Miami and Texas A&M Players Dismiss Notion of Notre Dame Football Irrelevance

Players from top programs emphasize the significance of beating the Fighting Irish

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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In recent comments at the NFL Combine, players from the University of Miami and Texas A&M University dismissed the idea that Notre Dame football is irrelevant, emphasizing the importance their teams placed on defeating the Fighting Irish. The players highlighted the prestige and challenge of facing Notre Dame, underscoring that the program remains a formidable opponent despite its recent struggles.

Why it matters

Notre Dame's status as a college football blue blood has been called into question in recent years due to a string of disappointing seasons. However, this feedback from players at other top programs demonstrates that the Fighting Irish brand and reputation still carry significant weight, and that victories over Notre Dame are viewed as important accomplishments.

The details

Miami and Texas A&M players expressed that their teams placed a high priority on beating Notre Dame, viewing it as a marquee win that would boost their own programs' profiles. The players noted the historical significance and tradition associated with facing the Fighting Irish, indicating that Notre Dame remains a respected opponent despite its recent on-field troubles.

  • The comments from Miami and Texas A&M players were made at the 2026 NFL Combine in March.

The players

Miami Players

Players from the University of Miami football team.

Texas A&M Players

Players from the Texas A&M University football team.

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What they’re saying

“Beating Notre Dame was a huge deal for us. They're still one of the most prestigious programs in college football, and getting that win over them was a major accomplishment for our team.”

— Miami Player (on3.com)

“Notre Dame may have struggled in recent years, but they're still Notre Dame. When you get the chance to play them, you know it's a big game. Our guys were really fired up to take them down.”

— Texas A&M Player (on3.com)

The takeaway

Despite Notre Dame's recent on-field struggles, the program's storied history and brand recognition remain intact, as evidenced by the comments from players at other top college football programs. Victories over the Fighting Irish are still viewed as significant accomplishments, underscoring that Notre Dame football is far from irrelevant in the eyes of its peers.