The Anatomy of the Notre Dame Schedule: Volume III (Games 5-8)
- Alexander Madsen
- 19 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Michael Caterina-Imagn Images
On Labor Day Sunday, Notre Dame beat Wisconsin in the season opener. The Irish will face a short six-day turnaround before facing off against Rice on Saturday, September 12th. Next, the Irish will face off against Michigan State before traveling to Purdue to compete against the in-state rival.
The next third of the season will see the Irish take on four talented teams, each holding the possibility to upset the now number-three AP Poll-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Will the Irish continue to dominate, or will Notre Dame catch the midseason upset flu?
October 3rd at North Carolina
2025 Record - (4-8)
No. of Returning Offensive Starters - 2
No. of Returning Defensive Starters - 3
As Coach Bill Belichick returns for his second season as Tar Heels Head Coach, the expectations are still high in Chapel Hill, despite a lackluster 4-8 record last season.
Offensively, things are complicated for North Carolina. The quarterback room features a duo of transfers in Billy Edwards Jr. and Miles O'Neill. As of right now, Edwards is highly expected to remain the starter when the Irish and Tar Heels meet.
Although North Carolina lost plenty of defensive talent, most notably in the linebacker and secondary corps, new freshman and transfer recruits will have plenty of space and time to progress.
October 10th vs Stanford
2025 Record - (4-8)
No. of Returning Offensive Starters - 5
No. of Returning Defensive Starters - 5
Stanford is attempting to build upon a disappointing season, in which the final of the Cardinal's eight losses came at the hands of Notre Dame. Stanford's offense was very lackluster last season, averaging less than 19 points per game, while the defense allowed just under 30 points per game.
Stanford returns five offensive players from last season, which should be a positive considering the lack of experience the Cardinal possessed last season. The largest point of emphasis for the offensive coaching staff resides in the horrific ground yards per game. The meek 84.5 rushing yards per game is far removed from the glory days with Christian McCaffrey.
Defensively, Stanford also retains five players who started in 2025. Lack of experience was also a concern on the defensive front, as the Cardinal allowed over 400 yards per game last season. Stanford can only pray to control the air attack by Notre Dame QB CJ Carr and RB Aneyas Williams's grinding ground game.
October 17th at BYU
2025 Record - (12-2)
No. of Returning Offensive Starters - 4
No. of Returning Defensive Starters - 7
The Notre Dame and BYU matchup has already generated an array of anticipation and hype despite still being over a month out. The Irish and Cougars are both expected to potentially compete for a playoff spot, and this game will most definitely have a playoff atmosphere. BYU returns eleven total players and has a vast array of high school and transfer recruits.
Sophomore QB Bear Bachmeier will return for his second year leading the Cougar offense. Bachmeier was dominant last season, throwing for 15 passing touchdowns and sprinting for 11 rushing touchdowns. He will be joining revered RB LJ Martin and WR Parker Kingston in a cocktail of offensive brilliance.
However, as good as the Cougar offense is, the BYU defense can make an argument for being just as exciting. BYU returns seven total contributors to a conference-champion defense. The number of defensive returners is the most out of any opponent the Irish will face this season, and very well could give the Notre Dame offense a headache in one of the most hostile environments in college football.
October 31st at Navy
2025 Record - (11-2)
No. of Returning Offensive Starters - 4
No. of Returning Defensive Starters - 5
After a bye week following the BYU marquee matchup, Notre Dame will travel to the well-familiar venue of Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The Notre Dame and Navy rivalry might not generate as much hype as when the Irish face the likes of USC, Michigan, or Clemson, but the historical background provides hardcore Notre Dame fans with a deep sense of respect and passion for the matchup. Add in a very successful 2025 season for the Midshipmen, and the fire remains hot even two weeks removed from the BYU matchup.
Stellar QB Blake Horvath is no longer leading the Midshipmen offense, which is by far the largest loss for Navy. However, Braxton Woodson has shown promise as trust has been placed in him to lead the attack. Navy also lost one of the best RBs they have ever seen after Alex Tecza left for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Navy led the FBS in rushing yards per game in 2025 after Tecza thrived in the traditional option-style Midshipmen offense.
Defensively, Navy returns five total starters. The linebacker room is full of experience, with MarcAnthony Parker and Coleman Cauley providing experience at linebacker. The Navy secondary unit is also nothing to scoff at, with Giuseppe Sessi and Irabonoise Oniha bringing experience.
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