2024 SEASON-IN-REVIEW

Record: 14-2, Loss vs. Ohio State in National Championship (34-23)

The Irish finally arrived last season. In the new 12-team playoff format, Notre Dame was not eliminated with an early-season loss to Northern Illinois. Instead, a red-hot team entered the playoff on a 10-game winning streak to end the season. Notre Dame took down Indiana, Georgia, and Penn State on the way to the final game of the season.

OFFENSE: QB Matters but the Irish are Loaded Elsewhere

Of course, the quarterback is the most important position on the field.

It is important for CJ Carr to come in and replace Riley Leonard within the offense but either way, the team is loaded.

Jeremiyah Love returns as arguably the best running back in the nation. He scored 17 touchdowns last season and was one of the biggest offensive threats there was. He is not alone in the backfield. Jadarian Price rushed for 746 yards as well as being the kick returner.

On the outside, Jaden Greathouse returns after stepping up in the final two games of the season. Jordan Faison is another returner ready to take the next step. Notre Dame got a major boost by landing Virginia transfer Malachi Fields.

The Irish focused on improving the offensive line further in the transfer portal. It began with Indiana transfer Pat Coogan at center before. Anthoine Knapp will return to his post at left tackle while Aamil Wagner is another NFL prospect at the tackle spot.

DEFENSE: Can Notre Dame Overcome Adversity Once Again?

This was the theme of the 2024 season for the defense.

The unit overcame adversity in the form of injury and was able to play best when it mattered most. The Irish are hoping that it will not have much to overcome this season but adversity always gets in the way.

In the secondary, Xavier Watts is now in the NFL and the unit will need a new leader. Leonard Moore is back on the outside with Christian Gray on the other side. There is an experienced duo at cornerback to shut down both sides of the field.

Along with Watts, linebacker Jack Kiser is also in the NFL. Jaylen Sneed will step into an extended role on the weak side after 51 tackles, six for loss, last season. Drayk Bowen and Jaiden Ausberry will also take a step up on the depth chart.

Notre Dame might have gotten even bigger along the defensive line. Gabriel Rubio is a 322-pound interior lineman who can plug the middle while Jason Onye also comes in at 300 pounds.

2025 NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

• Sunday, Aug. 31: at Miami
• Saturday, Sept. 13: vs. Texas A&M
• Saturday, Sept. 20: vs. Purdue
• Saturday, Sept. 27: at Arkansas
• Saturday, Oct. 4: vs. Boise State
• Saturday, Oct. 11: vs. N.C. State
• Saturday, Oct. 18: vs. USC
• Saturday, Nov. 1: at Boston College
• Saturday, Nov. 8: vs. Navy
• Saturday, Nov. 15: at Pitt
• Saturday, Nov. 22: vs. Syracuse
• Saturday, Nov. 29: at Stanford