Introduction
The program of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football – often simply referred to as “Notre Dame football” – is steeped in tradition, national recognition and legacy. Whether you refer to it as Notre Dame, ND football, or the “Irish,” the program stands out among college football’s elite. In this article we’ll explore:
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Where Notre Dame is located and why that matters (“where is Notre Dame”)
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The current state of the program in 2025 under head coach Marcus Freeman (the “Notre Dame football coach”)
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Key players to know like Jeremiyah Love and Christian Gray
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The high-profile rivalry with the USC Trojans football (USC vs Notre Dame) and what’s at stake
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The 2025 schedule, where to watch Irish games (and specifically Notre Dame vs USC), predictions, storylines
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What it means for Notre Dame to remain independent in football, and how that shapes the future
By the end you’ll have a robust, SEO-friendly understanding of Notre Dame football, from tradition through to 2025.
Where Is Notre Dame & Why Location Matters
The University of Notre Dame is located in South Bend, Indiana, USA. The venue for the football program is the iconic Notre Dame Stadium, right on the campus of the university.
That geography is part of the mystique: a Catholic university in the Midwest, yet with a national footprint in college football. The setting plays into recruiting, game-day atmosphere, and the identity of the “Irish” program. South Bend may not be Los Angeles or Dallas, but it has its own prestige — especially when Notre Dame welcomes opponents like USC.
Program Overview: Notre Dame Football in 2025
Head Coach & Leadership
Marcus Freeman is leading the Irish as the head coach — the “Notre Dame football coach.” Per 2025 listings, he is in his 4th year as head coach. Under his leadership, Notre Dame is trying to compete at the highest levels while navigating roster transitions (especially at quarterback) and sustaining the program’s independent identity.
Independent Status
Unlike most top programs aligned with major conferences, Notre Dame continues as an independent in football. According to recent reporting, the school reaffirmed the independence, opting not to join a conference for its football program.
That independence offers freedom in scheduling and national exposure, but also comes with unique challenges: strength of schedule, playoff implications, and ensuring top opponents year after year.
2025 Roster & Key Names
Some notable names for the 2025 season include:
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Jeremiyah Love — A running back who has emerged as a workhorse in the offense.
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Christian Gray — A player mentioned in rosters and preview material.
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CJ Carr — Freshman quarterback, per previews.
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Jakobi Lane, Jadarian Price — Names appearing in roster/player mention lists for Notre Dame.
These players matter as Notre Dame navigates its schedule, rivalry games, and national ambitions.
2025 Notre Dame Football Schedule
One of the fundamental elements for fans is the “Notre Dame football schedule” (or “ND football schedule”). Here are key features of the 2025 schedule:
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The Irish open the season on August 31 at Miami(FL).
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Some home games include vs. Texas A&M (Sept 13), vs. Purdue (Sept 20), vs. Boise State (Oct 4), vs. NC State (Oct 11).
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The marquee matchup: Oct 18 2025 vs. USC – a game at Notre Dame Stadium, with kickoff at 7:30 p.m. Eastern (NBC).
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Later in the season: vs. Navy (Nov 8), vs. Syracuse (Nov 22) among others.
For fans looking for the full “Notre Dame University” football schedule for 2025-26, the official athletics site includes all games.
Where to Watch
If you’re wondering “where to watch Notre Dame Fighting Irish football vs USC Trojans football”, note:
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The NBC network and Peacock streaming service will carry numerous Notre Dame home games in 2025.
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For the USC vs Notre Dame game: NBC at 7:30 p.m. ET.
So, when planning to watch that marquee matchup (or others), check NBC/Peacock options and local listings.
Rivalry Spotlight: Notre Dame vs USC
One of college football’s most storied rivals is the showdown between Notre Dame and the USC Trojans. When you see keywords like “Notre Dame vs USC”, “USC Notre Dame”, “ND vs USC”, you’re referencing one of the marquee intersections in the sport.
Historical Context
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The series between the Fighting Irish and the Trojans is historic: Notre Dame leads the all-time matchup (e.g., 52-37-5) according to recent preview material.
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The rivalry is more than just a game: it carries national implications, recruiting splash, and media attention.
2025 Matchup: What to Know
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Date: Oct 18, 2025, 7:30 p.m. ET at Notre Dame Stadium.
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Game odds/predictions: Notre Dame is heavily favored (spread around –10 to –10.5) and the over/under around 60.5 points in many previews.
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Prediction models suggest a likely Notre Dame win with a mid-30s to high-20s score for USC. For example, one projection gives Notre Dame 34, USC 27.
Key Storylines in the Rivalry
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Can USC’s high-powered offense, led by their quarterback and scheme, challenge Notre Dame’s defense? Notre Dame has leaned on its defense and run game (e.g., Love) to offset some uncertainty at QB.
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For Notre Dame: A win helps maintain their College Football Playoff hopes, keeps the momentum under Coach Freeman, and stakes a claim among national elites.
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For USC: A victory in South Bend would be huge — they’ve struggled away from home in this series historically and defeating Notre Dame would bolster their profile.
Where to Watch This Rivalry Game
If you are looking specifically for “where to watch USC Trojans football vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish football match”, plan for:
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NBC (live television)
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Streaming on Peacock (for those with access)
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Check local listings for alternative platforms if NBC is unavailable in your region
Key Players & Contributors
Jeremiyah Love
A standout running back for the Irish. Previews highlight his emergence as a primary offensive weapon (with notable stats in recent games). He provides balance to the offense and is especially critical given the uncertainty at quarterback.
Christian Gray
Mentioned in roster contexts for 2025. While not as high-profile in media previews as Love, Gray represents depth and talent in the roster.
CJ Carr (QB)
With the departure of previous veteran quarterbacks, 2025 features Carr (and other young QBs) stepping in. According to previews, the QB room lacked experience.
Coach Marcus Freeman
Freeman’s leadership is under scrutiny and optimism: can he deliver another playoff-worthy season, navigate tough games (including USC), and handle the pressures that come with Notre Dame’s expectations?
Notre Dame’s Style of Play & Strategic Notes
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Offensively: The Irish appear to lean toward a balanced approach with an emphasis on the run game (Love) and controlled passing. That helps mitigate risks with a younger QB.
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Defensively: Attention is drawn to how Notre Dame’s defense is trending upward — previews mention solid recent performance, takeaways, and stopping quality offenses.
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Schedule Strength: Being independent gives flexibility but also the challenge of ensuring high-quality opponents. Notre Dame has emphasized that independence is beneficial.
2025 Predictions & Outlook
What’s at stake?
For Notre Dame: A strong season could mean a return to the College Football Playoff, national prominence, and validation of coaching and roster decisions.
For USC: Beating Notre Dame could strengthen their Big Ten (newer alignment) credentials, recruiting, and national standing.
Expert Predictions
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Models and picks lean toward Notre Dame winning the rivalry game, though often noting USC’s offense keeps it close.
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The over/under predictions suggest somewhat moderate scoring, possibly due to weather or defensive improvements.
What to Watch
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Will the young QB for the Irish rise up under pressure?
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Can Love continue to carry the load and break big plays?
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How will the Trojan offense fare against the Irish defense?
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External factors: Weather in South Bend (typically colder in October), home-field advantage, turnovers.
Bold Prediction
If I were to forecast: Notre Dame finishes the regular season with a record strong enough to earn them a playoff spot, with the USC game being a defining moment. The Irish win the rivalry game by a margin of 7–10 points, with Love rushing for over 100 yards and CJ Carr delivering efficient passing (no turnovers). The defense forces at least two turnovers.
Why Notre Dame Football Still Matters
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Tradition & Brand: Notre Dame remains one of the most recognizable names in college football globally.
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Recruiting & Reach: Their independent status gives them national scheduling flexibility, drawing recruits from across the country.
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Media & Exposure: With many games on NBC/Peacock, Notre Dame maximizes visibility.
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Rivalries & National Matchups: Games like Notre Dame vs USC matter for fans, history, and relevance.
FAQs & Quick Hits
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What is the “Notre Dame football schedule 2025”? See above for key games; official schedule lists all opponents, dates and times.
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Where to watch Notre Dame vs USC? NBC network and Peacock streaming. Kickoff at 7:30 p.m. ET on Oct 18 2025.
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Who is the head coach of Notre Dame? Marcus Freeman.
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What is the rivalry record between Notre Dame and USC? Notre Dame leads historically (around 52-37-5) in the matchup.
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Where is Notre Dame? South Bend, Indiana, USA.
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Who are key players? Jeremiyah Love, Christian Gray, CJ Carr, among others.
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What about USC’s quarterback/roster? Previews mention USC’s high-powered offense and the significance of their quarterback and scheme for the rivalry game.
Closing Thoughts
The story of Notre Dame football in 2025 is one of balancing legacy with evolution. The Irish are upholding tradition, navigating modern college-football dynamics (media, playoffs, scheduling) and facing high-stakes matchups like against USC. For fans, analysts, recruits and the broader college-football landscape, Notre Dame remains a program to watch.
