Notre Dame’s annual Blue-Gold spring game will showcase key positions, new talent, quarterback competition, defensive strategies, and team chemistry, offering fans a preview of 2025.
As the 2025 college football season draws closer, Notre Dame’s annual Blue-Gold spring game serves as the first opportunity for fans to see their beloved Fighting Irish in action since the conclusion of the previous season. This game, held at Notre Dame Stadium, is more than just a scrimmage. It offers a critical glimpse into the team’s progress, the potential of new players, and the strategic adjustments that could define the upcoming season. Fans, alumni, and coaches alike are eagerly anticipating the event, which provides an early preview of the 2025 season and showcases the evolving culture and style of the program under head coach Marcus Freeman.
While the Blue-Gold game may not have the intensity or stakes of a regular season matchup, it remains an important part of Notre Dame’s football calendar. This year’s spring game offers some exciting storylines, as new talent steps onto the field, returning players seek to build on last season’s success, and key position battles unfold. With so much to look forward to, here are five key things to watch during Notre Dame football’s annual Blue-Gold spring game in 2025.
1. The Quarterback Competition
One of the most intriguing storylines heading into the 2025 season is the quarterback battle. After the departure of former starter Tyler Buchner, Notre Dame’s quarterback position is wide open, with multiple candidates vying for the top spot. The Blue-Gold spring game provides fans with an early look at who might take the reins of the Fighting Irish offense.
Sam Hartman: The Transfer Addition
Notre Dame made a significant move in the offseason by bringing in Sam Hartman, a graduate transfer quarterback from Wake Forest. Hartman brings a wealth of experience to the team, having been one of the most prolific quarterbacks in the ACC over the past few seasons. His ability to make quick decisions, lead the offense, and stretch the field with a strong arm makes him an exciting addition to the program. Hartman’s performance in the spring game will be crucial in determining whether he can command the starting role in the fall.
Hartman’s connection with Notre Dame’s receiving corps, especially with veteran players like Michael Mayer (now in the NFL) and a group of rising young receivers, will be a key storyline to follow. If he can quickly build chemistry with his wideouts and show consistency in making accurate throws, he will likely secure the starting position heading into the 2025 season.
Fresh Faces Behind Hartman
Although Hartman is the favorite to be Notre Dame’s starting quarterback, the team’s spring game will also provide a closer look at the depth behind him. Freshman quarterbacks and returning players who have yet to see significant action, like Steve Angeli and Kenny Minchey, will be looking to make their case for the future.
Angeli, who is entering his second year with the team, has shown flashes of promise in practice but hasn’t had much of an opportunity to shine in live-game situations. The spring game offers him a chance to show if he’s ready to step into a leadership role if needed. Minchey, a freshman with high expectations, is another player who will be under the microscope. The Blue-Gold game will provide fans and coaches alike a chance to evaluate his poise and ability to handle the pressure in a live-action scenario.
Overall, the quarterback competition will be one of the most highly anticipated aspects of the spring game. Whether it’s Hartman’s experience or the development of younger players, the outcome of the quarterback battle will have significant implications for the team’s success in 2025.
2. New Talent and Fresh Faces
The spring game is a chance for Notre Dame’s recruiting efforts to come to life as incoming freshmen and recent transfers take the field for the first time in a game setting. The 2025 recruiting class, which was ranked highly by many analysts, brings an infusion of talent at several key positions. Whether it’s a highly touted defensive lineman or a skilled wide receiver, this spring game will be a showcase for the newcomers who are looking to make an immediate impact.
Defensive Playmakers
Defensive coordinator Al Golden has been hard at work over the offseason to shape a defense capable of competing against the nation’s best offenses. A group of freshman defenders will be in the spotlight during the spring game, including potential stars at linebacker and defensive back. Players like linebackers Jaylen Sneed and Junior Tuihalamaka have already garnered attention in practice, and the spring game will be their first real chance to show how they can contribute to a defense that’s been a key strength for Notre Dame in recent years.
In the secondary, freshmen defensive backs like Christian Gray and Micah Bell will be expected to compete for playing time early in their careers. With the loss of several key contributors from the 2024 season, these freshmen could play pivotal roles in strengthening the team’s pass coverage and overall defensive depth.
Offensive Weapons
On the offensive side of the ball, new talent will also be on full display. Notre Dame has long been known for its ability to develop star running backs and wide receivers, and the 2025 class features some exciting playmakers who could take the offense to another level.
Freshman wide receivers like Braylon James and Jaden Greathouse are expected to play significant roles in the offense. Both players bring a mix of size, speed, and athleticism to the field, giving Hartman and the rest of the offense options on the outside. James and Greathouse will need to prove they can separate themselves from other talented receivers and establish a strong rapport with whoever is under center. A strong showing in the spring game could give them a leg up in securing meaningful playing time in the fall.
At running back, the competition is also heating up, with a mix of veterans and new faces vying for carries. Freshman running back Jeremiyah Love is expected to compete for significant playing time, and his performance in the spring game could be a key indicator of how he fits into the offense. Love’s speed and ability to make defenders miss could provide a dynamic element to Notre Dame’s rushing attack in 2025.
3. Defensive Strategies and Personnel Changes
As Notre Dame moves into 2025, the team’s defense remains a strong foundation for success. The Blue-Gold game will provide an early look at how the defense is shaping up, both in terms of personnel and strategic changes under defensive coordinator Al Golden.
One key area to watch will be the defensive line. Notre Dame has consistently boasted one of the best defensive lines in the country, and in 2025, that trend is expected to continue. Players like Jayson Ademilola, Howard Cross III, and Rylie Mills will be important anchors, but it’s the younger defensive linemen who will need to step up to ensure continued dominance in the trenches. Freshmen like Aiden Gobaira and the highly ranked Devan Houston will be under the microscope to show they can handle the physicality of college football.
In the linebacker corps, Notre Dame is looking to build depth behind experienced starters like JD Bertrand. Players like Sneed and Tuihalamaka will have a chance to prove that they can make an immediate impact and contribute to the team’s versatility and overall defensive game plan. The Blue-Gold game will allow these players to demonstrate their understanding of Golden’s defensive schemes and how well they can execute.
In the secondary, Notre Dame will need to replace some key contributors, and the spring game will showcase how new players adapt to their roles. The development of cornerbacks like Gray and Bell will be critical for the defense’s success. These young players will need to show that they can match up with high-caliber wide receivers and provide solid coverage throughout the season.
4. Offensive Line Development
A strong offensive line has long been a hallmark of Notre Dame football, and 2025 will be no different. The Blue-Gold spring game will give fans an early look at how the offensive line is shaping up as the team prepares for the upcoming season. The offensive line is critical for Notre Dame’s success, as it provides protection for the quarterback, opens running lanes for the backs, and sets the tone for the offense.
While the offensive line was a strength in previous years, there are questions about how the unit will adjust in 2025. With some key players gone from the starting lineup, such as Zeke Correll and Josh Lugg, new faces will need to step up. Players like Pat Coogan, Blake Fisher, and Andrew Kristofic will be key players to watch, as they continue to develop and refine their chemistry with the quarterbacks and running backs. The spring game will offer a crucial opportunity for these players to show their ability to dominate the line of scrimmage and create the space needed for the offense to thrive.
5. Team Chemistry and Leadership
Lastly, one of the most important aspects to monitor during the Blue-Gold game is the development of team chemistry and leadership. The 2025 Notre Dame football team will rely heavily on the leadership of both veterans and emerging players to guide them through a challenging season. The Blue-Gold game will offer a glimpse into how well the team is coming together, both on and off the field.
The leadership of coach Marcus Freeman will also be an important storyline. After taking over the program in 2022, Freeman’s approach to leading the team has been praised by players and fans alike. His ability to motivate, develop, and inspire his players will be put to the test in 2025 as he guides a new generation of Fighting Irish players.
