The Miami Hurricanes and Notre Dame Fighting Irish meet Sunday night, August 31, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. Kickoff is set for 7:30 PM ET in one of the top-ranked showdowns of Week 1. The Irish enter ranked No. 6 after a trip to last year’s national championship, while Miami comes in ranked No. 10 with high expectations of its own.
The last time these two teams met was in 2017, when Miami dominated 41-8. The all-time series has been tilted in Notre Dame’s favor, with the Irish leading 18-8-1. Miami has struggled historically in the matchup, but this year’s game brings fresh storylines with both teams breaking in new quarterbacks and aiming for College Football Playoff contention.
Notre Dame Preview – New Era at Quarterback
Notre Dame comes off a 14-2 season that ended in a 34-23 loss to Ohio State in the national championship game. The Irish now turn to redshirt freshman CJ Carr as their starting quarterback. Carr won the job over Kenny Minchey in camp, but head coach Marcus Freeman has made it clear both quarterbacks could be used this season.
The offense will lean on running back Jeremiyah Love, who had 1,125 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns in 2024. Love scored in 13 straight games last season and is projected as an NFL prospect. His physical style at 214 pounds makes him the centerpiece of the Irish attack, especially with a first-time starter at quarterback.
The Irish defense was elite in 2024, leading the nation in takeaways with 33 and ranking fourth nationally in scoring defense at just 15.5 points per game. They also allowed only 169 passing yards per game, showing their ability to shut down opposing quarterbacks. That defense will be tested against Miami’s new quarterback, but Notre Dame has the talent to hold up against top competition.
Miami Preview – Beck Steps In
Miami finished 10-3 in 2024, starting the year 9-0 before fading down the stretch. The Hurricanes lost star quarterback Cam Ward to the NFL Draft but replaced him with Georgia transfer Carson Beck. Beck threw for 7,426 yards, 52 touchdowns, and 18 interceptions over the past two years at Georgia, bringing veteran experience to Miami’s offense.
Beck doesn’t carry the same playmaking style as Ward, but he is accurate and steady. He also has plenty of help around him, with Miami returning skill position talent that can stretch the field. The Hurricanes scored 30 or more points in eight games last year, and Beck’s ability to manage the game could keep that production steady.
The concern for Miami is defense. They gave up 30 or more points six times in 2024, including 42 in each of their final two games. Defensive end Akheem Mesidor, who had 5.5 sacks last season, leads a unit looking to bounce back. Miami will need big stops against Love and the Irish rushing attack to avoid another shootout.
Betting Prediction
Notre Dame enters this game as a -2.5 favorite, with the total set at 50.5. The Irish have the stronger defense and a proven ground game, which should give them an advantage. The question is how Carr handles his first career start in a primetime road environment.
Miami has the home-field edge and an experienced quarterback in Beck, but the defensive lapses from last year are concerning. If the Hurricanes can’t stop Love, they will struggle to control tempo. Expect Notre Dame’s defense and running game to be the difference, with a projected score of 27-21 in favor of the Irish.
Pick: Notre Dame -2.5
