The 2025 college football season is poised to be a transformative year for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. After a tumultuous few seasons, the Irish are entering a new chapter in their storied history, one defined by uncertainty at the quarterback position and heightened expectations from their fanbase. With a tradition of success and a desire to return to national prominence, Notre Dame finds itself at a crossroads as it seeks to overcome challenges on the field and continue to build on its legacy.
At the heart of this transition is the quarterback position—a pivotal role in any team’s success. Notre Dame enters the 2025 season with a quarterback battle that has drawn attention from across the college football world. Who will emerge as the signal-caller for the Irish? And how will this decision impact their chances of contending for a national championship? The answers to these questions are critical not just for the program’s success, but also for the aspirations of its fanbase, alumni, and future recruits.
In this analysis, we will explore Notre Dame’s quarterback situation, the expectations surrounding the team for the 2025 season, and how the Irish can navigate this transitional period to set themselves up for long-term success.
The Quarterback Battle
The quarterback battle is undoubtedly the most intriguing aspect of Notre Dame’s 2025 season. Historically, the Irish have been a program that has churned out high-quality quarterbacks, but in recent years, they have faced challenges in finding a true leader under center. As the 2025 season approaches, there are several candidates vying for the starting role, each with their own strengths, weaknesses, and potential.
1. Sam Hartman (Graduate Transfer from Wake Forest)
One of the most talked-about additions to the Notre Dame roster is quarterback Sam Hartman, who transferred from Wake Forest in the offseason. Hartman is a proven quarterback at the collegiate level, with over 10,000 passing yards and 110 touchdowns to his name. He is known for his strong arm, ability to read defenses, and calm under pressure. Hartman’s decision to transfer to Notre Dame has raised expectations for the team, as many see him as the player who can take the Irish offense to the next level.
While Hartman’s experience and production at Wake Forest are unquestionable, his transition to a new system in Notre Dame will be one of the key factors to watch. Head coach Marcus Freeman and offensive coordinator Gerad Parker will need to ensure that Hartman can quickly adapt to the offensive scheme at Notre Dame, which may differ from what he was accustomed to at Wake Forest. However, if Hartman can quickly get comfortable, he could provide the Irish with the stability and leadership they have been missing at the quarterback position.
2. Tyler Buchner (Sophomore)
Tyler Buchner is another key figure in Notre Dame’s quarterback competition. After a promising freshman season in 2022, Buchner entered the 2023 season as the starter but suffered a season-ending injury early on. While his injury set him back, it didn’t erase the potential he showed during his brief time on the field. Buchner is a dynamic dual-threat quarterback, capable of making plays with both his arm and legs. His ability to extend plays and create opportunities in the open field makes him a dangerous weapon for opposing defenses.
However, Buchner’s lack of experience and his injury history may hinder his chances of securing the starting job in 2025. While he possesses the raw talent, he will need to show improved consistency in the passing game and prove that he can stay healthy for an entire season. If he can develop as a passer and refine his decision-making, Buchner could be the future of the Notre Dame quarterback position.
3. Steve Angeli (Freshman)
Steve Angeli, a highly touted recruit from the 2025 class, is another player who could factor into the quarterback competition. While he is a freshman and relatively unproven at the college level, Angeli’s talent and potential have generated buzz. He possesses a strong arm and excellent mechanics, which make him a natural fit for the pro-style offense that Notre Dame often employs. Angeli’s ability to read defenses and make quick decisions will be crucial as he looks to compete for the starting job.
It is unlikely that Angeli will start in 2025, but his presence on the roster adds depth to the quarterback position. If Hartman or Buchner struggles, Angeli could be called upon to provide a spark. Additionally, if he shows significant improvement throughout the season, he could become a key player for the Irish in the years to come.
4. The Impact of the Quarterback Battle on the Team
The quarterback competition is not only about finding the right player to lead the offense—it is also about setting the tone for the entire team. A strong, capable quarterback can elevate the play of the entire roster, boosting confidence and providing a sense of stability. Conversely, a quarterback who struggles to find consistency can lead to frustration and affect the performance of the other players.
For head coach Marcus Freeman, the quarterback battle will be one of the most important decisions of his tenure at Notre Dame. Freeman has demonstrated leadership and a commitment to developing young talent, but he has yet to experience the success that the Irish fanbase expects from their program. How he handles the quarterback situation will go a long way in determining his legacy at Notre Dame.
The Importance of Offensive and Defensive Balance
While the quarterback position is crucial, Notre Dame’s success in 2025 will not rest solely on the shoulders of the signal-caller. The team’s ability to achieve offensive and defensive balance will play a pivotal role in its ability to compete at the highest level.
1. Offensive Scheme Under Gerad Parker
Offensive coordinator Gerad Parker will be tasked with crafting a game plan that maximizes the strengths of whichever quarterback earns the starting role. Parker, who has experience coaching at both the collegiate and professional levels, has a reputation for being a versatile and creative play-caller. In 2025, he will need to incorporate elements of the Irish offense that allow for both a strong passing game and a balanced rushing attack.
The running back position will also be key to Notre Dame’s success. The Irish have a stable of talented running backs, including standout players who can wear down opposing defenses and provide play-action opportunities for the quarterback. A successful rushing attack will ease the burden on the quarterback and allow for more flexibility in the playbook. By keeping opposing defenses on their heels, Parker can ensure that the Irish offense is unpredictable and difficult to defend.
2. Defensive Strengths and Key Players
While the offense garners much of the attention due to the quarterback battle, the Notre Dame defense is one of the program’s greatest strengths. The Irish have a history of fielding dominant defenses, and 2025 should be no different. With defensive coordinator Al Golden at the helm, the Irish defense is built on speed, athleticism, and discipline.
Notre Dame’s defense will be anchored by several standout players, including star linebackers, dominant defensive linemen, and a secondary that boasts potential playmakers at every position. The defensive line, in particular, has the potential to be one of the best in the country, with a combination of experienced players and young talent eager to make their mark. The defense will need to step up and keep the team in games, especially if the quarterback position remains in flux during the early part of the season.
3. Special Teams: An Often Overlooked Factor
In addition to offense and defense, special teams play a crucial role in determining the outcome of games. Notre Dame has consistently had solid special teams play, and in 2025, this area could prove to be a difference-maker. Whether it’s through field goals, punting, or kickoff returns, Notre Dame must maintain its edge in special teams to ensure that it maximizes field position and takes advantage of every opportunity.
Expectations for 2025: Contending for a National Championship
Given the talent on both sides of the ball, the 2025 season presents a unique opportunity for Notre Dame to return to the College Football Playoff and potentially contend for a national championship. However, the Irish will face stiff competition from other powerhouse programs, including Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, and Clemson. To make a legitimate title run, Notre Dame will need to navigate a difficult schedule, stay healthy, and find stability at the quarterback position.
1. A Tough Schedule
Notre Dame’s 2025 schedule is packed with challenging matchups, including games against top-ranked teams in the ACC and SEC. The Irish will need to take advantage of their home-field advantage at Notre Dame Stadium and ensure that they are prepared for every game, especially those on the road. A strong showing in these marquee matchups will go a long way in boosting Notre Dame’s playoff chances.
2. Development and Depth
For Notre Dame to achieve its lofty expectations, the team must develop depth at every position. Injuries are inevitable in college football, and a team’s ability to overcome adversity and plug holes in the roster is crucial for sustained success. The Irish will need young players to step up and contribute, whether it’s at quarterback, on the defensive line, or in the receiving corps.
3. A National Championship Contender?
Ultimately, the goal for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in 2025 is to compete for a national championship. While the team may not enter the season as the clear favorite, it possesses the talent, coaching, and potential to make a run at the College Football Playoff. The success of the quarterback battle will be a defining factor in whether the Irish can fulfill these lofty expectations. Whether Hartman, Buchner, or another player steps up, the quarterback position will play a key role in determining Notre Dame’s fate.
