Notre Dame Ranked No. 6 In The Athlon Sports Preseason Top 25 College Football Rankings

We are now less than 100 days away from the start of the 2025 football season, which for Notre Dame starts when the Irish head down south to take on the Miami Hurricanes. As we get closer to the season more and more preseason rankings are coming out, and Athlon Sports released its preseason Top 25. 

Notre Dame is ranked No. 6 in the Athlon Sports projected Top 25 ranking. Steve Lassan from Athlon Sports put the ranking together and here is what he said about Notre Dame:

"The Fighting Irish got a taste of high-level success last season with a trip to the national championship game. Now, the next mission is simple: bring a title back to South Bend. Coach Marcus Freeman’s team is poised for another deep run this fall and can hoist the big trophy if unproven quarterback CJ Carr delivers on his 5-star hype. But Notre Dame won’t have to lean on Carr to win games, thanks to a rushing attack powered by Heisman candidate Jeremiyah Love and an offensive line that ranks among the best in college football. The Fighting Irish also have an improving receiving corps thanks to the emergence of Jaden Greathouse in the College Football Playoff and the arrival of Malachi Fields (Virginia) from the transfer portal.

"New defensive coordinator Chris Ash has holes to fill with only five returning starters. One of those, though, is shutdown corner Leonard Moore, who returns to anchor the secondary, and there is plenty of talent waiting in the wings. A road trip to Miami (Fla.) is a tough way to start ’25, but Notre Dame could be favored in its other 11 contests." - Steven Lassan

Three Notre Dame players are also ranked in the Top 25 rankings from Athlon Sports, including the first two opponents of the season. The Irish face Miami in the season opener on August 31st. The Hurricanes are ranked No. 10 in the preseason ranking. 

After the Irish head home and take on Texas A&M two weeks later on September 13th. The Aggies rank No. 19 in the Athlon Sports preseason ranking. Notre Dame beat Texas A&M 23-13 to start the 2024 season. 

Three weeks later the Irish host Boise State on October 4th. Boise State is ranked No. 25 in the Athlon Sports rankings. This will be the first ever meeting between the Fighting Irish and Broncos.