Mark your calendars, Fighting Irish fans—Notre Dame has officially announced its home game times for the 2025 college football season, setting the stage for another unforgettable slate under the golden dome of Notre Dame Stadium. With the anticipation building and storylines swirling around head coach Marcus Freeman’s squad, every kickoff now has a time attached to it, and fans can start planning their Saturdays accordingly. From long-standing rivalries to exciting non-conference matchups, this fall promises to bring plenty of drama, pageantry, and passion to South Bend.
There’s a special rhythm to a Notre Dame football season. The echoes of tradition, the stirring notes of the band, and the loyal crowd in blue and gold—it’s more than just a game; it’s a cultural touchstone. With game times locked in, the countdown to each Saturday feels even more real. Whether fans are traveling from across the country or tailgating just a few blocks from campus, knowing exactly when the Irish will take the field gives every supporter the chance to be part of the magic.
Notre Dame opens its home slate with a bang on September 6th, hosting Northern Illinois at 3:30 p.m. ET. It’s a great way to ease into the season, with the late afternoon kickoff giving fans plenty of time to soak in the pregame festivities before watching the Irish take care of business. Though the Huskies come in as a Group of Five opponent, no team can be overlooked—especially with Notre Dame’s lofty ambitions in 2025. The Irish know better than anyone that any slip-up, no matter the opponent, can derail a College Football Playoff push. Freeman and his coaching staff will use this as a tone-setting opportunity to establish their identity early.
Two weeks later, on September 20th, Notre Dame welcomes Georgia Tech for a primetime showdown under the lights. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET, and you can bet Notre Dame Stadium will be rocking. These night games have become a signature feature of the Irish schedule, providing an electric atmosphere that seems to elevate every snap. Georgia Tech may be in rebuilding mode, but the ACC representative still brings plenty of speed and athleticism to the table. Notre Dame’s players live for these moments—national television, under the lights, with the whole country watching.
October kicks off with a historic rivalry game that never fails to deliver. On October 4th, Notre Dame will host Stanford at 3:30 p.m. ET in one of college football’s most enduring series. Though Stanford has faced challenges in recent seasons, the Cardinal always rise to the occasion when Notre Dame is the opponent. The Irish will need to be sharp, especially coming off what will likely be a physical road stretch. This mid-afternoon time slot should lend itself to crisp fall weather, perfect for a traditional gridiron battle between two of college football’s most iconic programs.
Perhaps the most anticipated home game of the season arrives on October 25th, when longtime rival Miami (FL) makes its return to South Bend for a 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff. There’s no love lost between these two programs. From the days of “Catholics vs. Convicts” to modern-era showdowns filled with emotion and controversy, Notre Dame vs. Miami is never short on storylines. This year’s matchup promises fireworks, with both teams expected to be in the hunt for major postseason aspirations. The mid-afternoon slot is a nod to tradition, and the stakes will only heighten as the leaves turn and the playoff picture begins to take shape.
Just one week later, on November 1st, the Irish welcome Navy to town for a noon ET kickoff. There’s no rivalry in college football that commands more mutual respect than Notre Dame vs. Navy. Born out of gratitude for Navy’s support during World War II, the annual meeting is a reminder that football is about more than wins and losses—it’s about honor, sacrifice, and shared history. The early start time lends itself well to the disciplined, run-heavy nature of Navy’s approach, and fans can expect a game rooted in tradition and respect. Freeman will no doubt have his team ready for the unique challenges posed by the Midshipmen’s triple-option offense.
The home finale comes on November 22nd, when Notre Dame plays host to Wake Forest at 3:30 p.m. ET. This game has all the makings of a potential trap, depending on how the season unfolds. If Notre Dame is still in contention for a playoff spot or a New Year’s Six bowl, Wake Forest could play the role of spoiler. The Demon Deacons are known for their high-tempo offense and creative schemes, and by late November, injuries and fatigue can affect even the deepest rosters. That makes this a game where focus and preparation will be paramount. It also represents the last chance for Irish seniors to take the field at home, adding an emotional layer to the occasion. Expect plenty of tears, cheers, and memorable moments as the Irish faithful say goodbye to another beloved group of student-athletes.
All told, it’s a well-balanced and intriguing home schedule. While the likes of Ohio State, USC, and Clemson aren’t on the docket in South Bend this year, the emotional weight of matchups like Miami, Stanford, and Navy still give the schedule plenty of punch. There’s a nice blend of traditional rivalries, historic matchups, and potential pitfalls that should test this Notre Dame team in meaningful ways.
For Marcus Freeman, entering what will be his fourth season at the helm, this schedule represents both opportunity and pressure. The expectations in South Bend are always sky-high, and Freeman has already proven he can recruit with the best of them. But in 2025, Irish fans will be expecting more than potential—they’ll want results. The College Football Playoff is no longer a pipe dream but an expectation, and each of these home games will play a critical role in determining whether the Irish get there.
With kickoff times set, everything feels a little more real. It’s not just about who the Irish are playing—it’s when, where, and under what spotlight. National broadcasters have clearly taken note of Notre Dame’s continued relevance, rewarding the program with a healthy dose of afternoon and primetime exposure. The 7:30 p.m. clash with Georgia Tech stands out as the marquee night game, but don’t sleep on the buzz that will surround every single Saturday in South Bend.
Notre Dame Stadium, one of the most hallowed venues in all of sports, will once again be the center of the college football universe several times this fall. Whether it’s the calm dignity of the pregame Mass at the Basilica, the raucous march of the band across campus, or the sea of gold helmets gleaming in the sun, there’s something about game day in South Bend that simply can’t be replicated anywhere else. And now, thanks to the finalized kickoff times, fans can begin their preparations in earnest—booking hotels, organizing tailgates, and dreaming about the moments to come.
There’s also the matter of recruiting. Every home game represents an opportunity to showcase the Notre Dame experience to future stars. Freeman and his staff will undoubtedly circle key weekends to host top prospects, especially games like Georgia Tech and Miami where the primetime or rivalry atmosphere will be on full display. With NIL evolving and the recruiting landscape becoming more competitive by the day, the pageantry and polish of a Notre Dame game day can still be one of the program’s best assets.
As the offseason continues and summer workouts ramp up, players will look at this schedule and start to visualize the season ahead. Every date, every opponent, every time slot becomes part of the mental picture. Coaches will game-plan, fans will speculate, and analysts will dissect. But at the end of the day, it all comes down to execution on Saturdays. The time is set. The locations are known. Now it’s up to the Fighting Irish to rise to the occasion.
So, mark those calendars. Clear your Saturdays. Whether you’re packing the car for a weekend road trip to South Bend or firing up the grill in the backyard with friends and family, make sure you’re ready. Because Notre Dame football is coming—and now we know exactly when.