Notre Dame will be assured of making the playoff if it is ranked in the top 12 starting next year, Notre Dame AD Pete Bevacqua told Yahoo Sports'
@RossDellenger.
If the playoff is expanded to 14 teams and there are more at-large berths added to the field (from seven to nine), Notre Dame is guaranteed into the field if it is ranked No. 13 or better, according to a memorandum signed by CFP officials last spring.