Josh Pate's 2025 Notre Dame Football Season Preview: Questions and Predictions

Notre Dame's National Title Hopes

• 🏈 Despite past doubts, Notre Dame has the potential to win a national title, as evidenced by their recent run to the championship game.
• 🎯 The team is still battling perception, with doubters claiming they "can't" win, even after reaching the title game.

Key Personnel and Coaching Changes

• 🧑‍🏫 Chris Ash replaces Al Golden as defensive coordinator, bringing a strong track record as last year's best assistant coach.
• 📈 Oddsmakers have given Notre Dame the eighth-best odds to win it all, with an over-under win total set at 10.5.

Quarterback CJ Carr and the Offense

• 🌟 CJ Carr is set to be the first-time starter, facing a front-loaded schedule that will press him into action early.
• 🏃 The team's offensive identity last year was run-heavy (19th nationally) with a weaker passing game (101st), a balance expected to shift with improved passing numbers.
• 💯 The offensive line is a key question, needing to be at least good, if not elite, to support the offense.

Strengths and Potential Breakouts

• 🥇 The running back group, featuring Jeremiah Love and Jadarian Price, is considered the best on the team.
• 💪 Linebacker is another strong position, with four to five quality players expected to contribute significantly.
• 🚀 CJ Carr is identified as the potential breakout player who could elevate the team if he performs exceptionally well.

Schedule and Season Outlook

• 🗓️ Notre Dame faces a challenging schedule, with key games against Miami, A&M, Arkansas, Boise, and USC all by mid-October.
• 🏆 Their best-case scenario is an undefeated 12-0 season, while the model predicts a most likely outcome of 9-3.