The echoes of legendary teams, iconic players, and a storied tradition will reverberate through the stands of Notre Dame Stadium. But beneath the surface of this game lies a much larger question: Can Brian Kelly, and more importantly, the Irish of old, ride again to the top of college football?
Kelly, Notre Dame’s head coach for the better part of a decade, has long been the subject of both admiration and criticism. On the one hand, he’s delivered consistent winning seasons and playoff appearances, managing to keep the Irish competitive in a college football landscape that has evolved in ways few could have predicted. On the other hand, Kelly’s tenure has been marred by criticisms of underachieving in big games, an inability to secure that elusive national title, and a reliance on less-than-dominant recruiting classes that have failed to bring Notre Dame back to its former glory.
But Friday could mark the turning point.
It has been over 30 years since the Irish last captured a national championship, and for many Notre Dame fans, that’s 30 years too long. During that span, college football has seen dynasties rise and fall, but one thing has remained constant: Notre Dame’s yearning for a return to greatness. Under Kelly, the team has experienced occasional flashes of brilliance, but the question remains: Are these merely glimpses of potential or signs of an eventual breakthrough?
For years, critics have argued that Kelly’s approach lacks the fire and passion associated with Notre Dame’s proud football legacy. The Irish are known for their hard-nosed, physical brand of football—echoing the strength and resilience of the men who fought for the school’s honor during the golden eras of the past. Yet Kelly’s coaching style has often been compared to that of more methodical, clinical coaches—a far cry from the gut-wrenching, emotionally charged style that was once synonymous with the Fighting Irish.
The Irish of old, the teams of Ara Parseghian, Lou Holtz, and even the golden years of Newt Rockne, were not just teams—they were movements. The “Four Horsemen” and other icons of yesteryear were driven by an ethos that went beyond football. They represented the spirit of resilience, grit, and an unyielding determination to be the best. These were teams that embodied the blue-collar work ethic, embodying everything that Notre Dame stood for both on and off the field.
Can Brian Kelly channel that spirit? Can he resurrect that old Notre Dame magic? It’s a question that many have pondered, and Friday night may just provide an answer.
The challenge for Kelly isn’t just about overcoming teams on the field; it’s about overcoming decades of self-doubt and questioning from critics who believe Notre Dame’s best days are behind them. The Irish were once the standard by which all college football teams were measured, but the landscape has changed. Rivalries have deepened, conferences have realigned, and the game itself has grown faster and more complex. It’s no longer enough to simply hope for a title; Notre Dame must fight tooth and nail for every inch.
And that’s where Kelly must prove himself—not just as a coach, but as the embodiment of Notre Dame’s soul. The Irish of old rode on more than just talent; they rode on heart, on pride, and on a collective belief that no team could match their resolve. Kelly must channel that energy and tap into the storied tradition that still hangs over the program, waiting for its moment of rebirth.
It’s not enough for Kelly to simply get to the big stage—he must win. The pressure is on, not just for this season, but for the very identity of Notre Dame football. If Kelly can lead the Irish back to prominence and reassert their place among the elite, he will cement his place in the history books, alongside the greats who once defined the program.
Friday night, for Brian Kelly and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, is more than just another game. It’s a battle for the soul of a program, a fight for the pride of a school that has waited too long for its next championship. The Irish of old must ride again—no excuses, no compromises. Because for Notre Dame football, there is no second chance at reclaiming the throne. This is the moment, and Kelly’s legacy depends on it.