Phil Steele Ranks Notre Dame Among College Football’s Elite as Fighting Irish Aim for Championship Glory in 2025 Season
When Phil Steele talks college football, people listen. The veteran analyst and author of one of the most respected and comprehensive college football preview magazines in the country has made his voice known once again — and this time, Notre Dame is firmly in his spotlight. In his 2025 preseason rankings, Steele has placed the Fighting Irish near the very top, signaling that South Bend may finally be primed for a return to the sport’s summit.
The high ranking comes as no surprise to those following the trajectory of Notre Dame under head coach Marcus Freeman. Entering his fourth season at the helm, Freeman has continued to recruit aggressively, bolster the program’s physical identity, and refine its offensive and defensive systems. The team’s balance, experience, and explosive potential in 2025 have drawn widespread praise, but Steele’s endorsement is particularly notable given his historical accuracy and analytical rigor.
One of the key factors in Steele’s rankings is returning production — an area in which Notre Dame excels. The Irish bring back a seasoned offensive line that ranks among the best in the nation, a budding star quarterback ready to step into a leadership role, and a defense loaded with speed, power, and proven playmakers. Add to that one of the deepest running back rooms in the country and a coaching staff that’s begun to settle into a consistent rhythm, and it’s easy to understand the optimism.
Quarterback play has long been a determining factor in Notre Dame’s ceiling. With former transfer Riley Leonard fully healthy and commanding the offense, expectations are soaring. Leonard, who was limited last season due to injury, brings dual-threat capabilities that complement a power-run scheme and give the Irish a level of unpredictability that had been lacking. Reports from spring practices and early workouts suggest he’s fully integrated into the offense, with increased chemistry among receivers and backs.
Notre Dame’s wide receiver group, often a point of scrutiny in past years, looks far more dynamic this season. Players like Tobias Merriweather and Jayden Thomas are poised to have breakout campaigns, and the addition of explosive freshman talent has provided a much-needed injection of speed and vertical threat. This unit is expected to stretch defenses in ways that could open up the entire playbook for offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock, who rejoined the staff with a reputation for creativity and adaptability.
Then there’s the offensive line — the pride of Notre Dame football. Anchored by returning All-American tackles and bolstered by blue-chip depth, this group embodies the physicality and discipline Freeman has prioritized. Their ability to dominate at the point of attack, create running lanes, and protect the quarterback is a major reason for Steele’s confidence. When a team can control the line of scrimmage like Notre Dame projects to, it can compete with anyone in the country.
Defensively, the Irish may be even more formidable. The front seven is loaded with NFL talent, particularly at linebacker, where the trio of JD Bertrand, Jack Kiser, and Jaylen Sneed returns. These veterans bring not only experience but also speed and versatility, allowing Freeman and defensive coordinator Al Golden to deploy a range of fronts and blitz packages. The defensive line, too, is deep and disruptive, with edge rushers capable of collapsing pockets and stuffing the run.
Notre Dame’s secondary, a unit that has often been tested by modern offenses, is also among the more experienced in the country. Benjamin Morrison headlines the cornerback group, and his ability to lock down top receivers will be crucial in matchups against elite offenses like USC, Texas A&M, and Clemson. The safety duo of Xavier Watts and Ramon Henderson brings both range and physicality, rounding out a defense that looks ready to carry the team through a challenging schedule.
Speaking of that schedule, it’s one of the factors that makes Steele’s praise even more significant. Notre Dame faces a gauntlet in 2025, with road games against Texas A&M and Georgia Tech, plus home clashes with Florida State, USC, and a potential playoff-shaping battle against Michigan. Navigating that stretch will require not only elite talent, but also resilience and a touch of luck. Still, Steele’s ranking suggests he believes Notre Dame has what it takes to come out of the fire sharpened rather than singed.
Perhaps the most encouraging sign for Irish fans is the program’s overall trajectory. Under Freeman, Notre Dame has recruited at a top-10 level nationally, focusing on elite athletes, trench strength, and character. The culture shift has been evident — a renewed hunger, discipline, and togetherness that has translated into more consistent performances and fewer mental lapses in key moments. Freeman’s growth as a head coach has also been a storyline, as he’s matured into his role and gained the respect of both his team and the broader coaching community.
Special teams, often overlooked in preseason projections, are another area where Notre Dame holds an edge. Kicker Spencer Shrader and punter Bryce McFerson return as seasoned specialists, giving the Irish valuable field-position control. More importantly, the return game is poised to be a weapon, with speedy backs and receivers doubling as threats on punts and kickoffs. These hidden yards could be decisive in tight matchups, especially against top-tier opponents.
Recruiting momentum also plays a role in Steele’s confidence. The 2025 and 2026 classes are shaping up to be among the strongest Notre Dame has assembled in recent memory. This bodes well not only for depth but also for the competitive culture Freeman is cultivating — iron sharpening iron across every position group. Veterans are being pushed by hungry freshmen, and that competition is elevating the standard of performance day by day.
All of these factors combine to create what Phil Steele sees as a legitimate national title contender. While past Notre Dame teams have cracked the playoff or flirted with undefeated regular seasons, this year feels different. There’s a balance of experience and youth, a harmony between coaching and player leadership, and a renewed sense of belief in the mission.
Steele has always taken a measured approach to his rankings, resisting hype and media narratives in favor of data-driven analysis. That he places Notre Dame near the top of his list speaks volumes about the respect the Irish have earned. It also underscores how fine the margins are in college football. A single bounce of the ball, a key injury, or a missed opportunity can determine whether a season ends in glory or disappointment.
But if the stars align, Notre Dame is ready. The talent is there. The coaching is there. The national respect — as evidenced by Steele’s rankings — is there. What remains is for the Irish to seize their moment. The 2025 season offers a rare opportunity to reestablish Notre Dame among the true titans of the sport. And if they rise to the occasion, South Bend could once again find itself at the center of the college football universe.
Phil Steele’s recognition doesn’t guarantee wins or championships, but it does serve as a powerful indicator: Notre Dame football is back in the national conversation. And this time, they’re not just knocking on the door — they’re kicking it down.
