As college football teams gear up for their next season, spring practices provide valuable insight into a program’s development. For Notre Dame, a football powerhouse with a rich tradition of success, the spring practice sessions hold particular significance. They offer a glimpse of how new players and schemes will be integrated into the team’s fabric and hint at how the squad will evolve over the summer months. Looking ahead to the 2025 season, there are several lessons learned from the Fighting Irish’s spring practices that will undoubtedly influence their performance when the season kicks off.
From key position battles to the integration of new offensive schemes, the lessons learned in spring ball will play a critical role in shaping Notre Dame’s prospects for the 2025 season. Here are four major lessons from the 2025 spring practices that will be impactful in the upcoming season:
1. The Quarterback Battle Will Define the Offense
A major storyline for Notre Dame in the spring of 2025 was the competition at the quarterback position. The team entered spring with uncertainty at the position after the departure of a key starter. It’s no secret that Notre Dame has had an up-and-down quarterback history over the past few seasons. The 2025 spring practice provided an opportunity for younger players and incoming recruits to step up and show they were ready to lead the offense.
Lesson: The Quarterback Position is in Good Hands, but with a Fresh Face
While the competition was fierce, one thing became clear by the end of spring practice: Notre Dame has the potential for a dynamic quarterback. Players like Tyler Buchner, who has experience under center, and Kenny Minchey, an incoming highly touted recruit, showcased their potential to drive the offense forward. But one of the standout lessons from spring ball was how the offense began to evolve to suit the strengths of its next signal-caller.
Tyler Buchner, having been through both highs and lows, now seems to have found a level of comfort and confidence in the offense. Spring practices saw him excelling in both short-to-mid-range throws as well as deeper routes. His command of the offense, combined with his athletic ability, makes him an intriguing option for the team moving forward. However, the younger quarterbacks, like Minchey, offer a fresh spark and may represent the future of the position.
For Notre Dame, a consistent and effective quarterback will make a world of difference. The spring showcased that the Irish are cultivating depth at the quarterback position, with Buchner and Minchey presenting options for the coaching staff. The 2025 season will likely see Buchner being the starter, with Minchey being given opportunities to contribute as well. The way the coaching staff blends the two quarterbacks’ strengths will directly impact the team’s offensive cohesion and adaptability.
Whether it’s Buchner leading the charge with his experience or Minchey providing an exciting, youthful presence, the quarterback battle in spring practice has laid the groundwork for the team’s offensive success in 2025. The ability to move the ball efficiently through the air, balance that with a solid running game, and make key throws in clutch moments will be paramount.
2. The Offensive Line Needs to Continue Its Growth and Depth
Notre Dame has long been known for its ability to build strong, powerful offensive lines that dominate the trenches. But in recent seasons, the Fighting Irish have faced some challenges in finding consistent play across the board on the O-line. In the spring of 2025, offensive line play emerged as a focal point for the coaching staff, and lessons from this period will resonate throughout the season.
Lesson: Offensive Line Depth and Versatility Will Be Key
One of the most encouraging aspects of the 2025 spring practice was the noticeable improvement in the depth and versatility of the offensive line. Players like Blake Fisher, Joe Alt, and Rocco Spindler are poised to take on significant roles, but the spring session also allowed younger linemen to step up and show they can contribute. This depth is crucial for the season ahead, especially when considering the demanding schedule the Irish face.
The offensive line’s ability to protect the quarterback and open up running lanes will be a crucial determinant of Notre Dame’s success in 2025. The biggest lesson from spring was that the coaching staff is emphasizing not only the starters but also the backups. As is often the case with elite offensive lines, having versatile players who can fill in when injuries strike or rotations are needed is critical.
Expect the coaching staff to continue to prioritize cohesion among the offensive line, with a heavy focus on ensuring all players are well-prepared to step in when needed. This depth and continuity will be vital in ensuring that the offense operates at a high level. In 2025, if the offensive line continues to develop its strength and depth, it will open up significant opportunities for the offense, both in the running game and in providing the quarterback with time to execute the passing game.
3. Defensive Scheme Adjustments Will Pay Dividends
The Notre Dame defense has long been a strength of the team, and the spring practices of 2025 revealed key changes and adaptations within that unit. The coaching staff made it clear that while the defense would retain its overall structure, there would be new wrinkles and emphasis in certain areas. The defensive front is set to be a dominant force, but the biggest lessons came from how the defense will be adjusted to create more pressure and coverage versatility.
Lesson: Pressure and Coverage Will Be More Dynamic
The 2025 spring practice revealed that Notre Dame’s defense is transitioning towards a more aggressive and flexible scheme, especially in terms of pressure from the defensive line and coverage responsibilities from the secondary. Defensive coordinator Al Golden and head coach Marcus Freeman are implementing a more multiple defense that emphasizes getting after the quarterback and being unpredictable.
The addition of more blitz packages and the ability to switch between a 4-3 and 3-4 defense gives the Irish a strategic advantage. Players like Jaylen Sneed and Prince Kollie will play pivotal roles in this versatile defensive structure, as they provide athleticism and speed that will allow the defense to dial up creative pressure packages. Meanwhile, cornerbacks like Benjamin Morrison will continue to develop into lockdown defenders, enabling the safeties and linebackers to be more aggressive in their pursuit of the ball.
This defensive evolution means that the 2025 Fighting Irish will be harder to read and harder to block. Teams that face Notre Dame will need to adjust to the team’s ability to shift from zone to man coverage, incorporate a variety of blitzes, and keep opposing quarterbacks uncomfortable in the pocket. Expect Notre Dame’s defensive identity to be built on relentless pressure and varied coverages, which will be integral in their pursuit of championships.
4. Special Teams Will Be a Game-Changer
The importance of special teams can never be overstated, and in 2025, Notre Dame’s spring practices reinforced that this phase of the game is a priority. While much of the focus in spring is often on the offense and defense, special teams play is an area that can determine games—especially in tight matchups.
Lesson: Special Teams Can Tilt the Field
One key takeaway from spring practice was the emergence of dynamic players on special teams, particularly in the return game and kicking duties. Spencer Schrader, who has shown accuracy and distance on field goals and kickoffs, will play a critical role for the Irish in 2025. His ability to pin opponents deep or generate long field goal attempts could be a major factor.
Additionally, players like Chris Tyree are expected to be key contributors in the return game, which can swing momentum in favor of Notre Dame during key moments. Special teams often go unnoticed in terms of the impact they have on a season, but the Irish appear poised to turn this phase of the game into a strength. Whether it’s blocking a punt, recovering a fumble on a kickoff, or executing a game-changing return, special teams will play a key role in Notre Dame’s success.
By the 2025 season, expect Notre Dame to make significant strides in special teams. The team is deep at many positions, and that will allow players to contribute on multiple fronts, including special teams. This commitment to excellence in all three phases of the game will be crucial for Notre Dame as they make a run at the College Football Playoff.
Lessons to Lead Notre Dame into 2025
The lessons from Notre Dame’s 2025 spring practices are clear: the quarterback position is evolving with a blend of experience and youth, the offensive line is gaining depth and versatility, the defense is shifting to become more dynamic and aggressive, and special teams will play an instrumental role in swinging games. These lessons lay a strong foundation for the team’s performance in the upcoming season.
With these elements coming together, Notre Dame is well-positioned to not only contend for a playoff spot but potentially make a deep run in 2025. How these lessons play out over the course of the season will depend on execution, but the groundwork laid in spring practices offers a strong indication that Notre Dame is gearing up for a memorable and successful campaign.
