Notre Dame started the 2025 college football season 0-2. Both losses were against highly ranked opponents and by a combined four points. First was a season-opening loss to the Miami Hurricanes, 24-27. Then, a one-point nailbiter against Texas A&M, 40-41. Two straight wins, scoring 56 points in each, brought the Irish to 2-2 on the season. They set their sights on getting back in the top 12 and earning a trip to the College Football Playoff. Now, sitting at 5-2 entering a bye week, Notre Dame is currently ranked in that 12th spot in the AP Poll. A ranked win against long-term rival USC a week ago helped bolster Notre Dame’s confidence. A bye week will help get players healthy heading into a favorable final five-game stretch. Let’s take a look at those final five opponents and Notre Dame’s outlook for making the College Football Playoff.
Can Notre Dame Win-Out and Make the Playoff?
The good thing about a bye week for a team that is currently on the cusp of being a top-12 team? It doesn’t have to worry about losing and falling from grace. Again. That is where Notre Dame sits this week after what was likely an emotional win against USC. The game against the Trojans is undoubtedly always circled on the calendar. It will be hard-fought on both sides, regardless of each team’s record going in. The Irish came out on top of this one, 34-24, and now get to rest before the final stretch.
After the Bye: Boston College
The Fighting Irish will travel to Boston College on November 1st to take on the Eagles. Boston College has won one game this season. The season-opener against Fordham. Since that win, the Eagles have lost six straight to bring their season to 1-6. Most recently was a 23-38 loss to UConn. Before that were two very tough games against Pitt and Clemson. The Boston College defense gave up at least 38 points in each of those three contests. Notre Dame’s offense is arguably more efficient than all three of those teams. All but two opponents have rushed for over 100 yards against the Eagles. Fordham and UConn. Both Clemson and Stanford rushed for over 200 yards in those wins. With two very strong running backs in Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price, and an ever-improving young quarterback, CJ Carr, the Irish shouldn’t have an issue with Boston College.
Have to Get Through Navy
Another hard-fought game each year is the one against the Midshipmen. Navy will travel to Notre Dame on November 8th for a 7:30 PM kickoff. In 2024, Notre Dame beat Navy, 51-14. In 2023, 42-3. But in 2022, the Irish were almost bested by the Midshipmen, narrowly winning 35-32. Despite the big loss a season ago, Navy ended 2024 with a 10-3 record, winning three out of four of the final regular-season games. Then beating Oklahoma in the Armed Forces Bowl. Navy has brought that momentum into the 2025 season. The Midshipmen enter this week undefeated, 6-0. Their last two wins against Air Force and Temple were by a total of four points. Very similar to that of Notre Dame’s first two losses of the season. Before traveling to Notre Dame, Navy will have to beat Florida Atlantic and North Texas. If that occurs, Notre Dame will have to contend with an undefeated Navy team that will be looking to spoil all College Football Payoff hopes in South Bend.
The Final Three
If Notre Dame can make it through Boston College and Navy unscathed, the Irish will have a relatively easy (as easy as any game is in college football) path to the College Football Playoff. November 15th is away at Pitt. The following week is at home against Syracuse, and then the Irish finish with an away contest at Stanford. Currently, heading into Saturday, October 25th, the Pitt Panthers are sitting at 5-2, and Syracuse and Stanford are both 3-4. The Panthers will face NC State and Stanford before taking on the Irish. Additionally, they just beat Syracuse 30-13. Syracuse is coming off three straight losses and will have to face two ranked opponents in Georgia Tech and Miami before clashing with Notre Dame. Finally, the final opponent, Stanford, will also play Miami and Pitt before ending its season with the Irish.
There is a lot of overlap amongst the final three schools throughout the end of the season. Further, these final three have tough tests before getting to Notre Dame. The Irish have greatly improved on defense since the first three contests. Barring any major injuries, Chris Ash’s unit will look to keep that going on their way to another College Football Playoff run.
Main Image: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Image
