Notre Dame’s 2025 season began with a shaky 0-2 start that had many doubting the Fighting Irish’s College Football Playoff hopes. Tough losses to Miami and Texas A&M by a combined four points left fans wondering if this team could regain its footing.
Yet now, with a 3-2 record and a remaining schedule that could bring them to an impressive 10-2 finish, Notre Dame is quietly emerging as a legitimate playoff contender once again.
Last season, the Irish shocked the college football world by winning their final 10 regular-season games, earning a well-deserved spot in the Playoff. While this year’s campaign started slowly, the program’s pedigree and last season’s momentum still hold weight in the eyes of the CFP selection committee. ESPN analyst Josh Pate recently explained why the Irish can't be counted out.
“I don’t think there’s much of any world where a 10-2 Notre Dame is left out,” he said. The statement shows how much the Fighting Irish name and brand matter in playoff considerations.
The critics have questioned Notre Dame’s strength of schedule, along with a lack of marquee victories over ranked teams so far. Their wins have come against Purdue, Arkansas, and Boise State. It's solid, but not necessarily top-tier opponents. However, Notre Dame now faces a crucial stretch of games that will likely determine their postseason fate. NC State, USC, Boston College, Navy, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, and Stanford.
Winning out, particularly against some of these tough opponents, would not only vault them to a 10-2 record but also boost their playoff credentials significantly.
Looking deeper into win probabilities for these matchups, Notre Dame holds a commanding edge in most, according to ESPN. Against NC State, the Fighting Irish boast a 92.3% win percentage; Boston College, 94.8%; Navy, 96.0%; Syracuse, 94.7%; and Stanford, 93.8%. Even in challenging contests, like the one against USC, Notre Dame is favored with a 68.2% win chance. While Pittsburgh represents a tougher hurdle with an 82.3% win percentage, the overall outlook remains very positive.
At the heart of this resurgence is quarterback CJ Carr, who has thrown for 1,280 yards with an efficient 67.7% completion rate, 11 touchdowns, and just 2 interceptions. His precision and leadership have been key to Notre Dame’s offensive balance. Running back Jeremiyah Love has also been a force, rushing for 444 yards at an impressive 5.4 yards per carry with 6 touchdowns. Wide receiver Jordan Faison leads the receiving corps with 25 catches for 327 yards and 2 touchdowns, providing a dependable target downfield.
Defensively, safety Adon Shuler anchors the unit with 26 tackles, while cornerback Leonard Moore leads the secondary with 3 interceptions. The defense’s 11 sacks show their ability to disrupt opposing offenses, complementing the team’s offensive efforts and adding to their winning formula.
If the Fighting Irish can maintain their momentum and capitalize on these favorable odds, a 10-2 finish seems well within reach. Given their historic stature, national following, and last season’s playoff appearance, Notre Dame would be a hard team for the CFP committee to exclude.
From the disappointment of an 0-2 start to the cusp of playoff contention, the Fighting Irish’s journey in 2025 remains a compelling story of resilience and potential.
The road ahead is tough, but Notre Dame has the talent, schedule, and legacy to climb back into the College Football Playoff conversation and silence all doubters along the way.
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