Wait, which game are we actually talking about? If you’re asking who won the Notre Dame game right now, you’re likely looking for the result of their most recent clash—the regular-season finale against USC or perhaps the high-stakes battle in the College Football Playoff. As of the close of the 2025 season, the Irish have been on a roller coaster that would make a Cedar Point engineer sweat.
The Irish just finished a campaign that redefined "stressful." Marcus Freeman’s squad didn't just play games; they conducted weekly experiments in cardiac health for the South Bend faithful. To get the answer to who won, you have to look at the scoreboard, but to understand how they won, you have to look at the trenches. It wasn't always pretty. Sometimes it was downright ugly.
The Most Recent Result: Breaking Down the Scoreboard
In the most recent matchup that capped off the 2025 schedule, Notre Dame faced off against the USC Trojans. It's the greatest intersectional rivalry in sports, and this year, it had massive playoff implications.
Notre Dame won the game. The final score was 31-24. It wasn't a blowout. Riley Leonard, who stayed for his final year of eligibility, proved why the transfer portal isn't just a buzzword but a lifeline for programs looking to bridge the gap between "good" and "elite." He didn't throw for 400 yards. He didn't have to. Instead, he managed the clock, used his legs when the pocket collapsed, and leaned on a defense that has become the identity of this era of Irish football.
People often forget that winning in the Coliseum or under the lights at Notre Dame Stadium requires more than just blue-chip recruits. It requires a specific kind of mental toughness that Al Golden has instilled in that defensive unit. They didn't just win; they survived a fourth-quarter surge that had every fan in the stadium holding their breath.
How the Irish Defense Is Changing the Conversation
When you ask who won Notre Dame’s latest contest, the answer usually starts with the secondary. We’ve seen a shift. For years, the narrative was that Notre Dame couldn't keep up with the speed of SEC or Big Ten powerhouses. That's dead. Gone.
The 2025 defense relied heavily on a rotation of defensive ends that kept everyone fresh. Benjamin Morrison’s departure to the NFL left a hole, but the "next man up" philosophy actually worked this time. It’s rare. Usually, that’s just coach-speak for "we’re in trouble," but the young corners stepped up in a way that surprised even the most cynical beat writers.
✨ Don't miss: Why Cumberland Valley Boys Basketball Dominates the Mid-Penn (and What’s Next)
They played a "bend but don't break" style. Against USC, they allowed yards. Lots of them. But in the red zone? They were a brick wall. That’s the nuance of who won—it wasn't about total yardage. It was about those three specific plays inside the 20-yard line where the Irish forced field goals instead of giving up six points.
Key Factors in the Win
- Time of Possession: The Irish held the ball for nearly 38 minutes. You can't lose if the other team doesn't have the rock.
- Turnover Margin: +2. A muffed punt by the Trojans and a late-game interception sealed the deal.
- Third Down Efficiency: Notre Dame converted 60% of their third downs, mostly through short, bruising runs.
The Riley Leonard Factor
Let’s be honest. Quarterback play at Notre Dame has been a lightning rod for criticism since the days of Brady Quinn. Everyone has an opinion. Everyone thinks they could call a better game from their couch.
But Leonard brought something different. He isn't a "stat stuffer." If you look at his Heisman odds, they were never top-tier. Yet, when you ask who won the Notre Dame game, he’s the reason the answer is "The Irish." His ability to check out of a bad play at the line of scrimmage is something you can't teach in a single spring ball session. He’s a veteran. He’s seen every blitz package a defensive coordinator can dream up.
In the win over USC, Leonard's 14-yard scramble on 3rd and 11 in the fourth quarter was the play of the game. It didn't make the national highlight reel. It wasn't a 50-yard bomb. But it moved the chains, kept the clock moving, and broke the spirit of the Trojan defense. That is how games are won in late November.
Why the "Who Won" Question is Complicated This Year
If you're looking back at the season as a whole, the question of who won Notre Dame's games becomes a bit more interesting. They had that early-season stumble—a game they should have won but didn't. It's the Notre Dame curse. Win the big ones, lose the one that makes you scratch your head.
That loss to a middle-of-the-pack ACC opponent early in September nearly derailed everything. It’s why every game afterward felt like a playoff game. The pressure in South Bend is a different kind of animal. You aren't just playing the team across from you; you’re playing the ghost of 11 national championships and a fan base that views a two-loss season as a failure.
🔗 Read more: What Channel is Champions League on: Where to Watch Every Game in 2026
The Impact of the 12-Team Playoff
The new playoff format changed the stakes. In the old days, one loss meant you were playing for the Gator Bowl. Now? Who won the Notre Dame game matters for seeding, not just survival.
By winning their final three games, the Irish secured a spot. It wasn't the top seed. They didn't get a bye. But they got a home game. Do you know what it’s like in South Bend in December? It’s cold. It’s grey. It’s miserable for teams coming from California or the South. That home-field advantage is the "win" that fans are really celebrating.
Common Misconceptions About the Irish Success
A lot of people think Notre Dame wins because they have a physical advantage. That’s partially true, but it’s actually the coaching adjustments at halftime.
Marcus Freeman has evolved. Early in his tenure, he was criticized for being too "player-friendly" or failing to make the big calls in the fourth quarter. This year, the data shows Notre Dame is outscoring opponents 114-42 in the second half. That’s not talent. That’s scheme. That’s sitting in the locker room, looking at the tablet, and realizing the opponent is over-committing to the A-gap.
Honestly, the way they’ve handled the offensive line transitions has been nothing short of a miracle. Losing starters to injury in October usually kills a season. Instead, the "Blue-and-Gold" depth chart proved it actually had some meat on its bones. The freshmen who stepped in didn't just fill space; they moved people.
What This Means for the Next Matchup
So, the Irish won. Now what?
💡 You might also like: Eastern Conference Finals 2024: What Most People Get Wrong
Winning the regular-season finale against a rival like USC provides a massive recruiting boost. It’s a "proof of concept" win. When Freeman sits in a living room in Texas or Florida, he can point to the scoreboard and say, "This is what we're building."
The victory also secures a higher payout for the university and ensures that the independent status—which everyone loves to argue about—remains viable. As long as Notre Dame keeps winning these high-profile games, they don't need a conference. The win keeps the "independence" dream alive for another year.
Critical Takeaways from the Recent Victory:
- Special Teams Matter: A blocked field goal in the second quarter was a 6-point swing.
- Youth Movement: Three of the top five tacklers were underclassmen. The future is bright.
- Identity Found: They are a run-first, defensive-heavy team. They stopped trying to be something they aren't.
Taking Action: How to Follow the Next Game
If you're looking to keep up with the Irish, don't just check the ESPN app five minutes after the whistle. The real story is in the post-game press conferences.
- Watch the All-22 film if you can find it. It shows exactly how the Irish safeties are disguising coverages, which is the real secret to their defensive wins lately.
- Follow the injury reports closely. The win over USC came at a cost, with two key players leaving the field early. Their availability for the playoff opener will be the difference between a deep run and an early exit.
- Check the weather forecasts for South Bend. If the Irish are playing at home in the postseason, the wind off Lake Michigan becomes the 12th man on the field.
The Irish are currently ranked in the top 10 for a reason. They won because they played disciplined, boring, and highly effective football. In a world of flash and "Air Raid" offenses, Notre Dame is winning by being the toughest team in the stadium. It’s a throwback. It’s frustrating for opponents. And for the fans, it’s exactly what they’ve been waiting for.
Keep an eye on the transfer portal entries this week. Now that the regular season is over, several backup players will likely seek starting roles elsewhere, which will shift the depth chart before the bowl game. If you want to stay ahead of the curve, monitor the "Notre Dame Insider" feeds for updates on the defensive line rotation, as that is where the next game will be won or lost.
Next Steps for Fans and Analysts
To truly understand the trajectory of this team after their latest win, you should focus on the specific defensive metrics. Total wins are great, but the Success Rate per Dropback is the stat that actually predicts their playoff success. Take a look at the adjusted line yards for the offensive front; if that number stays above 3.5, Notre Dame isn't just winning—they're dominating. Monitor the practice reports coming out of the Guglielmino Complex this Tuesday for the definitive status on the starting left tackle, as his presence is the single biggest variable for the upcoming playoff round.