Hold onto your helmets, college football fans, because the 2025 playoff race just got a whole lot more interesting! Notre Dame has secured the No. 10 spot in the first College Football Playoff rankings of the season, setting the stage for a thrilling December showdown. But here's where it gets controversial: despite a rocky 0-2 start, the Fighting Irish have clawed their way back into contention, leaving many to wonder—can they sustain this momentum? And this is the part most people miss: their potential first-round matchup against No. 7 BYU in Provo, Utah, could be a game-changer. Let’s dive in.
On Tuesday evening, the College Football Playoff Selection Committee unveiled its inaugural rankings for 2025, placing Notre Dame (https://247sports.com/college/notre-dame/) at No. 10. This ranking not only positions the Fighting Irish for a return to the expanded 12-team playoffs but also highlights their resilience after a challenging season opener. According to current standings, Notre Dame would face BYU (https://247sports.com/college/byu/) in the first round, a matchup that’s already sparking debates among fans and analysts alike. As Drew Mentock pointed out on Twitter (https://twitter.com/AndrewMentock/status/1985880024482730423?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw), this game could be a pivotal moment in the playoff narrative.
But don’t expect Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman to dwell on rankings. In a refreshingly pragmatic approach, Freeman emphasized focusing on the present, particularly their Week 11 clash with Navy (https://247sports.com/college/navy/). 'I'm gonna use Saturday's opportunity to motivate us,' Freeman stated. 'That's what matters. Me using [rankings as motivation] is, I believe, wasted time.' His philosophy is clear: stay grounded, prepare diligently, and let the results speak for themselves. 'The minute we start thinking about college football playoff rankings, you're just wasting time,' he added, a sentiment that underscores his commitment to the here and now.
This season, the playoff structure has shifted. While the top five conference champions still secure automatic bids, they no longer receive a first-round bye. Instead, the privilege now belongs to the top four teams, regardless of conference standings. This change means Notre Dame could theoretically earn a bye, but their early-season struggles make it an uphill battle. Still, their turnaround has been nothing short of remarkable, with ESPN analyst Greg McElroy praising their defensive transformation. 'Look how they're playing, eight games later,' McElroy noted. 'They're a different unit on that side of the ball.'
Notre Dame’s 2025 schedule has been a rollercoaster. After losses to No. 18 Miami (https://247sports.com/college/miami/) in Week 1 and No. 3 Texas A&M (https://247sports.com/college/texas-am/) in Week 3, the Irish have rattled off six consecutive wins, including a standout 34-24 victory over No. 19 USC (https://247sports.com/college/usc/) on October 18. Their next challenge? A November 15 showdown with No. 24 Pitt (https://247sports.com/college/pitt/), a game that could further solidify their playoff credentials.
Here’s a look at the full November 4 College Football Playoff Rankings:
- No. 1 Ohio State
- No. 2 Indiana
- No. 3 Texas A&M*
- No. 4 Alabama
- No. 5 Georgia
- No. 6 Ole Miss
- No. 7 BYU
- No. 8 Texas Tech
- No. 9 Oregon
- No. 10 Notre Dame
- No. 11 Texas
- No. 12 Oklahoma
- No. 13 Utah
- No. 14 Virginia
- No. 15 Louisville
- No. 16 Vanderbilt
- No. 17 Georgia Tech
- No. 18 Miami*
- No. 19 USC*
- No. 20 Iowa
- No. 21 Michigan
- No. 22 Missouri
- No. 23 Washington
- No. 24 Pitt*
- No. 25 Tennessee
*Denotes 2025 Fighting Irish regular-season opponent
Controversial Question: Can Notre Dame maintain their momentum and make a deep playoff run, or will their early-season struggles come back to haunt them? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we want to hear from you!
