In 2025, Notre Dame aims for playoff contention, UConn builds on recent success, and the Pac-2 focuses on competitiveness amid evolving college football landscapes.

As college football continues to evolve with new playoff formats, conference realignments, and emerging talent, 2025 promises to be a pivotal year for many programs. Among those navigating this shifting landscape are Notre Dame, UConn, and the Pac-2, each with unique goals and challenges ahead.

In this article, we’ll explore the outlook for these three distinct but important entities in college football. From Notre Dame’s perennial pursuit of playoff contention to UConn’s steady rise, and the Pac-2’s efforts to maintain relevance, 2025 will be a year full of opportunity, pressure, and transformation.

Notre Dame: Pursuing Playoff Glory

A Tradition of Excellence

Notre Dame enters 2025 with a rich history of college football excellence. The Fighting Irish have been one of the most storied programs in the sport, boasting multiple national championships, Heisman Trophy winners, and a tradition that combines athletic success with academic rigor.

The 2024 season underscored Notre Dame’s return to national prominence, as the team made a deep playoff run, ultimately falling just short of the national title. This momentum sets the stage for high expectations in 2025.

Key Players and Coaching Stability

Under the leadership of head coach Marcus Freeman, the program has emphasized speed, physicality, and discipline. Freeman’s approach has resonated with players and fans alike, and his recruitment efforts have brought in a talented and motivated class ready to make an impact.

The quarterback position is a focal point for Notre Dame’s 2025 outlook. With redshirt freshman CJ Carr stepping in, the offense will look to balance dynamic playmaking with a strong running game. Running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price provide a formidable backfield, offering versatility and power.

Defensively, the Irish return a talented secondary and a deep rotation of edge rushers, aiming to maintain a reputation as one of the toughest defensive units in the country.

Challenges and Schedule

Notre Dame’s 2025 schedule features marquee matchups against traditional rivals such as USC and Miami, along with a high-profile clash against Texas A&M. These games will be crucial in determining whether the Irish can secure another College Football Playoff berth.

In addition to on-field challenges, Notre Dame will need to navigate roster turnover, injuries, and the pressure of expectations that come with their storied program.

Outlook

If Notre Dame can maintain its balance of offensive innovation and defensive toughness, 2025 could see the Irish return to the national championship conversation. Their blend of youth and experience positions them well for sustained success.

UConn: Building Momentum and Establishing Identity

Recent Progress

UConn football has been on an upward trajectory in recent years. After years of struggling to establish themselves, the Huskies posted a winning season in 2024, capped by a Fenway Bowl victory. This milestone has energized the program and its fanbase.

Head coach Jim L. Mora has been instrumental in recruiting and building a competitive culture. His emphasis on toughness, discipline, and smart football has begun to bear fruit.

Roster Improvements and Transfer Portal Success

One of UConn’s key strategies has been leveraging the transfer portal to bring in experienced players from other programs. For the 2025 season, the Huskies welcomed 18 transfers from notable schools, enhancing depth and skill across the roster.

Running backs Cam Edwards and Mel Brown lead a revitalized offense, while the defense aims to improve consistency and resilience after a solid showing in 2024.

Challenges Ahead

UConn remains an independent program, which poses scheduling challenges but also opportunities to craft a competitive slate of games. The team must continue to develop its identity and prove it can compete consistently at a higher level.

Sustaining momentum requires not only on-field success but also building infrastructure, recruiting pipelines, and fan engagement to support long-term growth.

Outlook

If UConn continues on its current trajectory, 2025 could be a breakthrough year that cements the Huskies as a competitive force in college football’s evolving landscape. Their success may also attract more high-profile recruits and deepen community support.

The Pac-2: Navigating Uncertainty and Building Foundations

Background

The dissolution of the Pac-12 Conference led to the emergence of the Pac-2, consisting currently of Washington State and Oregon State. These programs find themselves at a crossroads as college football’s conference landscape rapidly changes.

Challenges of Competitiveness and Visibility

With fewer member schools and less media attention than before, the Pac-2 faces challenges in maintaining competitiveness against Power Five conferences and emerging programs. Scheduling competitive games and attracting top recruits will be ongoing priorities.

Both Washington State and Oregon State have rich histories but must now operate in an environment where resources, exposure, and recruiting advantages are more limited.

Strategic Focus

The Pac-2’s immediate goal is to stabilize and strengthen their football programs. This includes investing in coaching, facilities, and player development. By focusing on long-term competitiveness, they hope to position themselves for future opportunities, possibly through conference expansion or partnerships.

Outlook

2025 is a transitional year for the Pac-2, marked by challenges but also the chance to redefine their identity. Success on the field, combined with strategic planning, could help these programs carve out a sustainable path in the changing college football ecosystem.

The year 2025 represents a crossroads for Notre Dame, UConn, and the Pac-2, each facing unique circumstances but united by the pursuit of growth and success.

• Notre Dame aims to leverage its tradition and recent momentum to contend for another national championship.

• UConn seeks to build on its recent breakthroughs and establish itself as a competitive independent program.

• The Pac-2 navigates the uncertainties of conference realignment, focusing on program development and future stability.

As college football continues to evolve, these teams and conferences will play critical roles in shaping the sport’s future. Their journeys in 2025 will be closely watched by fans, analysts, and stakeholders invested in the game’s ongoing transformation.