Notre Dame is contemporary off a formidable run to the School Soccer Playoff Nationwide Championship, taking full benefit of the primary 12 months of the 12-team format whereas marching to Atlanta because the No. 7 seed. Because the calendar turns to the offseason, all the focus now could be centered solely on whether or not the Combating Irish will run it again in 2025. 

With how coach Marcus Freeman has recruited and developed expertise — Notre Dame has improved its win whole in every of its three years below his steering — the Irish definitely venture as one of many prime groups in faculty soccer subsequent season. CBS Sports activities’ Brandon Marcello ranked Notre Dame No. 7 in his post-spring prime 25. 

Now we’ve extra particulars in regards to the path that Notre Dame should take again to the postseason because the Combating Irish not too long ago launched the kickoff instances for all of their residence video games in 2025. Provided that Notre Dame is an unbiased, the common season is its solely probability to construct a résumé for the choice committee to think about. 

With that in thoughts, the Irish could have loads of possibilities to impress with a stacked residence slate that includes loads of outstanding opponents and prime-time clashes. 

Notre Dame 2025 residence soccer schedule

• vs. Texas A&M (Sept. 13; 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC) 
• vs. Purdue (Sept. 20; 3:30 p.m. on NBC) 
• vs. Boise State (Oct. 4; 3:30 p.m. on NBC) 
• vs. NC State (Oct. 11; 3:30 p.m. on Peacock) 
• vs. USC (Oct. 18; 7:30 p.m. on NBC) 
• vs. Navy (Nov. 8; 7:30 p.m. on NBC)
• vs. Syracuse (Nov. 22; 3:30 p.m. on NBC) 

A few of Notre Dame’s most impactful video games will come inside the pleasant confines of Notre Dame Stadium. After opening the 12 months at Miami — a marquee matchup that carries its personal postseason implications — Notre Dame will get a bye earlier than internet hosting what must be a top-25 Texas A&M squad. The Irish additionally must journey to Arkansas on Sept. 27, however residence tilt towards historic rival Purdue is sandwiched between these two SEC clashes. 

So, within the first month of the season, Notre Dame has to play two probably ranked opponents and three faculties from both the SEC or the Massive Ten. That is a main alternative to stack significant wins and instantly bury any questions on energy of schedule — a hot-button matter anytime the School Soccer Playoff is mentioned. 

Notre Dame’s showdown towards Boise State the primary weekend of October is especially attention-grabbing. The Broncos gained 12 video games in 2024, captured the Mountain West championship and earned a first-round bye within the School Soccer Playoff. They principally survived each switch home windows, although they misplaced All-American working again Ashton Jeanty to the NFL Draft and are shaping as much as be a Group of 5 entrance runner as soon as extra. 

What’s subsequent for Notre Dame after CFP Nationwide Championship loss? Irish have to be higher via the air

Richard Johnson

Staying within the Group of 5 ranks, Notre Dame additionally hosts a Navy staff that gained 10 video games, capped by a victory towards Oklahoma within the Armed Forces Bowl, in 2024. The Midshipmen return star quarterback Blake Horvath, who completed the 2024 marketing campaign with 30 whole touchdowns. 

Video games towards USC and Syracuse additionally stand out as important challenges later within the 12 months. The Orange blew all expectations out of the water by posting a 10-3 document of their first 12 months below coach Fran Brown. Given Brown’s repute as a recruiter, the expectation is that Syracuse will proceed to enhance yearly. 

Total, in 2025, Notre Dame has to play 4 groups that gained at the least 10 video games final season and 9 that certified for the postseason in some capability, be it the School Soccer Playoff or a bowl sport. All 5 of its away video games come towards Energy 4 opponents. 

It is not going to be a straightforward highway again for the Irish. That first month presents an incredible hurdle, and Notre Dame’s document in that four-game stretch will probably outline what sort of staff the Combating Irish are in 2025. 

However scheduling such a difficult slate does include some upside. Freeman’s squad ought to have loads of leeway because it navigates the trail — a lot in order that, on the naked minimal, a 10-win Notre Dame staff looks like a digital lock to make the 12-team School Soccer Playoff subject. 

Odds under by way of FanDuel Sportsbook. 

Notre Dame win whole decide, prediction 

Might Notre Dame win 11 regular-season video games in 2025? Completely. It would not be stunning in any respect. However the Combating Irish may very properly stumble a bit early within the 12 months as they break in a brand new, largely inexperienced beginning quarterback. Having to face Miami on the highway within the season opener will likely be a baptism by hearth for both CJ Carr or Kenny Minchey, and Texas A&M’s salty protection awaits two weeks later. If Notre Dame at the least splits these video games, then it is in fine condition for 11 wins, nevertheless it can also’t sleep towards probably robust opponents like Boise State, USC and Syracuse later within the 12 months. The sensible guess, proper now, is to go slightly below the win whole that oddsmakers have set, even when the Irish are able to exceeding it. Decide: Below 10.5 (-188)