It’s Week One, and the stage is set for a primetime showdown between two Top 10 programs as No. 6 Notre Dame travels to face No. 10 Miami at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday night. The Hurricanes enter with a roster reloaded through the transfer portal, while the Irish look to build on last season’s momentum behind a proven defense and highly touted quarterback CJ Carr making his first start. Here’s how the Fighting Irish Preview staff sees it playing out:
Phillip Houk Senior Editor
Prediction: Notre Dame 31, Miami 20
In 2024, the Hurricanes were an offensive juggernaut, but most of those stars have moved on to the NFL. With a few returnees and a wave of portal additions, Miami’s 2025 roster has the makings of another contender, but chemistry takes time. That’s where Notre Dame catches a break. With more proven talent across the board, the Irish should lean on great defense and Jeremiah Love while letting CJ Carr take shots downfield.
Caleb Conrad Staff Intern
Prediction: Notre Dame 35, Miami 14
CJ Carr’s highly anticipated debut comes under the primetime spotlight in Miami. Look for Carr to shine with a deep group of offensive weapons, while Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price keep pressure on the ground. Notre Dame’s elite defense will be tested by Georgia transfer Carson Beck and Miami’s portal-heavy offense, but expect the Irish to deliver a balanced performance capped by Carr’s arm and Love’s playmaking.
Jesse Craig Webmaster
Prediction: Notre Dame 34, Miami 17
Early-season games are all about the knowns. Both teams feature new quarterbacks and coordinators, but Notre Dame enters with tested cores at defense, O-line, and running game. Miami’s portal-built defense is still unproven. In a game of unknowns, the Irish lean on their strengths and pull away.
Chad Ryan Photo Journalist/Multimedia Editor
Prediction: Notre Dame 24, Miami 21
Carson Beck has big-game experience, but Notre Dame holds the edge in the ground game with CJ Carr supported by a Top 10 rushing attack. Miami should be able to run the ball, but Notre Dame’s defense—led by its secondary—will find ways to pressure Beck and force key mistakes.
Connor Fitzharris Staff Writer
Prediction: Notre Dame 27, Miami 13
The Irish defense, led by Leonard Moore, Christian Gray and Adon Shuler, will frustrate Carson Beck all night. Miami’s offense will struggle to find consistency against a stout front seven. While the environment may challenge CJ Carr, Notre Dame’s deep backfield will ease the pressure and carry the Irish to another Hard Rock Stadium win.
Adam Schenkel Producer/Audio Editor
Prediction: Notre Dame 30, Miami 13
Expect some early jitters, but once the game settles in, Notre Dame’s depth and skill advantage will show. The Irish should steadily pull away in the second half, and don’t be surprised if a defensive or special teams touchdown sparks the separation.
AJ Houk Photo Journalist/Director of Brand Strategy
Prediction: Notre Dame 38, Miami 10
This game sets the stage for CJ Carr’s emergence. Notre Dame’s trench advantage will fuel a dominant ground attack, helping Carr find rhythm. Defensively, the Irish will swarm Carson Beck and make life miserable for Miami’s rebuilt offense. Notre Dame pulls away with a statement win.
Staff Consensus
Notre Dame enters with proven strengths, while Miami is still gelling after a heavy offseason roster shakeup. The Fighting Irish Preview staff unanimously picks the Irish to win, with predictions ranging from a tight battle to a decisive statement victory.