The Associated Press released its 2025 preseason media poll on August 17, placing the Fighting Irish at No. 4, a jump from the No. 5 slot recorded in the coaches’ poll a week earlier.
A Fresh Start Under Freeman
Head coach Marcus Freeman will begin his fifth season on September 6, opening at Lambeau Field against Wisconsin, a game in which the Irish are favored by three touchdowns.
The schedule promises early tests, with Miami visiting South Bend on November 7 and a road trip to Provo to face Brigham Young two weeks later, while a later showdown with Southern Methodist looms in Dallas.
Notre Dame enters the season riding a ten‑game winning streak that began after opening losses to Miami and Texas A&M, a run that propelled them to the national title game a year ago before the College Football Playoff committee left them out of the 12‑team field.
Looking Ahead to the Season
If the Irish can translate early momentum into consistent performances, the path to the playoff could be clearer, but the stakes remain high after last season’s heartbreak.