Notre Dame Riding Momentum as Playoff Push Intensifies

The 2025 season has seen Notre Dame emerge as a formidable playoff contender under head coach Marcus Freeman. The Fighting Irish (8-2) have won eight consecutive games, showcasing balance on both sides of the ball and a renewed sense of focus. As they prepare to host Syracuse on Saturday, the program’s momentum is building in South Bend, with fans and analysts taking notice of the team’s national standing.

Central to Notre Dame’s surge is star running back Jeremiyah Love, who has been a consistent offensive weapon. Love has already rushed for over 1,100 yards this season, recording 14 touchdowns and surpassing the 1,000-yard mark for a second consecutive year. His production has kept the offense dynamic, allowing the Irish to control tempo and sustain drives against top competition.

Love recently spoke candidly on The Pat McAfee Show about how this year’s team compares to last season’s squad, which reached the national championship game. He highlighted the team’s mental and emotional growth, emphasizing the strength of the current roster’s brotherhood and competitive edge.

According to Love, this year’s team has built on the lessons of last season, combining experience with a deeper sense of unity. “I feel like this team is really good, man. Compared to last season, I would say I feel like the brotherhood is there more. But, kudos to last year’s team and whatever we were able to accomplish,” Love said, reflecting on the journey and growth of the squad.

1. Brotherhood and Competitive Edge

Love emphasized that the team’s cohesion has become a defining factor this season. Players have forged stronger bonds both on and off the field, translating into improved performance in high-pressure situations. “We got the players, we got the culture, we got the coaches,” he noted, underscoring the collective mindset driving the Irish forward. The Fighting Irish’s success has not gone unnoticed in the national rankings. Notre Dame currently sits at No. 9 in the College Football Playoff standings, a position that keeps the program in the conversation but leaves little margin for error as the season concludes. Remaining matchups against Syracuse and Stanford are critical to improving the team’s résumé before the final CFP committee selections. Love highlighted the importance of focusing on each game while maintaining a long-term vision for postseason success. “We got to focus on the now, finish the season out, and once that’s over, we’re putting our foot on the gas and we’re going… we feel very confident in our ability to go out there and compete with anybody,” he said. The growing unity and competitive mentality of the roster is evident in Notre Dame’s performance, with the team responding positively to challenges and leveraging lessons learned from last year’s championship run. The combination of leadership, culture, and talent has made the Irish one of the most dangerous teams in the country entering the final stretch.

2. Love’s Offensive Impact

Running back Jeremiyah Love continues to be the centerpiece of Notre Dame’s offense. Against Pittsburgh, he amassed 147 rushing yards and scored a touchdown in a 37-15 victory, further solidifying his role as a key playmaker and Heisman contender. His ability to consistently move the chains has allowed Notre Dame to control games and sustain offensive drives. Love’s production this season reflects not only his talent but also the offensive line’s effectiveness and the coaching staff’s game-planning. The synergy between Love and his teammates has enabled the Irish to dominate time of possession and maintain scoring opportunities in tight contests. As the postseason approaches, Love’s performances will be closely watched, not just for his individual accolades but also for their impact on the team’s playoff chances. His success fuels the offense and gives Notre Dame a reliable weapon in critical moments. The combination of Love’s output and the team’s cohesive culture positions Notre Dame to remain a formidable opponent for any playoff-bound squad. His consistency also provides a narrative boost for the Fighting Irish in national discussions about top contenders.

3. Playoff Implications

Notre Dame’s eight-game winning streak has propelled the team back into the College Football Playoff conversation, but the final stretch of the season remains crucial. Upcoming matchups against Syracuse and Stanford are opportunities to strengthen their case to the selection committee. Head coach Marcus Freeman’s leadership has been instrumental in maintaining focus and consistency, ensuring that the team remains disciplined and competitive in every contest. The balance between offensive firepower and defensive stability has allowed Notre Dame to stay relevant in a crowded playoff race. Analysts will closely monitor the team’s ability to maintain momentum, avoid injuries, and execute in high-pressure situations. The Irish’s position in the top 10 demonstrates respect nationally, but only strong finishes against remaining opponents will solidify their postseason prospects. The combination of talent, culture, and leadership makes Notre Dame a team capable of competing at the highest level, with players like Jeremiyah Love embodying the program’s growth and competitive spirit heading into the final stretch of the 2025 season.