Assuming the current standard is that ND shoud annually rank

among the top 10 in recruiting and on-the-field performance - meaning a 10 win season, New Years Day bowl, etc., the question is: Can ND elevate all aspects of the program performance to compete at the highest level in talent recruitment, and - with suitable coaching - translate that to a Top 5 program that routinely makes the playoffs and competes for the national championship. (An analogy: If ND is currently analogous to Georgia under Coach Mark Richt, can it become UGA under Coach Kirby Smart?)

While the gap for ND to cross to compete at the highest level doesn't appear that significant, I believe (under current admin practices and beliefs/Coach Kelly's limitations aside) this gap is insurmountable.

I also don't think Alabama, Clemson and Oklahoma are permanent members of this elite group; they are coach/AD-dependent. But each school has demonstrated an institutional commitment and academic flexibility to accommodate any players (mostly drawn from local talent) that are necessary for the necessary arms/talent race. An aside, I believe Florida, FSU, Georgia, OSU, Penn State, Texas, and USC are better positioned (institutionally and regionally) to be more routine residents of this top tier.

The question returns to ND leadership: Does ND want to commit itself to the steps (with respect to academic, athletic and lifestyle leniency) necessary to foster the talent required to routinely compete at the highest level?

I'm not sure the members of this board would really want to see/experience ND go through that transition.