Notre Dame’s Shift in Perception: A Surprising Role Reversal with Fans and National Media
Notre Dame’s national image contrasts sharply with how its own fans are viewing the team right now.
The Fighting Irish’s 2025 season got off to a rocky start. First, a crushing defeat at Miami, with the Hurricanes kicking a long field goal in the final minute to take the lead. Then, in their home opener against Texas A&M, the Aggies scored in the last seconds to snatch victory away from Notre Dame at Notre Dame Stadium.
At 0-2, it feels like the team is far from competing for a national championship, as they did just last January. But had they managed just six more points across these two games, they’d be unbeaten and sitting comfortably in the top five.
Notre Dame Fans in Panic Mode
The mood among Notre Dame fans is one of frustration and panic. The defense, in particular, has been a major disappointment. Against Miami, the Hurricanes threw effortlessly, and against Texas A&M, the Aggies looked like an unstoppable offense, reminiscent of Patrick Mahomes with their barrage of long passes.
Fans are growing increasingly doubtful that this team can realistically contend for a championship. A lot of that skepticism stems from a defense that has yet to generate any meaningful pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
As for the College Football Playoff? Fans are skeptical. “Fix the defense first, and then we’ll talk,” seems to be the general sentiment.
National Media Still Believes in Notre Dame
Despite the rough start, the national media is showing more faith in Notre Dame’s future, including their chances in 2025. Even with an 0-2 record, the Irish still have some believers.
Josh Pate, who runs the JP Poll for multiple outlets (On3, ESPN, Yahoo), ranked Notre Dame seventh nationally this week. Pate was quick to note that his poll is a power rating, not an official ranking, but the support is clear.
Over at Fox Sports 1, Dan Katz (Barstool Big Cat) argued that Notre Dame’s situation now, at 0-2, is better than it was last year when the team was 1-1 after a loss to Northern Illinois. His point wasn’t about Notre Dame’s schedule but about the team’s potential moving forward.
Kirk Herbstreit also spoke positively about the 0-2 Irish, noting that Notre Dame became the first team to start 0-2 yet remain in the AP Top 25 since 1988, when Michigan managed the same feat.
Nick Shepkowski’s Thoughts:
Having followed Notre Dame for as long as I can remember, this feels almost unprecedented. I can’t recall a time when Notre Dame fans were so concerned about their team’s performance, yet the national media still showed this much support.
Typically, Notre Dame fans are used to feeling like their team is underrated. But “overrated”? That’s a rarity.
The 1994 season is one that stands out, where Notre Dame started strong with a win over Northwestern but suffered a heartbreaking loss to Michigan in Week 2. While they bounced back with wins over Michigan State, Purdue, and Stanford, the team ultimately finished 6-5-1 after disappointing losses to Boston College and BYU.
I understand the computer polls, which look at Notre Dame and see a solid team based on the strength of their opponents. However, my biggest concern with this team is whether the pass rush will ever show up. If it doesn’t, another loss or two could happen, especially if a redshirt-freshman is asked to outduel opposing quarterbacks one too many times.
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