Notre Dame has officially revealed the game times for its highly anticipated 2025 home football slate, and the schedule includes three electric primetime showdowns under the lights at Notre Dame Stadium. The announcement, made Monday, was met with excitement by Irish fans and alumni nationwide as the program continues to blend tradition with marquee national exposure.
The 2025 season marks another pivotal chapter in Marcus Freeman’s tenure as head coach, with expectations running high following a strong finish to the 2024 campaign. As the Irish aim to cement their status as a perennial College Football Playoff contender, the atmosphere in South Bend will play a crucial role — and three night games promise to make the environment even more electric.
Notre Dame’s first home game of the season is set for September 6 against Purdue, scheduled to kick off at 2:30 p.m. ET. A classic regional rivalry, the matchup against the Boilermakers will serve as an early barometer for the Irish and a nostalgic tilt for longtime followers of both programs. Purdue and Notre Dame last clashed in South Bend in 2021, and the renewal of the rivalry adds another layer of intrigue to the home opener.
The first of the three primetime games will take place on September 13, when Notre Dame hosts Arkansas at 7:30 p.m. ET. It will be only the second all-time meeting between the Irish and Razorbacks, with the first coming in 2020 in a COVID-shortened season. This nationally televised matchup is expected to draw massive viewership and is being framed as one of the early highlights of the college football season. The SEC vs. Independent storyline, combined with a raucous nighttime crowd, will make for an unforgettable Saturday in South Bend.
Following the Arkansas game, Notre Dame returns home on September 27 to host Stanford at 3:30 p.m. ET. Although the Cardinal are in a rebuilding phase under new head coach Troy Taylor, this remains a rivalry built on mutual respect and frequent postseason implications. The Legends Trophy will be on the line once again, and fans can expect a spirited battle between two proud academic and athletic institutions.
On October 11, Notre Dame will welcome Navy to Notre Dame Stadium for a noon kickoff. The annual clash with the Midshipmen is one of the most tradition-rich contests in all of college football. Dating back to 1927, the matchup honors a wartime agreement that has bonded the two programs in a unique and enduring way. The early start time mirrors the traditional kickoff window for this storied rivalry.
Perhaps the most anticipated game of the home slate arrives on October 18, when USC comes to town for a primetime showdown set for 7:30 p.m. ET. The Trojans have had their share of ups and downs in recent years, but the fierce rivalry — one of the most iconic in college football — always carries weight. This will be the 97th meeting between Notre Dame and USC, and with both programs projected to be in the national conversation, the stakes could hardly be higher. Night games between these two schools have historically produced unforgettable moments, and the 2025 edition should be no different.
After a short break from home action, the Irish will host Miami (OH) on November 8, with kickoff slated for 3:30 p.m. ET. While the RedHawks may not draw the same level of attention as USC or Arkansas, they are a respected Group of Five program with a history of producing NFL talent and strong Mid-American Conference showings. Notre Dame is expected to use the matchup as a tune-up before a difficult closing stretch.
The final home game of the season is scheduled for November 22 against Virginia Tech, and it will be Notre Dame’s third primetime home game of the season, with kickoff once again set for 7:30 p.m. ET. The Hokies are no strangers to high-pressure environments, and their defensive-minded approach should create a physical, hard-nosed contest to close out the South Bend schedule. This will also serve as Senior Night, a heartfelt evening where the Irish will honor the graduating class and celebrate their contributions to the program.
Across the board, the 2025 home schedule is a reflection of Notre Dame’s continued commitment to high-level competition and national relevance. By mixing regional opponents, rivalries, and high-profile out-of-conference clashes, the slate offers something for every kind of college football fan. The inclusion of three night games adds a layer of excitement for fans both in the stands and watching at home, enhancing the mystique and drama that naturally surrounds Notre Dame football.
From a strategic standpoint, the primetime matchups also offer recruiting advantages. Under the lights and in front of a national audience, Notre Dame has the opportunity to showcase the full pageantry of game day in South Bend — the traditions, the energy, and the unique identity of the university. For young prospects weighing their college decisions, those visuals can leave a lasting impression.
The TV windows also provide exposure boosts that can impact Notre Dame’s playoff positioning. With College Football Playoff selection becoming more scrutinized in the expanded format, playing in the national spotlight allows the Irish to control their narrative and make a stronger case in front of the entire country.
As for ticket demand, the university expects sellouts for all seven home contests. With Arkansas, USC, and Virginia Tech all playing under the lights, secondary market prices are already on the rise. Fans are advised to secure tickets early and plan for an electric game day atmosphere each and every weekend in South Bend.
Overall, the release of the 2025 game times has only heightened anticipation for what many believe could be a special season in Notre Dame football history. With a favorable home schedule, elite opponents, and three Saturday nights in the national spotlight, the path is set for the Irish to make a major statement on the field — and in the hearts of fans everywhere.