As the 2025 college football season approaches, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish are poised to begin the year with high expectations following their impressive 14-2 finish last season, culminating in a national championship appearance against Ohio State. Various preseason rankings reflect this optimism, consistently placing Notre Dame among the nation’s elite teams.
Preseason Rankings Overview:
ESPN: Notre Dame is ranked No. 4 in ESPN’s “Way-Too-Early Top 25” for 2025. Analyst Mark Schlabach highlights the team’s strong coordinators, improved recruiting, and the emergence of freshman quarterback CJ Carr, who was rated the No. 2 pocket passer in the 2024 recruiting class.
NCAA.com: Similarly, NCAA.com places Notre Dame at No. 4, emphasizing the team’s playoff-or-bust mindset. The offense is bolstered by returning talents such as running back Jeremiyah Love and wide receivers Jordan Faison and Jaden Greathouse. The experienced offensive line, featuring tackles Charles Jagusah and Anthonie Knapp, is expected to provide solid protection.
Bleacher Report: In Bleacher Report’s “Super Early Top 25,” Notre Dame holds the No. 6 spot. The publication notes the team’s strong roster and the potential impact of new quarterback CJ Carr, who steps in following Riley Leonard’s departure.
Key Factors Influencing Rankings:
Quarterback Transition: With the departure of Riley Leonard, the quarterback position is a focal point. Freshman CJ Carr, grandson of former Michigan coach Lloyd Carr, is a promising candidate, though he battled an elbow injury last season. Backup Steve Angeli is also in contention for the starting role.
Offensive Strengths: The Fighting Irish boast depth on the offensive line and a dynamic backfield led by Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price. The addition of wide receivers Malachi Fields (Virginia) and Will Pauling (Wisconsin) through the transfer portal aims to enhance the receiving corps.
Defensive Outlook: While the defense will see the departure of key players like Howard Cross, Jack Kiser, Xavier Watts, and RJ Oben, the return of underclassmen who gained experience during the previous season provides a foundation for continuity and growth.
2025 Season Schedule Highlights:
Notre Dame’s upcoming schedule features several high-profile matchups:
August 31: Season opener at Miami (FL)
September 13: Home game against Texas A&M
September 27: Away game at Arkansas
October 4: Hosting Boise State
October 18: Home game against USC
These games are expected to test the Fighting Irish early and provide opportunities to solidify their standing among the nation’s top teams.
As the season approaches, Notre Dame’s blend of returning talent, strategic additions, and a challenging schedule positions them as a formidable contender in the 2025 college football landscape.