• Head Coach: Marcus Freeman (fourth season)
• 2024 Record: 14-2 (Lost CFP national championship game)
• Strength of Schedule:
• PFF Projected Win Total:
• FanDuel Win Total: 10.5

2024 Recap

Notre Dame’s back was against the wall following a Week 2 home loss to Northern Illinois. To make the College Football Playoff, the Fighting Irish likely needed to rattle off 10 straight victories. They not only did just that, but they also beat Indiana, Georgia and Penn State in the College Football Playoff before falling to Ohio State in the title game.

It was Notre Dame’s first national title game appearance since 2012. Even with a new starter at quarterback, the Fighting Irish have similar strengths to last year’s squad and should make the College Football Playoff. 

Biggest Strength: The blueprint from the national championship run remains the same

Notre Dame made the national championship game last season because of its elite ground game and coverage unit. The Fighting Irish earned the third-best PFF coverage grade last year while placing fifth in PFF rushing grade. Heading into 2025, Notre Dame’s running back unit ranks second and its secondary places third.

Biggest Weakness: Inexperience at quarterback

Now that Riley Leonard is with the Indianapolis Colts, the Fighting Irish will be breaking in a new quarterback in 2025. Their quarterback battle is between redshirt freshman CJ Carr and redshirt sophomore Kenny Minchey. Carr has zero career dropbacks, while Minchey has only three.