Notre Dame Takes the Top Spot as Georgia Falls in NDL Coaches PollNDL Top 25 - After Block 4
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NDL-HQ - In a stunning shift at the top, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish have claimed the No. 1 spot in this week's NDL Coaches Poll, dethroning the Georgia Bulldogs after a dominant showing that earned them an overwhelming 84 first-place votes. This comes as no surprise to those closely following the league, as Notre Dame has been on an impressive trajectory, turning heads with their strategic prowess and on-field execution.
Irish Surge to No. 1
Notre Dame's rise to the top is a testament to their consistent excellence and resilience. After starting the season at No. 2, the Irish (2,452 points, 84 first-place votes) have now taken command of the NDL landscape. Led by coach ReignOnU, Notre Dame has been relentless, earning respect across the league and pushing them past the defending national champions, Georgia.
Georgia Stumbles to No. 7
The Georgia Bulldogs, last week’s No. 1 team with a commanding 91 first-place votes, have seen a shocking fall to No. 7 in this week's poll. Despite still securing eight first-place votes, the Bulldogs' defeat sent shockwaves throughout the league, leading to a significant drop in their ranking. Coach dcane7 will need to regroup quickly if Georgia is to reclaim its spot atop the standings.
Missouri and Ohio State Rise
The Missouri Tigers (2,258 points, 4 first-place votes) have moved up to the No. 2 spot, narrowly edging out the Ohio State Buckeyes (2,248 points, 3 first-place votes). Both teams have shown remarkable consistency and depth, making them legitimate contenders as the season progresses. Missouri’s coach BIGmike and Ohio State’s coach seeitsaveit13 have both expressed confidence in their squads, who are now firmly in the national title conversation.
SMU and Florida Crack the Top Five
SMU’s climb to No. 4 (1,966 points) marks their highest ranking in recent memory, as coach Steamrollr22 has transformed the Mustangs into a formidable force. The Florida Gators (1,926 points), coached by the ever-competitive coachjackb, round out the top five, showing that the SEC is still well-represented despite Georgia's dip.
Notable Movers and Shakers
Kansas (No. 6) and Northwestern (No. 8) both made significant moves up the rankings this week, while Tennessee (No. 9) and Iowa (No. 10) round out the top ten. Meanwhile, Clemson (No. 11), Mississippi State (No. 12), and Baylor (No. 13) continue to hold steady, with each team showing they belong in the upper echelon.
One of the most notable jumps came from Toledo, which rocketed up to No. 18 after an impressive showing that captured the attention of voters across the league. Ball State (No. 20) and Temple (No. 21) also made their first appearances in the Top 25 this week, marking a major milestone for their programs.
Teams on the Rise
Several teams that missed the Top 25 are making their case for a spot. Duke (355 points), Michigan (163 points), and UCF (103 points) lead the pack of those receiving votes, while traditional powers like Alabama (35 points) and USC (92 points) find themselves on the outside looking in, a reflection of the ever-changing dynamics of the NDL.
What’s Next?
As the season continues to unfold, the drama and excitement of the NDL are just beginning. Notre Dame may have claimed the throne for now, but with the depth and talent spread across the league, maintaining that top spot will be no easy feat. With Georgia eager to bounce back and a host of teams nipping at their heels, the race for the national championship is as wide open as ever.