Notre Dame Begins 2025 Season Ranked No. 5 in Coaches Poll

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish enter the 2025 college football season with high expectations, debuting at No. 5 in the preseason Coaches Poll. This strong placement reflects both the team’s historic reputation and the confidence national coaches have in the roster that head coach Marcus Freeman has assembled. With the season just weeks away, the Irish are already drawing attention as one of the teams poised to make a legitimate College Football Playoff run.

Strong Recognition Heading Into the Season

The preseason Coaches Poll is always a closely watched indicator of how programs are viewed across the country, and for Notre Dame, starting in the top five is a major statement. A ranking this high demonstrates that the Irish are considered not just a contender for a New Year’s Six bowl but also a realistic threat to compete for a national title.

The No. 5 ranking places Notre Dame behind only perennial powerhouses like Texas, Ohio State, Georgia, and Alabama, signaling the respect the program continues to earn under Freeman. While preseason polls are often fueled by potential rather than results, coaches’ votes suggest confidence in the Irish’s returning talent, offseason development, and their ability to navigate a competitive 2025 schedule.

Freeman’s Program Continues Its Ascension

Since taking over the program, Freeman has made it clear that his goal is to position Notre Dame firmly in the College Football Playoff conversation every year. After steady improvement during his early tenure, this preseason ranking is further validation that his approach is working. Recruiting classes have been stacked with both top-tier high school prospects and key transfer additions, allowing Notre Dame to maintain depth across the board.

The Irish return a core of experienced players on both sides of the ball. Defensively, the unit is expected to be a strength, featuring a mix of veteran leadership and explosive playmakers in the secondary and along the defensive line. Offensively, all eyes will be on the quarterback position, where consistency and high-level play could determine just how far Notre Dame can go this season.

Key Games Will Define the Season

A top-five ranking brings attention, but it also places a target on Notre Dame’s back. To stay in the playoff hunt, the Irish will need to perform in several high-stakes matchups that could shape the trajectory of the season.

The schedule includes key showdowns against power-conference opponents, with early matchups providing opportunities to solidify their ranking—or risk falling behind. Rivalry games against programs like USC and Clemson loom large, while a potential midseason test against a surging Big Ten or SEC opponent could also influence playoff positioning.

Starting the season at No. 5 leaves little margin for error, as even one early loss could create a climb back into playoff contention. Still, Notre Dame’s recent track record under Freeman suggests a team ready to embrace those challenges.

Respect From Peers in the Coaching Ranks

The Coaches Poll carries a unique weight because it reflects the opinions of active head coaches across the FBS landscape. For Notre Dame, receiving a top-five placement is an acknowledgment from peers that the Irish are expected to be among the sport’s elite in 2025.

Coaches often consider more than just last year’s results. They weigh talent returning on both sides of the ball, offseason improvements, and the perceived strength of a program’s infrastructure. Notre Dame’s mix of veteran leadership, emerging young stars, and disciplined coaching has clearly caught the attention of its competitors.

Several other traditional powers fill out the top 10, making Notre Dame’s presence in the upper tier all the more notable. Programs like Michigan, LSU, and Oregon are all expected to compete at a high level, but the Irish’s positioning ahead of some of these teams underscores the respect they have earned.

Playoff Aspirations and Expectations

For Notre Dame, starting the season in the top five is more than just a symbolic achievement—it is a launching point for potential playoff contention. Historically, teams ranked in the top five of the preseason Coaches Poll have a strong chance to remain in the mix for a semifinal berth if they take care of business on the field.

The Irish have made no secret of their ambition to return to the College Football Playoff. However, Freeman and his staff are focused on taking the season one game at a time, knowing that preseason recognition means little if it is not validated with wins. The team’s mindset entering camp is built on preparation, accountability, and the pursuit of championship-level performance.

Building Momentum Before Week 1

Notre Dame’s players have responded positively to the ranking, but they understand that it is only the beginning of a long and challenging season. Training camp will serve as the proving ground for young players pushing for starting spots, as well as a critical period for solidifying the team’s chemistry.

Fan excitement is building, and ticket demand for home games at Notre Dame Stadium is soaring. A top-five ranking has only amplified the buzz around South Bend, as supporters dream of a return to the playoff stage and a chance to compete for the program’s first national championship since 1988.