Notre Dame Fighting Irish Football: Phil Steele 2025 Forecast

Notre Dame was one win away from securing the national title last season. Although the Fighting Irish came up short, fans won’t forget the 2024 run anytime soon. College football expert Phil Steele believes Notre Dame has more good times ahead, largely thanks to the team’s offense.

Offense

“This year they again lose their QB but have my #2 rated RB’s led by Jeremiyah Love and my #3 rated OLine plus the best (#14) WR corps [Marcus] Freeman has had here,” Steele wrote. “The last 3 years they had veteran transfer QB’s. This time they are inexperienced at that spot but my computer is calling for 35.8 [points per game].”

Notre Dame is returning five starters on offense from last season. As Steele mentioned, that group doesn’t include quarterback Riley Leonard, who electrified Notre Dame’s offense last season.

Instead, the Fighting Irish will either be led by CJ Carr or Kenny Minchey. Neither player has any substantial experience and will be forced to learn as the season progresses.

Thankfully for Carr and Minchey, Notre Dame has an excellent supporting casts. The team is returning three starters on the offensive line, along with several backups who gained plenty of experience last season due to injury issues.

Most notably, Notre Dame is bringing back running back Jeremiyah Love, who tallied 1,125 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns last season. Of course, Notre Dame won’t be able to solely rely on its offense to make another run for the national title.

Defense

“Last year 9 starters were back and they had my #11 rated DLine and #6 Secondary. My computer called for them to allow 293 ypg and they allowed 295!” Steele wrote. “This year seven starters are back with DT the only question on defense as they remain one of the nation’s best.”

Notre Dame’s defense should give opponents headaches in 2025. The team allowed just 307.4 yards per game last season, the 11th-least in the country.

The Fighting Irish are running it back with linebacker Drayk Bowen and safety Adon Shuler, who were two of team’s top five tackle leaders last season. Additionally, cornerback Christian Gray is returning after tallying three interceptions in the 2024 campaign.

This season will be Notre Dame’s first under defensive coordinator Chris Ash. Ash has a surplus of experience at both the NFL and collegiate level. He was the co-defensive coordinator in 2014 when Ohio State won the national championship.

2025 Forecast

All things considered, Phil Steele feels confident in Notre Dame this fall. In fact, he believes they could end up winning it all.

“This year they are inexperienced at QB and DT but loaded everywhere else ND has gone from #18AP to #14 to #2 and this is year four for HC Freeman,” Steele said. “They could be favored in every game this year. They are now are loaded with playoff experience and have a great shot at taking the next step and winning it all.”