Fighting Irish Fab Five: The Top 150 for 2025 by CBS Sports Features Notre Dame Stars

Fighting Irish Fab Five: Notre Dame Stars Shine in CBS Sports’ Top 150 for 2025

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish football program has long been one of the most storied and successful programs in college football history. With a rich tradition, passionate fan base, and consistently strong recruiting classes, Notre Dame has remained a powerhouse in the sport for decades. However, as the college football landscape evolves and the competition in the College Football Playoff era intensifies, it’s critical for programs to consistently produce top-tier talent in order to remain competitive on the national stage.

In 2025, Notre Dame football is poised to make a major statement in the world of college football, and much of that will be due to the emergence of their rising stars. Recently, CBS Sports unveiled its highly anticipated Top 150 players for the 2025 season, and Notre Dame fans couldn’t help but take pride in the fact that five Fighting Irish players made the cut. These five players, each at a different position and bringing their own unique skills to the table, represent the future of Notre Dame football and its continued success on the national stage.

In this article, we’ll dive into each of these standout players, examining their talents, impact on the team, and why they earned their spot in CBS Sports’ prestigious rankings. From a dynamic quarterback to an elite pass rusher and all-around playmakers, this Fighting Irish Fab Five will be a force to be reckoned with in 2025 and beyond.

1. Sam Hartman: The Playmaker at Quarterback

The first name on Notre Dame fans’ lips in 2025 is Sam Hartman, who earned his well-deserved spot in CBS Sports’ Top 150 rankings. Hartman, a graduate transfer from Wake Forest, has the experience, leadership, and playmaking ability to lead Notre Dame’s offense back to prominence.

Hartman’s journey to Notre Dame has been a fascinating one. After a stellar career at Wake Forest, where he became the program’s all-time leader in passing touchdowns, passing yards, and total offense, Hartman decided to take his talents to South Bend for his final year of eligibility. His decision to transfer to Notre Dame was a game-changer for both the Fighting Irish and Hartman himself. Known for his strong arm, accuracy, and ability to perform in clutch moments, Hartman is expected to be the centerpiece of the Notre Dame offense.

One of Hartman’s biggest strengths is his ability to throw the deep ball with accuracy and precision. This ability will allow Notre Dame to stretch the field and open up the run game, providing opportunities for other playmakers on the roster. He also excels at reading defenses and making quick decisions under pressure, which is vital in today’s fast-paced college football environment.

Hartman’s leadership skills are also a key factor in his success. Having started for multiple seasons at Wake Forest, Hartman brings a wealth of experience to South Bend. His presence in the locker room and on the field has already made an impact, helping to elevate the play of those around him. With Hartman at the helm, Notre Dame fans can expect an explosive and efficient offense in 2025.

2. Jaden Ivey: Notre Dame’s Elite Wide Receiver

Jaden Ivey is another player who has garnered national attention, and his placement in the CBS Sports Top 150 is a testament to his remarkable skill set. The sophomore wide receiver has the potential to become one of the top playmakers in college football in 2025. Ivey, known for his blazing speed and playmaking ability, has already proven to be a mismatch for defenders, and in 2025, he’s poised to take his game to the next level.

Ivey’s speed and agility make him a dangerous weapon in the passing game, particularly when running routes downfield or creating separation on short routes. His ability to quickly change direction and make defenders miss in the open field is a rare talent, and it will make him a key target in Hartman’s aerial attack. Additionally, Ivey has shown flashes of excellent route-running ability, with a knack for getting open and making crucial catches in key situations.

One of the things that makes Ivey so difficult to defend is his versatility. He can be used in a variety of ways within the offense, from deep balls to screens and short slants. His ability to be a threat on any play makes him an invaluable asset for Notre Dame’s offensive coordinator in 2025.

As Hartman continues to develop chemistry with Ivey, expect this duo to become one of the most dangerous quarterback-wide receiver pairings in college football. If Ivey can stay healthy and continue his trajectory of improvement, he could emerge as a future first-round NFL draft pick and one of the top receivers in the country.

3. Isaiah Foskey: The Elite Pass Rusher

On the defensive side of the ball, Isaiah Foskey has made a name for himself as one of the most explosive pass rushers in college football. The senior defensive end is a dominant force off the edge, and his ranking in CBS Sports’ Top 150 is a reflection of his consistent excellence throughout his career.

Foskey is a player who can completely take over a game with his ability to disrupt the quarterback. He has the speed, strength, and technique to beat offensive tackles, and he does an excellent job of getting into the backfield to create pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Over the past few seasons, Foskey has become a key player for Notre Dame’s defense, constantly applying pressure and making plays behind the line of scrimmage.

In 2025, Foskey will be counted on to be the leader of Notre Dame’s defense, and he’s more than capable of living up to that responsibility. With the Fighting Irish expected to face high-powered offenses throughout the season, Foskey’s ability to get to the quarterback will be crucial in disrupting opposing offensive schemes. His presence as a pass rusher will force opposing quarterbacks to make quick decisions, and that can lead to turnovers and sacks that will shift the momentum of a game in Notre Dame’s favor.

Foskey’s leadership and experience make him not just a star on the field, but a key mentor for the younger players on the Notre Dame defense. His impact on the defensive line will be crucial as the Fighting Irish look to remain one of the top defensive teams in the nation.

4. Audric Estime: Notre Dame’s Powerhouse Running Back

Audric Estime has been a rising star for Notre Dame’s offense, and his inclusion in CBS Sports’ Top 150 is a reflection of his unique skill set. As a powerful, downhill runner, Estime is a nightmare for defenders to bring down. His combination of size, strength, and speed makes him one of the most physically imposing running backs in the country.

Estime has the ability to break tackles, wear down defenses, and gain tough yards in critical situations. His vision and patience as a runner allow him to find holes in the offensive line, and once he gets to the second level, it’s often too late for defenders to stop him. In 2025, Estime will be expected to carry a heavy load for the Fighting Irish offense, and his ability to control the game on the ground will be key to their success.

Notre Dame’s offensive scheme is built around balance, and Estime’s power running style complements the passing game perfectly. With Hartman throwing the ball to a talented group of receivers, Estime will have the chance to make a significant impact in both the running and passing game. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield will keep defenses on their toes, and his ability to wear down opposing defenses in the fourth quarter could make him a game-changer.

In addition to his physical abilities, Estime’s leadership and work ethic have made him a favorite in the Notre Dame locker room. As one of the team’s leaders, Estime will play a crucial role in helping Notre Dame’s offense stay balanced and efficient in 2025.

5. Benjamin Morrison: The Shutdown Cornerback

Finally, we come to Benjamin Morrison, one of the best young cornerbacks in college football and a rising star in the Notre Dame secondary. Morrison’s inclusion in CBS Sports’ Top 150 is a testament to his incredible talent and ability to shut down some of the best wide receivers in the country.

Morrison has the quickness, footwork, and ball skills to excel in coverage, and he’s proven to be a lockdown cornerback throughout his career. His ability to anticipate plays and read the quarterback’s eyes allows him to make plays on the ball and break up passes. Additionally, Morrison’s size and physicality make him a force in both man and zone coverage, allowing him to match up with receivers of all shapes and sizes.

In 2025, Morrison will be tasked with guarding some of the top wide receivers in college football, and he has all the tools to succeed in that role. His ability to limit big plays in the passing game will be crucial for Notre Dame’s defense, and his ability to force turnovers could shift the momentum in games that are close.

Morrison’s presence on the field also allows Notre Dame’s defense to be more aggressive in their pass rush, as opposing quarterbacks may be hesitant to throw in his direction. With Foskey creating pressure and Morrison locking down receivers, Notre Dame’s defense could become one of the most formidable units in the nation.