As the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship approaches, Notre Dame finds itself in a position few could have predicted: riding a 13-game win streak into the biggest game of the season. The Fighting Irish are set to face off against the defending champions, but their rise to the title game has been nothing short of controversial, raising questions about the legitimacy of their path to the playoffs, the strength of their schedule, and their place among college football’s elite.
A Soft Schedule or Unbeaten Dominance?
One of the primary points of contention surrounding Notre Dame’s unbeaten run is the strength of their opponents. Despite a perfect 13-0 record, critics argue that the Irish’s schedule lacks the kind of rigorous competition typically seen from teams in the national conversation. Outside of their rivalry game with USC and a few tough conference matchups, many of Notre Dame’s victories have come against teams that are either underperforming or lacking in elite talent. In the eyes of many, the Irish’s 13 wins aren’t as impressive as they may appear.
While some point to the team’s ability to handle weaker opponents with consistency, others view it as a reflection of the softness of their slate. In a world where strength of schedule is a key factor in evaluating playoff teams, Notre Dame’s seemingly light schedule raises serious doubts about whether they truly belong in the national title picture.
Questionable Playoff Ranking
The College Football Playoff committee’s decision to rank Notre Dame as one of the top four teams in the country has been met with widespread skepticism. Their unbeaten season, while admirable, hasn’t convinced many observers that they belong among the elite. Programs like Alabama, Ohio State, and Georgia, with multiple SEC and Big Ten championships, have consistently fielded more challenging schedules and stronger teams. The committee’s decision to overlook the strength of competition that teams like these face in favor of a Notre Dame team that has not been tested in the same way raises questions about the objectivity of the playoff selection process.
In many ways, this selection feels like a reward for tradition, a nod to Notre Dame’s historical legacy and influence in the sport, rather than a reflection of current football reality. The fact that a team from a non-conference, whose strength of schedule has been questioned, can so easily be placed in the playoff over other deserving programs feels like an attempt to preserve the sport’s established powers, rather than offering a truly fair evaluation of talent.
The Ian Book Factor
Another controversial element is the role of quarterback Ian Book, whose play has been both lauded and criticized. Book, while steady and often efficient, hasn’t always showcased the flair and playmaking ability seen in some of the other elite quarterbacks in college football. Some believe that Book’s success has been due more to Notre Dame’s solid offensive line, exceptional defense, and a conservative offensive system designed to minimize mistakes rather than the quarterback’s innate talent. Critics have raised concerns about whether a team built around such a quarterback can truly compete with the best of the best. Could Notre Dame’s apparent dominance simply be a product of superior coaching and system execution rather than raw individual talent?
The Defense: Overhyped or Truly Great?
Notre Dame’s defense has been another point of controversy, with many regarding it as the true strength of the team. However, in several key games, the defense’s performance has been mixed at best. Against higher-ranked opponents, the defense struggled to adapt to fast-paced offenses, leaving questions about its ability to handle elite competition. While it’s undeniable that the Irish’s defense has talent, particularly in the front seven, its ability to sustain success against the most powerful offenses in college football is unproven.
It’s worth asking: Is Notre Dame’s defense truly as dominant as advertised, or has it simply been shielded by weaker opponents and favorable game scenarios? When pitted against a team like Alabama or Georgia, whose offenses can score in a variety of ways, will Notre Dame’s defense be exposed for what it truly is—an overhyped group benefiting from a lack of competition?
Notre Dame’s Tradition: The Elephant in the Room
Finally, there’s the tradition of Notre Dame itself. The Fighting Irish have long been a prestigious program in college football, and their storied history has undoubtedly earned them a place in the sport’s upper echelon. But in today’s college football landscape, where teams are judged based on merit and performance, it’s increasingly difficult to justify giving Notre Dame a seat at the table simply because of its legacy.
While their name carries weight and their fanbase is as passionate as any in the country, this current iteration of the Irish feels like a product of reputation rather than substance. Will the College Football Playoff committee finally look beyond Notre Dame’s historic brand and view them as an equal to other teams that have shown more consistent, elite-level performance?
Conclusion: Are They Truly Championship-Worthy?
As Notre Dame prepares for its National Championship showdown, the questions surrounding their path to this game are only growing. With a questionable schedule, a largely untested defense, and a quarterback who has not been put through the fire against top-tier competition, the Irish’s legitimacy as a national title contender remains in doubt. Are they truly one of the best teams in the country, or has the combination of favorable circumstances, questionable committee decisions, and their historic pedigree allowed them to slip into the championship conversation undeservedly?
Regardless of whether they win or lose the title, Notre Dame’s 13-game win streak will forever be clouded by these controversies. The debate surrounding their place in the College Football Playoff will likely echo for years to come, but for now, the Irish are one win away from proving that their place in the National Championship was not a fluke—but was, indeed, earned.