Blue wins the 2025 Blue-Gold Game, showcasing strong teamwork, emerging talent, and a promising future for Notre Dame football.

The sun beamed brightly over Notre Dame Stadium as fans, alumni, and players gathered for one of the most cherished traditions of the spring — the annual Blue-Gold Game. As the final whistle sounded, it was the Blue team that emerged victorious in the 2025 edition, offering fans an exciting glimpse into the Fighting Irish’s potential for the upcoming season.

But the day was about so much more than just the score. It was about camaraderie, growth, evaluation, and the thrill of seeing new leaders emerge. It was a celebration of what Notre Dame football represents — tradition, excellence, and unity — and a strong indication that Marcus Freeman’s program is building momentum at just the right time.

Early Energy Sets the Tone

From the opening kickoff, the energy was high. Fans filled the stands, buzzing with excitement and optimism.

The Blue team, featuring a mix of starters and top reserves, wasted no time setting the tone. Quarterback CJ Carr, one of Notre Dame’s highly-touted young stars, led a crisp opening drive that ended in a perfectly placed touchdown pass to veteran tight end Mitchell Evans.

Carr’s command of the offense was immediately noticeable. Despite his youth, he showed poise beyond his years, checking into better plays at the line of scrimmage and spreading the ball around to different receivers. His performance was a key reason why the Blue team jumped out to an early lead — and why the crowd grew louder with each passing drive.

Offensive Stars Shine Bright

Several players stood out offensively for the Blue team.

Running back Jadarian Price displayed electric burst and vision, slicing through the defense for several chunk gains. His ability to hit the hole quickly and make defenders miss in space added a new dynamic to Notre Dame’s offense.

Wide receiver Tobias Merriweather also had a breakout afternoon. Long known for his physical gifts, Merriweather looked polished and confident, running sharp routes and making tough catches in traffic. His chemistry with Carr was undeniable, and it hints at the possibility of a major leap forward this fall.

The offensive line, often the backbone of any great Notre Dame team, played with impressive cohesion. Led by veteran anchors like Joe Alt and Blake Fisher, the unit gave Carr clean pockets and opened running lanes throughout the afternoon.

Defense Flashes Big Play Potential

While the Blue offense earned plenty of praise, the defense also had its moments.

Linebacker Drayk Bowen turned heads with his sideline-to-sideline speed and aggressive instincts. The freshman made several key stops, showing why he’s expected to compete for significant playing time right away.

Defensive end Jordan Botelho, a familiar name to Irish fans, looked like a man on a mission. He brought relentless pressure off the edge, recording two sacks and forcing a fumble that set up a short field for the offense.

The secondary, led by standout safety Xavier Watts, was opportunistic and physical. Watts nearly had a pick-six in the second quarter, undercutting a route and sending a jolt of electricity through the stadium even though the ball ultimately hit the turf.

If Saturday’s showing is any indication, Notre Dame’s defense under new coordinator Al Golden will feature a healthy dose of speed, aggression, and opportunism.

CJ Carr: The Future is Bright

Of all the performances on Saturday, none resonated more with fans than that of CJ Carr.

The freshman signal-caller entered Notre Dame with sky-high expectations, and if the Blue-Gold Game is any measure, he’s well on his way to living up to the hype.

Carr finished the day with over 200 yards passing, two touchdowns, and no turnovers. But beyond the stats, it was the way he commanded the huddle, read defenses, and made quick, decisive throws that had people talking.

Marcus Freeman was quick to praise Carr’s growth after the game, saying, “CJ’s preparation is what stands out. He’s humble, he’s hungry, and he’s putting in the work every day. We’re really excited about where he’s headed.”

Veteran quarterback Steve Angeli also played well for the Gold team, giving Notre Dame enviable depth at the position. But it’s clear that Carr is going to be a centerpiece for the future of the program.

Teamwork on Full Display

Perhaps the most encouraging sign for Notre Dame fans wasn’t any individual highlight — it was the teamwork and chemistry on display across both sidelines.

Players celebrated each other’s successes, communicated constantly on and off the field, and played with visible passion.

This was a team that looked connected — a credit to Marcus Freeman and his staff’s culture-building efforts.

“Everything we do is built around connection,” Freeman said after the game. “You can have talent, but if you don’t have trust and relationships, it won’t matter. These guys have bought in, and you can see it in the way they play.”

That connection will be vital as the Irish prepare for a challenging 2025 schedule featuring marquee matchups against programs like Texas, Clemson, and USC.

Emerging Leaders Take Center Stage

The Blue-Gold Game also served as a platform for new leaders to step into the spotlight.

Defensive tackle Howard Cross III was a vocal presence throughout the game, rallying his teammates after big plays and encouraging younger players.

On offense, wide receiver Jayden Thomas showed maturity beyond his years, pulling aside younger receivers between series to offer tips and encouragement.

Leadership is often the X-factor that turns good teams into great ones, and Saturday showed that Notre Dame’s next wave of leaders is ready to rise.

A Promising Future

The victory by the Blue team was the culmination of a day that gave Fighting Irish fans plenty of reasons for excitement.

Young stars are emerging. The offensive and defensive lines — the heart of Notre Dame’s success over decades — are deep and talented. And the culture inside the program appears as strong as ever.

While there’s always work to be done between now and the season opener, the foundation is clearly in place for Notre Dame to compete at the highest level.

Fan Experience: A Day to Remember

The Blue-Gold Game is about football, but it’s also about community.

Fans tailgated outside the stadium in beautiful spring weather, tossing footballs, grilling burgers, and reconnecting with old friends.

The atmosphere inside Notre Dame Stadium was festive, with kids catching T-shirts during timeout giveaways and alumni reliving their college days.

New traditions blended with old ones — from the playing of the fight song to the familiar sight of the Notre Dame Leprechaun energizing the crowd.

For the students, alumni, and families in attendance, the day offered a powerful reminder of why Notre Dame’s football program means so much to so many.

Final Thoughts: Building Momentum Toward Fall

As the players shook hands at midfield and the coaches addressed the team after the final whistle, there was a clear sense that this spring was a success.

The Blue team’s victory was symbolic of deeper things: strong preparation, resilience, and a belief that the best is yet to come.

With a blend of veteran leadership, young emerging stars, and a coaching staff fully aligned on vision and mission, Notre Dame football is poised for a big 2025 season.

The Blue-Gold Game served as a preview of that promise — and if Saturday was any indication, the Fighting Irish are ready to take the next step toward greatness.

The Irish are marching forward, united by tradition, driven by excellence, and fueled by the ever-burning spirit of Notre Dame.