“NOTRE DAME LOADED FOR 2025: Fighting Irish Land Five Units in PFF’s Top 10, Highlighted by Nation’s No. 2 Backfield and Elite Defense”
Few programs in college football carry the storied tradition, national brand, and high expectations that define Notre Dame. Every fall, the Fighting Irish suit up not just to compete, but to contend for championships—and with the 2025 season on the horizon, the latest data from Pro Football Focus (PFF) confirms that this year’s squad could be one of the most balanced and dangerous in recent memory. With five different position groups ranked among the top 10 in the nation by PFF, including the No. 2 running back unit and elite units across both levels of the defense, Notre Dame is not just back in the conversation—they may very well be leading it.
The most eye-catching of PFF’s rankings is the No. 2 national placement for the Fighting Irish backfield. In an era where many top programs lean heavily on the pass, Notre Dame is prepared to dominate with a powerful, dynamic run game capable of controlling the tempo, wearing down defenses, and finishing drives in the red zone. Running backs who blend explosiveness with vision and physicality will serve as the engine of the offense. The return of high-caliber talent in the backfield, coupled with the physicality of the Irish’s offensive identity, has propelled the group into national contention. Whether it’s veteran leadership, home-run speed, or bruising consistency between the tackles, Notre Dame’s running backs will be a nightmare for opposing defenses all year long.
The offensive line, historically one of the cornerstones of Notre Dame’s success, comes in at No. 9 nationally according to PFF’s unit rankings. That ranking reflects a balance of returning experience, NFL-caliber talent, and developmental upside. The offensive line may not be the most dominant in the country on paper, but it’s more than capable of opening running lanes and giving time to a new quarterback to operate comfortably. Given Notre Dame’s strong tradition in the trenches, including multiple first-round picks and All-Americans over the past decade, expectations are that this group will outperform even its top-10 projection. Their ability to set the tone physically and protect the ball will be a key factor in how far the Irish go this season.
At receiver, the Irish come in at No. 10 in the nation—an encouraging sign for an area that has seen both criticism and growth in recent years. The 2025 receiving corps isn’t just fast—it’s deep, versatile, and mature. There are big-bodied red zone threats, sure-handed slot options, and blazing speed on the outside. Perhaps most importantly, this group is poised to complement the power-run game and keep opposing secondaries honest. Even more exciting is the infusion of new talent, including blue-chip recruits and transfer portal additions that bring fresh energy and unique skillsets to South Bend. The development of chemistry with the new signal caller will be essential, but the raw materials are there for a receiving corps that could outperform its already impressive ranking by season’s end.
Defensively, Notre Dame may be even more impressive. PFF ranks the linebacker unit as the fifth-best in the country—a testament to both the returning stars and the development within the program. This linebacker corps has everything: sideline-to-sideline speed, hard-hitting instincts, and a football IQ that allows them to diagnose plays quickly and get into position. These are not just good college players—they’re NFL-bound talents who bring leadership and toughness to a defense that will be counted on to win big games. Whether it’s in the run game, dropping into coverage, or blitzing off the edge, Notre Dame’s linebackers will play a vital role in disrupting opponents and creating turnovers.
Even more promising is the No. 3 national ranking for the Irish secondary. In today’s game, with wide-open offenses and elite quarterbacks everywhere, having a top-tier defensive back unit is essential for title contention. Notre Dame has assembled a group that not only locks down receivers but creates chaos. Ballhawks at corner and physical, instinctive safeties make this unit a complete, suffocating force. Their ability to generate turnovers, limit explosive plays, and hold strong in the red zone gives the Irish a legitimate chance to win games with defense—especially when the stakes are highest in the postseason. Depth, discipline, and a relentless mentality define this group, and opposing offensive coordinators will spend sleepless nights game-planning around them.
The implications of having five top-10 units run deep. College football is increasingly a game of matchups, and having multiple elite units on both sides of the ball gives Notre Dame flexibility and strength in every phase. They can grind out wins with the run game, stretch the field with their receivers, win the line of scrimmage, and trust their defense to close the door. These rankings are more than just preseason praise—they’re a reflection of a deep, talented roster that has been built intentionally through recruiting, development, and portal strategy. Head coach Marcus Freeman and his staff deserve credit for assembling a roster that is not just competitive, but championship-caliber.
And this year feels different. While Notre Dame has consistently been competitive in recent seasons, they often entered the national spotlight with glaring holes—whether it was depth at receiver, inconsistencies at quarterback, or a lack of explosiveness in key positions. This year, there are fewer question marks and far more reasons for optimism. The units are not just good individually; they fit together cohesively. A strong run game protects a developing passing attack. An elite secondary gives the front seven more time to make plays. It’s all working in unison toward the ultimate goal.
Of course, talent on paper doesn’t guarantee anything. The Irish will still need to execute week in and week out against one of the toughest schedules in the country. They’ll face hostile road environments, elite quarterbacks, and pressure-packed moments where preparation must meet execution. But with the personnel they’ve assembled, there’s every reason to believe that this team has both the talent and the toughness to rise to those moments.
Leadership will be critical. Veteran players returning with something to prove will help guide the younger stars through the fire of expectation. And those younger players, many of whom are already turning heads in summer workouts, will bring the hunger and urgency needed to compete for a College Football Playoff berth. There’s a unique blend of experience and youth that often characterizes championship teams, and Notre Dame appears to have found that balance.
Momentum off the field is growing too. Recruiting continues to trend upward, facilities are improving, and the overall energy within the program suggests a group ready to take the next step. Freeman’s leadership style, which emphasizes culture, accountability, and relentless effort, is resonating not just within the locker room, but across the national landscape. Recruits see the direction. Opponents see the depth chart. Fans see the promise.
What separates Notre Dame from others in 2025 may not be just the stars on the field, but the ability to win in multiple ways. Some games will require grinding out tough yardage and leaning on the run game. Others will demand a high-octane offense and timely deep shots. Still others will be defensive slugfests where one turnover makes the difference. The Irish appear capable of thriving in any of those scenarios.
Critics will point to recent history and ask whether Notre Dame can finally break through. The Irish have made the College Football Playoff before, only to fall short against teams like Alabama and Clemson. But this 2025 roster appears to be better built for those matchups—faster, deeper, and more balanced. With five top-10 position units, including elite-level talent at critical spots, this team enters the fall not just hoping for greatness, but expecting it.
The path won’t be easy. The margin for error in college football is razor thin, especially for teams chasing perfection. But Notre Dame’s position in the PFF rankings is a strong indication that they’re closer than they’ve been in years. From South Bend to stadiums across the country, the message is clear: the Fighting Irish are not just relevant—they’re loaded.
This fall, Notre Dame won’t sneak up on anyone. They’ll be the hunted, not the hunters. But with a stable of dominant running backs, a seasoned and physical offensive line, explosive receivers, and one of the best defenses in the country, they may finally have the roster to go toe-to-toe with the sport’s biggest names and walk away with the ultimate prize. The Fighting Irish are back—and they’re coming for it all.
