Pate's PickMost notably, Pate's projected national champion is Notre Dame. Notre Dame is slated to face only three teams that open the season in the coaches' poll top 25. Pate projects BYU to earn the Big 12's spot in the Playoff, with Boise State earning the Group of Five slot. His Path for Notre DameJosh Pate projects Notre Dame and QB CJ Carr to claim a national title. Heading into the 2026 season, Notre Dame opens the season at No.