Notre Dame Football 2025 Schedule Overview
The 2025 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football season promises to be a thrilling ride, filled with high-stakes matchups, historical rivalries, and the continued pursuit of excellence. As always, Notre Dame football will play a mix of tough non-conference games, traditional rivalries, and ACC opponents, balancing both home and away contests.
Notre Dame’s independence in college football means they continue to face a varied and competitive schedule. The 2025 slate includes some intriguing matchups, both familiar and new, as the Fighting Irish aim to build on their recent success and contend for a playoff spot. 
Key Dates and Games in the 2025 Schedule
Season Opener: Notre Dame vs. Navy (Dublin, Ireland)
- Date: August 30, 2025
- Location: Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland
The 2025 season kicks off with a bang as Notre Dame takes on their traditional rival, Navy, in Dublin, Ireland. This annual matchup, known for its close contests and unique location, will be the first test for the Fighting Irish as they face a team that always brings a strong, disciplined effort. Notre Dame will look to assert dominance early in the season while respecting the challenge Navy presents, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
The game in Dublin provides both teams with a unique setting and a chance for Notre Dame to start the season on a positive note. As both teams will have their eyes on bowl eligibility and possible rankings, the pressure is on to start strong.
Home Opener: Notre Dame vs. Tennessee State
- Date: September 6, 2025
- Location: Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, Indiana
After their trip to Dublin, the Irish return home to face Tennessee State. This game marks the first-ever meeting between Notre Dame and the Tigers. It provides an opportunity for the Irish to fine-tune their roster and build momentum heading into tougher matchups. Tennessee State will likely be a heavy underdog, but any team in the early part of the season can present challenges if not taken seriously.
Notre Dame vs. North Carolina
- Date: September 13, 2025
- Location: Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, Indiana
North Carolina comes to South Bend for what is expected to be a high-powered affair, given the offensive firepower the Tar Heels often bring to the table. Notre Dame’s defense will be tested, especially against UNC’s dynamic quarterback and playmakers. Both teams will be hungry for a win, and this early-season clash could have implications for bowl seeding later in the year.
Notre Dame vs. Ohio State
- Date: September 20, 2025
- Location: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
A marquee matchup for college football fans, Notre Dame travels to Ohio State for what is expected to be a colossal showdown. Both teams consistently rank among the top programs in the country, and this game could be a potential College Football Playoff preview. Ohio State has an explosive offense, while Notre Dame’s defense will have its hands full trying to contain the Buckeyes’ elite playmakers. This game will be a pivotal moment in the season for both teams.
Notre Dame vs. Duke
- Date: September 27, 2025
- Location: Wallace Wade Stadium, Durham, North Carolina
Notre Dame’s matchup with Duke promises to be another intriguing contest. Historically, Duke has often been a competitive opponent for the Irish, but Notre Dame will likely enter this game as the favorite. Still, traveling to Durham can be tricky for even the most seasoned programs, so Notre Dame must be prepared for a challenging road test in this one.
Midseason: Key Stretch of Games
Notre Dame vs. Louisville
- Date: October 4, 2025
- Location: Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, Indiana
In this home game, Notre Dame will look to defend their turf against a talented Louisville squad. The Cardinals are known for their high-flying offense and could pose a serious threat if Notre Dame’s defense isn’t up to the task. With both teams aiming for a strong finish to their seasons, this could be a make-or-break game for one of them.
Notre Dame vs. USC
- Date: October 11, 2025
- Location: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California
A storied rivalry takes center stage once again as the Irish travel to the West Coast to take on USC. The Trojans have long been one of Notre Dame’s biggest rivals, and the history of this game makes it one of the most anticipated matchups of the year. USC’s explosive offense, led by their talented quarterback, will look to challenge Notre Dame’s defense, while the Irish will seek to control the tempo and play physical football. The rivalry’s intensity ensures that anything can happen in this one.
Notre Dame vs. Virginia Tech
- Date: October 18, 2025
- Location: Lane Stadium, Blacksburg, Virginia
Virginia Tech’s Lane Stadium is one of the most difficult venues to play in, and Notre Dame will face a tough test when they travel to Blacksburg. Known for its passionate fan base and rowdy atmosphere, this game could be a true test of Notre Dame’s mental and physical toughness. Virginia Tech’s defense is known for being tough and gritty, so the Irish will need to bring their best game to avoid an upset.
Notre Dame vs. Florida State
- Date: October 25, 2025
- Location: Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, Indiana
In this key matchup, Notre Dame hosts Florida State in a game that could have major implications for the ACC standings. Both teams will look to establish themselves as powerhouses in the conference, with Florida State often known for its speed and explosive plays. Notre Dame will have the home-field advantage in this one, but they will need to stay disciplined against a talented Seminoles team.
Late-Season Showdowns
Notre Dame vs. Miami
- Date: November 1, 2025
- Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
A road trip to face Miami could be one of the toughest games of the season for Notre Dame. The Hurricanes are a program with a rich football tradition, and their home stadium is always packed with energy. Miami’s athleticism will test Notre Dame’s defensive schemes, and the Irish will need to execute efficiently on both sides of the ball to secure a victory.
Notre Dame vs. Wake Forest
- Date: November 8, 2025
- Location: Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, Indiana
Wake Forest has become a consistently tough opponent in recent years, known for its fast-paced offense and ability to create scoring opportunities. Notre Dame’s defense will need to keep up with the pace of the Demon Deacons and be prepared for a high-scoring affair. This game could be crucial for both teams as they fight for bowl eligibility and conference positioning.
Notre Dame vs. Clemson
- Date: November 15, 2025
- Location: Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, Indiana
One of the most highly anticipated matchups of the 2025 season, Notre Dame faces Clemson in what could be a College Football Playoff elimination game. The Tigers, led by their elite coaching staff and talented roster, are perennial contenders, and this game will be a true test for Notre Dame’s playoff hopes. The Fighting Irish will need to be at their best to stop Clemson’s high-octane offense and solid defense.
Notre Dame vs. Boston College
- Date: November 22, 2025
- Location: Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, Indiana
The annual rivalry game against Boston College is always a hard-fought battle, and 2025 should be no different. Notre Dame and BC have a long history of close games, and this matchup will likely be no exception. With both teams needing a strong finish to their season, the stakes will be high as they square off at Notre Dame Stadium.
Season Finale: Notre Dame vs. Stanford
- Date: November 29, 2025
- Location: Stanford Stadium, Stanford, California
The regular season concludes with a road game at Stanford, another long-standing rival for Notre Dame. Stanford is known for its physical play, strong defense, and disciplined offense, making this a challenging finale for the Irish. A win here could help Notre Dame secure a top spot in the rankings, while a loss might force them to settle for a lesser bowl game.
nal regular-season game at Stanford, every week will offer new challenges, and Notre Dame fans can expect a thrilling ride as the team aims to chase championships and glory.
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