Notre Dame Secures Strong Spot in 2025 Preseason Composite Rankings as Irish Aim to Capitalize on Momentum and Depth
As the 2025 college football season draws closer, preseason rankings are once again at the forefront of discussion, and Notre Dame finds itself in a promising position. In the latest composite Top 25 rankings, which aggregate polls and projections from major outlets like ESPN, 247Sports, CBS Sports, and The Athletic, the Fighting Irish sit firmly in the Top 10—a position reflective of their talent-laden roster, returning experience, and increased national respect under head coach Marcus Freeman.
These composite rankings aim to provide a consensus snapshot of the national landscape by balancing analytics, recruiting evaluations, returning production, and coaching continuity. While preseason rankings are never definitive predictors of postseason success, they offer a window into how Notre Dame is perceived entering a pivotal campaign that could mark Freeman’s true breakthrough season.
Coming off a 10-3 finish in 2024 and a bowl victory over a ranked SEC opponent, Notre Dame heads into the 2025 season with stability, momentum, and a realistic shot at the College Football Playoff. The Irish are ranked No. 7 in the composite Top 25—just behind powerhouses like Georgia, Ohio State, Alabama, Texas, Oregon, and Michigan, and ahead of programs such as LSU, Penn State, and Florida State.
So, what exactly has earned the Irish this strong position in a crowded field of national contenders?
First and foremost, Notre Dame returns a deep and experienced roster at key positions. Quarterback CJ Carr, a highly-touted former five-star recruit, is expected to take full control of the offense after flashing potential in limited action as a freshman. His development under new offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock, returning to South Bend after a successful stint at LSU, is one of the most anticipated storylines in the sport. Carr has arm talent, composure, and mobility—and most importantly, he will be operating behind one of the best offensive lines in the country.
Despite the unfortunate injury to projected starter Charles Jagusah, Notre Dame’s offensive line room remains elite. Veterans like Blake Fisher and Joe Alt (should he return instead of heading to the NFL) anchor a unit that is still considered a Top 5 line nationally. This group is expected to pave the way for a deep backfield led by Jadarian Price and Jeremiyah Love, two dynamic runners who offer both explosive plays and pass-catching versatility.
On the perimeter, Notre Dame has finally reloaded at wide receiver. Tobias Merriweather returns as a big-bodied deep threat, while rising stars like Jaden Greathouse and Jordan Faison give Carr multiple playmaking options. Tight end Holden Staes is also primed for a breakout season in Denbrock’s tight end-friendly offense, ensuring that the Irish have no shortage of weapons.
Defensively, Notre Dame’s placement in the Top 10 is just as much about returning dominance as it is about upside. Al Golden’s defense finished 2024 ranked in the Top 10 nationally in points allowed and total defense, and many of the key contributors are back for another year. Up front, Howard Cross III leads a defensive line that blends speed and power, while edge rushers like Jordan Botelho and Boubacar Traore provide consistent pressure off the edge.
Linebacker play will be a strength again, with Jaylen Sneed ready to emerge as a national name. In the secondary, Notre Dame boasts arguably the best safety duo in the country. Xavier Watts, last season’s All-American and Jim Thorpe Award finalist, returns alongside rising junior Ben Minich, giving the Irish range, physicality, and intelligence on the back end.
Depth is also one of the most important reasons for Notre Dame’s composite ranking. Unlike in years past, when the Irish would rely on a thin margin of error due to depth concerns, the 2025 roster is filled with players ready to contribute if injuries strike. This is the result of back-to-back Top 10 recruiting classes and a selective yet impactful use of the transfer portal. Freeman and his staff have blended developmental players with plug-and-play contributors, ensuring competitiveness at nearly every position group.
Another major factor working in Notre Dame’s favor is the 2025 schedule. While difficult—as always—it is slightly more balanced than previous years. The Irish open with a manageable slate that allows them to build rhythm and confidence before facing stiffer competition. Crucial games include a home matchup against Ohio State, a road trip to USC, and a midseason game at Lambeau Field versus Wisconsin. Win two of those three, and Notre Dame will have a clear path to the Playoff.
The Ohio State matchup, in particular, is being circled as a potential top-five clash that could have CFP implications. Last year’s narrow loss to the Buckeyes in South Bend still lingers, and the rematch offers a redemption opportunity with a more mature quarterback and deeper defensive front. That game alone could define the season and, perhaps, Freeman’s trajectory as Notre Dame’s long-term leader.
From a national perspective, Notre Dame’s No. 7 composite ranking reflects respect—but also skepticism. Critics point to past instances where the Irish stumbled in big games or struggled to match the physicality of elite SEC programs. Others question whether Carr, despite his talent, can truly lead a CFP-caliber team in just his second season.
Still, this version of Notre Dame looks and feels different. The gap in team speed has narrowed. The depth is better. The recruiting is more consistent. And most importantly, the confidence is real. Players and coaches alike have embraced Freeman’s vision of a tougher, faster, and smarter team—one that not only gets to the big stage but is ready to win on it.
Looking at the teams ahead of Notre Dame in the composite Top 25, it’s easy to see why the Irish aren’t higher. Georgia remains loaded with NFL talent. Michigan and Ohio State continue to recruit and develop at an elite level. Oregon, with its high-octane offense, returns Bo Nix for a final Heisman campaign. Alabama, even with some uncertainty post-Saban, still carries unmatched pedigree.
But unlike in years past, Notre Dame now belongs in that conversation. The difference between No. 7 and No. 3 may come down to a single win or a game-changing injury. The Irish are no longer viewed as overachievers or nostalgic favorites—they are now considered legitimate contenders on merit.
The pressure will be high, but so will the rewards. A top-10 preseason ranking places Notre Dame on the Playoff radar from Day 1. Win convincingly early, and they’ll rise fast. Stumble, and the margin for error shrinks dramatically. In a 12-team Playoff era, consistency will be key, and Notre Dame’s experience gives it an edge in surviving the gauntlet.
Beyond team performance, the Irish also benefit from strong institutional support and modern infrastructure. From upgraded training facilities to expanded NIL support and academic flexibility for student-athletes, Notre Dame is doing what it takes to compete in today’s evolving college football landscape.
The 2025 season will be about more than just wins and rankings—it’s about establishing Notre Dame as a perennial title threat in the new era. With Marcus Freeman’s program now stabilized, a talented young quarterback ready to emerge, and one of the most complete rosters in the country, the Irish are in position to turn high expectations into tangible results.
The No. 7 spot in the preseason composite rankings is not a ceiling—it’s a starting point. It signals national respect, but not national fear. If Notre Dame wants to reclaim its seat among the elite of the elite, it will need to beat the teams ranked above it and do so convincingly.
This season offers that opportunity. The pieces are in place. The talent is real. The path is clear. Now it’s time for Notre Dame to prove that the hype is justified—and that No. 7 is just the beginning of something far bigger.
