The stage is set for a clash of college football heavyweights in South Florida. On Sunday night, No. 6 Notre Dame will face No. 10 Miami at Hard Rock Stadium, opening a 2025 season that is loaded with high-profile matchups.
In Week 1 alone, in an unprecedented slate, there are three games involving Top 10 teams facing each other. On Saturday, No. 1 Texas takes on No. 3 Ohio State, while No. 9 LSU meets No. 4 Clemson.
But on Sunday, the Hurricanes and Fighting Irish take center stage, renewing a classic, often nasty, rivalry from seasons gone by.
Both teams bring new quarterbacks into the spotlight, and both coaches know the outcome could set the tone for the season. The last time these two programs met, Miami dominated with a 41–8 win on November 11, 2017.
RESPECT BEFORE RIVALRY
Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman knows Miami brings both talent and experience into the opener. As he broke down the matchup in his weekly media availability, he pointed to the Hurricanes’ strength and the impact of their new quarterback, Carson Beck.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for Coach [Mario] Cristobal and the success he’s had in acquiring talent, developing that talent, and producing an extremely good football team,” Freeman said. “Their offensive line returns, their defensive line has as much depth as anyone we’ll face, and Carson Beck is as talented a quarterback as we’ll see all year.”
Cristobal didn’t hesitate to praise the Irish and the way they turned last year into a run to the College Football Playoff final. He highlighted the way they play in every aspect of the game.
“They got to the national championship last year, the resilience needed to overcome an early-season loss and then go on, I believe, a 10-12 week winning streak is impressive,” Cristobal said, referring to Notre Dame bouncing back from a loss to Northern Illinois last season. “They’re loaded with experience and they’ve made people pay the price.”
ALL EYES ON THE QUARTERBACKS
Notre Dame will put its trust in freshman quarterback C.J. Carr, who earned the starting job late in training camp. Freeman believes Carr has the arm talent and leadership to guide the Irish, but he also knows a first start on the road in Miami is a true test.
“We can’t expect C.J. to be perfect,” Freeman said. “We’ve got to protect him in the pass game, but also protect him in the decisions we have him make. We can’t put too much on his plate because he’s got to be able to handle the environment [and] the crowd.”
Miami counters with Beck, a transfer from Georgia who brings big-game experience. Cristobal praised his preparation and ability to know how to stay calm when the game is at its biggest moments.
“Carson has had a great camp and his professionalism really affects other people in a positive way,” Cristobal added.
‘LOUD, WILD’ ATMOSPHERE
The crowd at Hard Rock stadium could be the deciding factor. The passion is expected to be as high as the one that defined the former Orange Bowl for past Hurricanes teams, to fuel this Miami squad.
“We expect it to be as loud and as wild as possible,” Cristobal said. “A lot of us have experienced those games, from the Orange Bowl to Hard Rock, and that’s what Sunday night should feel like.”
History isn’t on Notre Dame’s side when playing in Miami, but they welcome the task ahead.
“We were 0–6 the last six times we’ve played down there, and we know the challenge,” Freeman said. “We’ve been to Hard Rock Stadium, but the environment we expect Sunday night will be completely different.”
Sunday night has all the ingredients for a classic. Notre Dame looks to finally win on Miami’s turf, while the Hurricanes want to make an early statement. The game kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
