Few traditions in college football evoke the same emotional resonance as a fall evening in South Bend, Indiana. The echoes of legends, the glint of gold helmets under the lights, and the energy surging through Notre Dame Stadium are all part of what makes Fighting Irish football special. Now, with the release of the 2025 home schedule, that mystique will be heightened as Notre Dame is set to host three primetime games on NBC, ensuring the national spotlight returns once again to one of the sport’s most storied venues.
The schedule, revealed earlier this week, outlines seven home games, including marquee matchups against Texas A&M, USC, and Navy that will all kick off at 7:30 PM ET on NBC, marking them as the centerpiece night games of the 2025 season. Additionally, a home clash with NC State on October 11th will be broadcast exclusively on Peacock, signaling the continuation of Notre Dame’s partnership with NBCUniversal’s streaming platform.
Here’s a closer look at the full 2025 Notre Dame home slate:
- Sept. 13 vs. Texas A&M – 7:30 PM ET (NBC)
- Sept. 20 vs. Purdue – 3:30 PM ET (NBC)
- Oct. 4 vs. Boise State – 3:30 PM ET (NBC)
- Oct. 11 vs. NC State – 3:30 PM ET (Peacock)
- Oct. 18 vs. USC – 7:30 PM ET (NBC)
- Nov. 8 vs. Navy – 7:30 PM ET (NBC)
- Nov. 22 vs. Syracuse – 3:30 PM ET (NBC)
With a mix of traditional rivalries, intriguing matchups, and modern media distribution, this schedule embodies Notre Dame’s unique place in college football’s landscape—honoring the past while embracing the future.
Texas A&M Showdown: An Early Season Blockbuster
The Fighting Irish will welcome the Texas A&M Aggies to South Bend for their home opener on September 13th in what promises to be a high-stakes encounter under the lights. This matchup is part of a home-and-home series, with the Irish having traveled to College Station in 2024.
Texas A&M, now fully under the direction of head coach Mike Elko, brings a roster loaded with SEC talent and a renewed sense of purpose. Elko, a former Notre Dame defensive coordinator, returns to familiar territory, adding emotional and strategic depth to this already tantalizing clash.
Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman, heading into his fourth season at the helm, will look to assert dominance early in the year with a signature win that could shape the trajectory of the Irish’s College Football Playoff hopes. With the electric nighttime atmosphere of Notre Dame Stadium amplifying every play, this game will serve as a litmus test for both programs.
Rivalries Rekindled: Purdue and USC Return
While Notre Dame vs. USC needs no introduction—the annual rivalry, nicknamed “The Greatest Intersectional Rivalry in College Football,” returns to South Bend on October 18th, again in primetime—the presence of Purdue on September 20th is a nod to regional tradition.
The Boilermakers and the Irish have a long history dating back to 1896. Though it’s not played annually anymore, the game still carries significance for fans of both programs in the Midwest. Purdue’s visit to South Bend will likely come with a strong contingent of fans and renewed competitive fire, especially as the Boilermakers continue to retool under their new coaching regime.
As for the USC game, it remains the crown jewel of Notre Dame’s home schedule. The Trojans, under head coach Lincoln Riley and star quarterback recruit Julian Lewis, are likely to bring one of the nation’s most explosive offenses into a hostile South Bend environment. The 2025 edition of this rivalry could have major implications on playoff seeding, making it a must-watch nationally.
Peacock Exclusive: The NC State Experiment Continues
For the second consecutive year, Notre Dame will host a game broadcast exclusively on Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming service. The opponent this time is NC State on October 11th, and while the time slot of 3:30 PM ET might not be as flashy as a night game, the implications are big for Notre Dame’s media future.
Notre Dame’s media deal with NBC has always been groundbreaking, and as the world shifts toward digital platforms, Peacock-exclusive games represent a new frontier. The Irish faithful have shown a willingness to adapt, but the university and network alike will be watching closely to gauge viewership, engagement, and fan feedback.
On the field, NC State presents a tough test. The Wolfpack, long a contender in the ACC, have developed a reputation for physical play and strong defensive schemes. The Irish will need to be sharp in every phase to avoid an upset.
Navy, Boise State, and Syracuse: Tests of Consistency
Nestled between the headline-grabbing primetime games are three opponents that each present unique challenges:
- Boise State comes to town on October 4th. Though not a traditional power, the Broncos have long punched above their weight and bring a fast-paced offense that could test Notre Dame’s defense.
- Navy, set for November 8th, marks the continuation of one of college football’s most enduring rivalries. Played annually since 1927 (with the exception of 2020 due to the pandemic), this game honors the historic bond between the institutions. Navy’s triple-option attack always provides a different kind of preparation week for the Irish.
- Syracuse, on November 22nd, wraps up the home slate. The Orange may not have the same national brand as other opponents, but recent seasons have shown they can be feisty and opportunistic. Late-season games like this often play spoiler—or playoff-shaper—roles.
Primetime Power: Why the Night Games Matter
There’s something uniquely powerful about a night game in South Bend. The atmosphere becomes more charged, the crowd more raucous, and the pageantry more vivid. The Fighting Irish have played some of their most memorable games under the lights, and in 2025, that tradition will continue in full force.
NBC’s commitment to broadcasting these key matchups in primetime not only boosts visibility for Notre Dame but also places the program squarely in the national conversation week after week. These aren’t just games—they’re events.
From a recruiting standpoint, it’s invaluable. Top high school prospects watch these games. They see the crowd, the lights, the history. Notre Dame becomes more than a school; it becomes a spectacle. And in today’s era of name, image, and likeness (NIL) and the transfer portal, national visibility matters more than ever.
Media Strategy: The NBC and Peacock Balance
Notre Dame remains the only FBS independent school with a dedicated national TV deal. The long-standing partnership with NBC has helped shape the program’s modern identity, and as technology changes, the university has shown a willingness to adapt.
The inclusion of Peacock-exclusive games serves dual purposes: expanding the digital audience and offering NBCUniversal a chance to grow its streaming platform. But it’s also a test of fan patience. Traditionalists have raised concerns over accessibility and the dilution of the viewing experience, especially for older fans used to network television.
Still, the 2025 schedule strikes a balance. With six of the seven home games on NBC and only one streamed exclusively on Peacock, the core audience still gets the best of both worlds.
Marcus Freeman’s Crucial Year
Beyond the schedule itself, 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for head coach Marcus Freeman. Entering what could be his fourth or fifth season depending on future contract decisions, Freeman has established a strong cultural foundation and recruiting presence. Now, the expectation is clear: win big.
The home schedule offers both opportunities and pressure. Beating Texas A&M or USC under the lights would catapult the Irish into playoff contention. But a slip-up against Purdue or NC State could derail those hopes just as easily.
