In 2025, Texas A&M will play a new Notre Dame DC.

The landscape of college football is ever-changing, with teams constantly looking for ways to gain an edge over their competition. One of the most significant shifts in recent years has been the movement of coaches across programs, whether it’s to secure a better opportunity, implement a new philosophy, or inject a fresh perspective. In 2025, Texas A&M will face Notre Dame with a new defensive coordinator at the helm for the Irish. This development has significant implications not just for the Aggies but for the Irish as well.

The addition of a new defensive coordinator at Notre Dame will undoubtedly change the dynamics of the upcoming game between Texas A&M and Notre Dame, and the effects of this coaching change could reverberate throughout the remainder of the season. As the Aggies continue to build under Jimbo Fisher and aim to reach new heights, the defensive schemes implemented by the Irish could either stifle or fuel their offensive growth. This article explores the key elements of this change, what Texas A&M can expect from a new defensive approach, and how both teams will adapt as they face off in 2025.

Notre Dame’s New Defensive Coordinator: The Changing Tide

While Notre Dame has enjoyed tremendous success over the past decade, one area where the program has consistently fallen short has been in its defense, particularly in big games. Under former defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman, the Irish saw a solid defensive effort in the regular season, but their defense often struggled when faced with elite offenses, such as in the College Football Playoff and high-profile games against top-tier teams.

In an effort to solve this ongoing issue and take their defense to the next level, Notre Dame made a pivotal decision to hire a new defensive coordinator heading into the 2025 season. The new hire, though not yet fully revealed, is expected to bring a fresh philosophy and approach to a defense that has historically been known for its strong front seven but often struggled to keep pace with fast-paced, high-scoring offenses. This move will have a significant impact not only on the Irish’s overall defense but also on how they approach their games against physical, pro-style teams like Texas A&M.

The Irish’s defense in 2025 will likely focus on improving its ability to adjust to dynamic offenses, incorporating modern schemes that prioritize speed, flexibility, and versatility. This could potentially change the entire complexion of their defensive strategy, allowing them to stay competitive in the ever-evolving landscape of college football.

Texas A&M’s Offensive Challenges: What Will They Face?

For Texas A&M, the upcoming matchup with Notre Dame will provide a unique challenge. Jimbo Fisher’s offense has traditionally been built around a strong rushing attack, efficient quarterback play, and controlling the clock. However, the Aggies have often struggled to execute consistently in key moments, particularly when facing high-pressure defenses that can disrupt their rhythm.

In 2025, the Aggies will look to continue their evolution on offense, with key questions remaining about how quarterback play will develop under Fisher’s watch. As of now, Connor Weigman is the projected starting quarterback, and his growth as a leader on the field will be crucial in determining how well the offense functions throughout the season. Texas A&M’s offensive line will also play a pivotal role, as it must provide adequate protection for Weigman and open up running lanes for the Aggies’ backs.

The introduction of a new defensive coordinator at Notre Dame will force Jimbo Fisher to adapt his offensive game plan. If the Irish’s new DC introduces a more aggressive, attacking defense designed to pressure the quarterback and force quick decisions, Texas A&M will need to focus on quick-hitting passes, play-action opportunities, and screen passes to neutralize the pass rush. Additionally, the Aggies’ offensive line will need to show significant improvement to avoid becoming overwhelmed by the pressure and movement of a revamped defensive front seven.

Texas A&M’s success will largely depend on its ability to execute at a high level against an uncertain, but potentially more aggressive defense from Notre Dame. With Fisher’s history of strong offensive schemes, the Aggies will have a solid foundation to build from, but they will have to rise to the occasion against a defense that may be much more difficult to handle.

Key Areas of Focus: How the Irish Will Adapt

The main areas of focus for Notre Dame’s new defensive coordinator will be creating a more dynamic defense that can effectively shut down powerful offenses, improve on pass coverage, and bolster the defensive line to prevent explosive plays. Given that the Irish defense has occasionally struggled to keep pace with elite quarterbacks and fast-paced offenses, the new DC will likely aim to implement a system that emphasizes flexibility and the ability to adjust based on the strengths of opposing offenses.

1. Defensive Line Pressure and Front Seven

For Notre Dame to be successful against the Aggies, the defensive line will be crucial in applying consistent pressure on the quarterback. Texas A&M’s offensive line has been an area of concern in recent seasons, and if the Irish’s new defensive coordinator can find ways to exploit these weaknesses, they could significantly disrupt the Aggies’ offensive game plan. Whether through a 4-3 or 3-4 base alignment, the new defensive system will need to be dynamic enough to shift between pass-rush pressures and maintaining coverage to neutralize Connor Weigman’s ability to make plays downfield.

2. Defensive Backs and Coverage Scheme

With Weigman and other Texas A&M quarterbacks relying heavily on the deep ball, the Notre Dame secondary will need to be disciplined, particularly in pass coverage. The Aggies are likely to take a few deep shots during the game, attempting to break big plays through their receivers. The new defensive coordinator will need to prepare the secondary to either play man-to-man or zone coverage based on Texas A&M’s offensive personnel. The ability to mix up coverages and confuse the quarterback could be an essential part of the game plan.

3. Stop the Run and Force Third-and-Longs

Texas A&M has traditionally been a strong running team, with Fisher emphasizing a balanced offensive attack. However, if the Irish can stifle the Aggies’ rushing attack early and force third-and-long situations, it will allow them to take advantage of their defense’s speed and athleticism. By focusing on stopping the run, Notre Dame’s new DC could put the Aggies in uncomfortable situations, forcing them to rely on the passing game.

Texas A&M’s Response: Countering a New Defensive Scheme

In light of the Notre Dame defense’s expected overhaul, Texas A&M will have to adjust its game plan and identify key strategies to counter the changes. For the Aggies, finding success on offense will require Jimbo Fisher to design plays that force Notre Dame’s defense to be reactive rather than proactive.

The Aggies’ running back stable, including rising talents in Amari Daniels and Le’Veon Moss, will need to exploit any openings in the Irish’s defensive front. Keeping the defense honest with a dynamic rushing attack will also allow the Aggies to set up more play-action opportunities, potentially giving Weigman the time he needs to find open receivers downfield.

Additionally, Texas A&M’s receiving corps, led by Evan Stewart, Moose Muhammad, and others, will be key in exploiting the holes in the secondary. Fisher’s offensive system will rely heavily on quick, decisive throws that utilize the receivers’ speed and agility to break big plays. It will be crucial for Weigman to read the defense and adjust the ball distribution accordingly, finding mismatches and taking what the defense gives him.

Impact on the 2025 Season

With the changes happening on both sides of the ball, Texas A&M vs. Notre Dame will be one of the most intriguing matchups of the 2025 season. It will give both teams a chance to gauge how well they’ve adjusted to their respective changes. The outcome could set the tone for the rest of the season, providing momentum to the winner, while the loser will have to reconsider their strategy and adjustments heading into the heart of conference play.

For Texas A&M, this game will be a benchmark for how well they can compete against high-quality programs with fresh coaching philosophies. For Notre Dame, the introduction of a new defensive system represents a chance to revitalize their defense and show that they can compete with the elite teams in the nation.

The game will not only be a tactical battle but will also represent the broader trends in college football as teams attempt to balance recruitment, coaching changes, and NIL spending. With both teams on the verge of potential breakthroughs, the clash in 2025 could be one of the most significant contests of the year, filled with stakes for both programs and their respective fanbases.

 A New Era for Both Programs

As Texas A&M prepares to face Notre Dame in 2025, both programs are entering new eras—Texas A&M under Jimbo Fisher’s continued leadership and Notre Dame with a new defensive coordinator at the helm. This clash will not only be about talent but also about the ability to adapt to changing football dynamics. With significant changes at the coaching level, both teams will have plenty to prove as they square off in what promises to be a highly anticipated matchup. The results will shape the future of both programs and could have a profound impact on their respective seasons.