The Notre Dame Fighting Irish return to the friendly confines of Notre Dame Stadium on November 8, 2025, to face a familiar foe in the Navy Midshipmen, a program that annually tests their patience, discipline, and defensive preparation. Head coach Marcus Freeman’s squad enters the matchup as a heavy favorite, boasting one of the most complete rosters in the nation and a balanced formula of offensive explosiveness and defensive consistency. The Irish are averaging nearly 37 points per game while allowing under 20, a testament to their efficiency and their ability to dictate the pace of games. Offensively, Notre Dame is led by quarterback Riley Leonard, whose combination of arm talent, athleticism, and poise has given the Irish a versatile presence under center. Leonard’s mobility allows the offense to extend plays and challenge defenses vertically, while his accuracy in short and intermediate throws has maximized the effectiveness of receivers like Jaden Greathouse and Jordan Faison. Tight end Holden Staes continues the long tradition of elite Notre Dame tight end play, providing a mismatch in the red zone and over the middle of the field. Complementing the aerial attack is a deep and efficient rushing game led by running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price, both of whom provide balance between power and burst. Behind a veteran offensive line anchored by Joe Alt and Blake Fisher, Notre Dame’s ground game averages over five yards per carry and consistently controls time of possession—an invaluable advantage against Navy’s run-heavy style that limits possessions.

Defensively, Notre Dame has the personnel and discipline to neutralize Navy’s triple-option attack. Coordinator Al Golden’s defense is built on fundamentals, gap integrity, and quick diagnosis—all essential traits when facing an opponent that thrives on misdirection and execution. Linebackers Jack Kiser and JD Bertrand will be critical in maintaining interior run fits, while safeties Xavier Watts and Ramon Henderson provide the range and tackling ability to seal the perimeter. The defensive line, led by Rylie Mills and Howard Cross III, has both the size and agility to clog interior gaps and disrupt timing at the mesh point, something few teams can do effectively against the Midshipmen. Expect Notre Dame to emphasize early down stops and force Navy into passing situations—an uncomfortable position for an offense built on predictability and precision. Special teams, long a strength for the Irish, add another layer of reliability. Kicker Spencer Shrader has been consistent from mid-range, and punter Bryce McFerson’s ability to pin opponents deep will help Notre Dame win the field-position battle. From a strategic standpoint, the Irish will look to start fast and build a two-score lead early, effectively taking Navy’s run-first attack out of its comfort zone. Historically, Notre Dame’s biggest challenges in this series come not from talent gaps but from lapses in focus or underestimating Navy’s resilience, and Freeman has made it a point to instill respect and preparedness for this annual test. From a betting and analytical perspective, Notre Dame’s balanced offense, elite defense, and home-field advantage make them a strong candidate to not only win but cover a sizable spread. If they maintain composure, tackle cleanly, and capitalize on red-zone opportunities, the Irish should control the tempo from start to finish. Ultimately, Notre Dame’s superior depth and physical dominance up front make them an overwhelming favorite to secure a decisive victory, further solidifying their playoff credentials in a game that has always carried both tradition and tactical intrigue.