The Irish are back in the national title conversation, but when did they last enter a season as a genuine No. 1 contender? Nov 15, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman leads the team from the locker room to play the Pittsburgh Panthers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images As soon as I saw Josh Pate's post-spring rankings - with Notre Dame in the top spot - the question popped into my brain. How long has it been since Notre Dame was considered a true No. 1 team going into a season? 🚨POST-SPRING COMMISSIONER’S POLL🚨 pic.twitter.com/4vmLJpLHoH — Josh Pate (@JoshPateCFB) May 4, 2026 When was the last time the Irish got a single No. 1 vote in the preseason Associated Press Poll? That's the question that needed to be asked (and answered) after seeing Pate's take. He likely won't be alone in his belief that the Irish might be No. 1, but when was the last time that the Irish got a single No.…