That dominant stretch has allowed Marcus Freeman's squad to rebuild confidence and make a strong case for remaining in the CFP top 10 heading into the final three games. Notre Dame's been in must-win mode since starting the season 0-2.

Even as redshirt freshman quarterback CJ Carr gains experience, the preference against Notre Dame is to bottle up Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price.

Notre Dame is no longer the last team in the projected CFP field, not that the Irish have a ton of breathing room.

The Irish (7-2, No. 9 CFP) certainly have been good lately. They've won seven straight since starting the season with back-to-back losses against top-20 opponents, and the biggest explanation has been the progression of Freeman's defense and its increasingly opportunistic secondary.

Notre Dame football kept its recruiting train rolling, as it picked up a commitment from 2027 California safety Khalil Terry over USC and Tennessee.

Sep 13, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman greets players before a game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images / Michael Caterina-Imagn Images Just a few months ago,