #7 of the Miami Hurricanes is tackled by Adon Shuler #8 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium on November 07, 2026 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
(Michael Reaves, Getty Images)
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Notre Dame 31, Miami 24: Recapping the Irish’s upset of No. 1 team
Nov 7, 2026; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Micah Gilbert (14) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Miami Hurricanes during the second quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
(Trevor Ruszkowski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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See the best photos from Notre Dame’s 31-24 win over Miami (FL)
Nov 7, 2026; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Miami Hurricanes linebacker Cam Pruitt (4) tackles Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Jordan Faison (6) during the first quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
(Trevor Ruszkowski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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See the best photos from Notre Dame’s 31-24 win over Miami (FL)
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA – NOVEMBER 07: Jordan Faison #6 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish catches a touchdown pass against the Miami Hurricanes during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium on November 07, 2026 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
(Michael Reaves, Getty Images)
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See the best photos from Notre Dame’s 31-24 win over Miami (FL)
Nov 7, 2026; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Micah Gilbert (14) celebrates as he scores a touchdown against the Miami Hurricanes during the third quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
(Trevor Ruszkowski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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See the best photos from Notre Dame’s 31-24 win over Miami (FL)
Nov 7, 2026; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Micah Gilbert (14) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Miami Hurricanes during the second quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images
(Michael Caterina, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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See the best photos from Notre Dame’s 31-24 win over Miami (FL)
Nov 7, 2026; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Micah Gilbert (14) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Miami Hurricanes during the third quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
(Trevor Ruszkowski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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See the best photos from Notre Dame’s 31-24 win over Miami (FL)
Nov 7, 2026; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Micah Gilbert (14) carries the ball for a touchdown defended by Miami Hurricanes linebacker Cam Pruitt (4) during the second quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
(Trevor Ruszkowski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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See the best photos from Notre Dame’s 31-24 win over Miami (FL)
Nov 7, 2026; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Jordan Faison (6) makes a catch for a touchdown defended by Miami Hurricanes defensive back Bryce Fitzgerald (3) during the second quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
(Trevor Ruszkowski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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See the best photos from Notre Dame’s 31-24 win over Miami (FL)
Nov 7, 2026; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback Christian Gray (29) and safety Adon Shuler (8) tackle Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Daylyn Upshaw (7) during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
(Trevor Ruszkowski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
USA TODAY’s Paul Myerberg moved Notre Dame from No. 6 to No. 3 in this week’s rankings. Georgia, Utah, Miami and Indiana rounded out the top five.
The win for the Irish not only puts them near the top in a variety of polls, it also has them in line for a College Football Playoff bid.
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This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: Notre Dame makes significant jump in USA TODAY Sports’ Re-Rank
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