Notre Dame Climbs to No. 10 After Sixth Straight Win, Keeps Playoff Hopes Alive

Notre Dame’s early-season struggles now feel like a distant memory. After opening the 2025 campaign with back-to-back losses, the Fighting Irish have found their rhythm, extending their winning streak to six games with a 25–10 victory over Boston College on Saturday. The win pushed Notre Dame up two spots to No. 10 in the latest Associated Press Top 25, signaling a return to national relevance as the regular season heads into November.

Head coach Marcus Freeman credited his players’ persistence while acknowledging that the toughest part of the schedule still lies ahead. “We know there’s a lot of things to clean up,” Freeman told reporters after the win. “The challenges will get tougher. As you move farther into November, everything is magnified.”

The victory over Boston College was methodical rather than flashy. Notre Dame controlled possession, leaned on its ground game, and limited defensive breakdowns—an area that plagued the team earlier this season. The defense, now steadied under Freeman’s closer supervision, has become the backbone of the team’s turnaround.

While the Irish are far from a finished product, their resilience has brought them back into playoff conversation. After appearing in the national championship game last season, Notre Dame is determined to make another late-season push to stay in contention.

1. Defensive Overhaul Fuels Turnaround

The first two weeks of the season exposed glaring issues in Notre Dame’s defense. Losses to Miami (FL) and Texas A&M left the Irish struggling to stop the run and create pressure. Recognizing the urgency, Freeman decided to take a more hands-on role with the defensive play-calling—a move that has paid off in a major way. Since that adjustment, Notre Dame has held opponents under 20 points in five of six games, including a statement win over rival USC. The defense’s renewed energy and discipline have provided balance to an offense that continues to find its identity under a new system. Veteran linebackers have anchored the turnaround, while a deeper rotation along the defensive line has improved consistency in the second half of games. Notre Dame’s ability to limit big plays has also allowed the offense to play with greater control, avoiding the early deficits that defined the season’s opening stretch. Freeman’s leadership through adversity has earned praise from within the program. Players have described the shift as one of renewed focus and accountability—qualities that could be pivotal as Notre Dame navigates its final four games with playoff stakes hanging in the balance.

2. Offensive Spark and Lingering Concerns

On offense, the emergence of running back Jeremiyah Love has given the Irish much-needed stability. Against Boston College, Love carried the load with 17 rushes for 136 yards and two touchdowns, including several explosive plays that broke the game open. His balance of power and speed has helped ease the pressure on the passing game, which has been inconsistent but improving. The offensive line has also shown growth, particularly in run blocking, giving Notre Dame a physical edge reminiscent of its stronger teams from recent years. When the offense can control tempo, the Irish become difficult to beat—a formula that has carried them through their current win streak. However, special teams have emerged as a persistent problem. Against Boston College, Notre Dame used three different kickers, all of whom missed attempts. Freeman expressed visible frustration after the game, saying, “We’re going to keep putting guys in there until we consistently have somebody who can put the football through the field goal posts. And if you rotate three kickers, you don’t have one.” If left unresolved, the kicking inconsistency could become costly in tighter matchups down the stretch. With upcoming games against Navy, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, and Stanford, every point will matter as Notre Dame fights to maintain its postseason hopes.

3. Road Ahead: Momentum Meets Pressure

As Notre Dame moves into the final month of the season, the margin for error is slim. At 6–2, the Irish remain on the fringes of the playoff conversation, but they likely need to win out and receive help from other top programs to earn a berth. Their remaining schedule presents a mix of challenges. Navy’s disciplined defense, Pittsburgh’s physical front, and Stanford’s late-season resilience all pose potential hurdles. Yet, the Irish have already shown the ability to respond under pressure, transforming an 0–2 start into one of the most impressive midseason recoveries in college football. Freeman’s emphasis on fundamentals and adaptability has re-energized the locker room. Players have embraced a week-by-week mentality, aware that any slip could derail their postseason ambitions. “Everything is magnified,” Freeman said, emphasizing that focus and consistency will define the closing stretch. For a team once left for dead in September, Notre Dame’s resurgence is proof of its enduring competitiveness and culture. The path to the College Football Playoff remains narrow—but not impossible.