The 2025 college football season kicks off with a highly anticipated matchup between two storied programs: the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Miami Hurricanes. This game, scheduled for Sunday, August 31, at 7:30 p.m. ET at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, marks the 28th meeting between these two teams. The game will be nationally televised on ABC, bringing national attention to this classic rivalry .
The history between Notre Dame and Miami is rich with memorable moments and intense competition. The series began in 1955, and over the years, both teams have had periods of dominance. In recent years, however, the rivalry has been less frequent, with the most recent meeting occurring in 2017, when Miami defeated Notre Dame 41-8 at Hard Rock Stadium . This victory ended a four-game winning streak for Notre Dame in the series.
Heading into the 2025 season, both teams have much to prove. Notre Dame, coming off a national runner-up finish in the previous season, aims to demonstrate that their success was not a one-time occurrence. The Fighting Irish are looking to establish themselves as perennial contenders in the College Football Playoff picture. Miami, on the other hand, is seeking to return to prominence after a period of rebuilding. The Hurricanes’ new head coach, Mario Cristobal, is looking to make a statement with a strong opening game performance .
One of the key storylines for Notre Dame heading into this matchup is the quarterback position. With the departure of their starting quarterback, the Fighting Irish will be turning to either CJ Carr or Kenny Minchey to lead the offense. Both quarterbacks have shown promise during the offseason, but this game will be their first opportunity to showcase their skills in a live game setting . The performance of the quarterback will be crucial in setting the tone for the season.
Miami’s offense also faces uncertainty, particularly at the quarterback position. The Hurricanes are expected to start Carson Beck, a transfer from Georgia, who brings experience and a strong arm to the team. However, Beck’s status for the game is uncertain due to a recent injury. If Beck is unable to play, Miami will need to rely on their backup quarterbacks to step up and lead the offense .
Defensively, both teams have strengths and weaknesses that will play a significant role in the outcome of the game. Notre Dame’s defense is known for its physicality and ability to stop the run. The Fighting Irish will need to contain Miami’s running game and put pressure on the quarterback to disrupt the Hurricanes’ offensive rhythm. Miami’s defense, under the guidance of first-year defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman, is looking to improve after losing several key players to graduation and the NFL Draft. The Hurricanes will need to develop young talent quickly and execute their defensive schemes effectively to keep Notre Dame’s offense in check .
Special teams play could also be a deciding factor in this matchup. Both teams have experienced kickers and return specialists who can change the momentum of the game with a single play. Field position battles and the ability to capitalize on special teams opportunities will be critical in a game that is expected to be closely contested.
The atmosphere at Hard Rock Stadium is expected to be electric, with both fan bases eager to see their teams start the season on a high note. The primetime national television slot ensures that the eyes of the college football world will be on this game, adding to the excitement and pressure for both teams.
In conclusion, the 2025 season opener between Notre Dame and Miami is shaping up to be a classic showdown between two programs with rich histories and high expectations. Both teams have key questions to answer, particularly at the quarterback position, and the outcome of this game could set the tone for the rest of the season. With the national spotlight on them, both the Fighting Irish and the Hurricanes will be looking to make a statement and begin their seasons with a victory.
