The 2025 campaign got off to a rough start for the Fighting Irish, dropping their first two games before a turnaround that saw them string together ten consecutive victories. The surge, however, fell short of a College Football Playoff berth, leaving the team with a compelling story of resilience.
A Promising Yet Imperfect Start
Returning 72 percent of last year’s production, Notre Dame brings back quarterback CJ Carr, who in 2025 amassed 2,741 passing yards, 24 touchdowns and six interceptions. Carr’s experience forms the backbone of a squad that hopes to capitalize on its deep roster.
The optimism is tempered by the departure of two standout running backs, Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price, both of whom have declared for the NFL Draft. Their exit creates a void in the backfield that the coaching staff must address before the next season.
What’s Next for the Irish?
Analysts are already weighing the implications. On3’s J.D. PicKell has positioned the Irish at No. 5 in his national rankings, but he cautions that the loss of proven rushers could hinder the offense. Historically, Notre Dame has enjoyed six straight seasons with a rusher exceeding 900 yards, a streak that now hangs in the balance.
Enter Aneyas Williams, the player slated to inherit the lead‑back role. Williams posted a 9.3 yards‑per‑carry average last season, suggesting he could provide a spark if given the workload. His performance will be closely watched as the team looks to maintain its offensive rhythm.