Notre Dame Football 2025: Surprise Starter, Full Schedule & Playoff Outlook Revealed

Notre Dame football enters the 2025 season with a rebuilt roster, a refreshed coaching staff and a schedule that could thrust the Fighting Irish back into the College Football Playoff conversation. Off-season overhaul under Marcus Freeman Head coach Marcus Freeman begins his fourth year in South Bend with two high-profile assistants: Chris Ash takes over as defensive coordinator after Al Golden left for the NFL, and Ja’Juan Seider joins as associate head coach/running backs coach. Their top priority was filling holes left by 12 NFL departures and a double-digit transfer exodus. Transfer portal gains and blue-chip recruiting Eight scholarship transfers headline the new-look depth chart, led by Alabama cornerback DeVonta Smith, Wisconsin wideout Will Pauling and North Carolina kicker Noah Burnette. The portal class ranks among the best of any independent program and brings immediate experience on the perimeter and in special teams. Freeman also signed a consensus top-15 recruiting class featuring five-star offensive tackle Will Black and four-star safety JaDon Blair, ensuring depth behind the transfers and veterans already on campus. Key dates on the 2025 Notre Dame football schedule • Aug 31 – at Miami (Hard Rock Stadium): first meeting with “The U” since 2024 and an early résumé builder. • Sept 13 – Texas A&M in Notre Dame Stadium: a primetime NBC showcase against an SEC title contender. • Oct 18 – USC in South Bend: the 97th edition of the Jeweled Shillelagh rivalry could decide playoff positioning. • Nov 29 – at Stanford: regular-season finale that has spoiled Irish seasons in the past. The full 12-game slate also includes Purdue, Arkansas, Boise State, NC State and traditional rivals Navy and Boston College. Players to watch Quarterback battle: redshirt freshman CJ Carr, five-star legacy, and sophomore Kenny Minchey are vying to replace Riley Leonard. Skill talent: receivers Jaden Greathouse and Cam Williams pair with Virginia transfer Malachi Fields to stretch the field, while running backs Jeremiyah Love and Aneyas Williams provide balance. Defense: edge rusher Joshua Burnham and linebacker Jaylen Sneed anchor a front seven expected to be faster under Ash’s 4-2-5 scheme; veteran corner Christian Gray teams with newcomer Smith to solidify the secondary. Path to the Playoff As an independent, Notre Dame must likely reach 11–1 to claim one of the at-large CFP bids. Wins over Miami, Texas A&M and USC would give the Irish the strength of schedule the committee covets, while a new 12-team format offers slightly more margin for error. Keeping the turnover margin positive—an issue in 2024—will be critical. Bottom line With a favorable mix of transfer experience, blue-chip youth and marquee home dates, Notre Dame football is positioned for its most complete campaign of the Freeman era. If the Irish navigate September unbeaten, expect the conversation in South Bend to shift from “rebuild” to “revenge tour” as they chase their first national title since 1988.