Previewing Notre Dame's Playoff Push: A Game-by-Game Look at the Fighting Irish's Remaining 2025 Schedule

📸 Credit: @ndfootball on X

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are charging toward the finish line of the 2025 regular season with momentum on their side. After stumbling out of the gate with losses to Miami (FL) and Texas A&M, the Irish have rattled off five consecutive victories, capped by a gritty 34-24 home win over No. 20 USC on October 18. That surge has vaulted them to No. 12 in the latest AP Poll, with a 5-2 overall record. As an independent, every snap counts in their quest for a College Football Playoff spot, and with five games remaining—all winnable but not without challenges—the Irish hold their postseason fate in their own hands. A 10-2 finish would make a compelling case in the expanded 12-team format, especially if they avoid slip-ups.

Nov. 1 vs. Boston College

The Irish open November at home against a reeling Boston College squad that's winless in ACC play and mired in a six-game skid. Bill O'Brien's Eagles have shown flashes of offensive grit, but their defense ranks near the bottom nationally in points allowed. Notre Dame, fresh off the USC battle, should use this as a get-right opportunity to sharpen red-zone efficiency and give backups reps.

Nov. 8 vs. Navy

This classic service academy clash brings undefeated Navy to Notre Dame Stadium for the first time since 2021. The Midshipmen (6-0) are executing Brian Newberry's triple-option to perfection, averaging 350 rushing yards per game and holding opponents to just 10 points. QB Blake Horvath has been surgical, but Navy's lack of passing threats plays into ND's aggressive secondary.

Nov. 15 at Pitt

No game screams "must-win" like the annual trip to face Pat Narduzzi's Panthers in the Steel City. Pitt sits at 5-2 after road upsets over Florida State and Syracuse, with a dynamic offense paced by RB Desmond Reid. The Panthers' 3-4 scheme has stifled big plays, but ND holds a 5-2 edge in the last seven meetings.

Nov. 22 vs. Syracuse

Syracuse limps into South Bend on a three-game losing streak. The Orange boast an upset win over Clemson, but have crumbled against physical fronts, allowing 200+ rush yards in losses.

Nov. 29 at Stanford

The finale takes ND to Palo Alto for a rare ACC-Independent clash against a middling Stanford team. Interim coach Frank Reich has stabilized the Cardinals with balanced scoring, but their defense has surrendered 30 or more points in three straight games. Travel fatigue could loom after Thanksgiving, but the Irish have won seven of the last eight in this series.

The Big Picture

At 5-2, Notre Dame sits on the playoff bubble, but this schedule is a gift—only one true road game and no top-10 foes. Win out, and the committee can't ignore their resume: quality wins over some outstanding teams. A slip against Navy or Pitt could drop them to three losses, making Selection Sunday a sweat. But with Freeman's poise and the magic of Love and Price, the Irish look primed for their second CFP in two years. 

Go Irish!