Notre Dame Football showcased its power and precision on Saturday, October 18, 2025, as it defeated USC 34-24 at home in a thrilling, rain-soaked matchup at Notre Dame Stadium. This win extends the Fighting Irish’s home winning streak against the Trojans to an impressive seven games, reaffirming their dominance in one of college football’s most storied rivalries.
Jeremiyah Love Leads the Charge
The star of the day was clearly Jeremiyah Love, who rushed for a career-high 228 yards and a touchdown. His physical running style kept the USC defense on its heels throughout the game. Love’s performance highlights Notre Dame’s commitment to a strong ground game, which has been a cornerstone of their success under head coach Marcus Freeman.
Adding to the excitement was Jadarian Price, who electrified the crowd with a 100-yard kickoff return touchdown in the third quarter. This pivotal play shifted momentum and contributed to Notre Dame’s impressive 306 total rushing yards.
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Defense Steps Up When It Counts
While the offense stole headlines, Notre Dame’s defense was equally impressive. Interceptions by Christina Gray and Luke Talich, along with a fumble recovery by Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, helped stall USC’s drives and set up scoring opportunities for the Irish. This balanced performance on both sides of the ball demonstrates why Notre Dame remains a contender in the College Football Playoff race.
Coaching Brilliance
Head coach Marcus Freeman praised his players’ unselfish play. “Great players make great plays when they have the ball, but continuing to put team first-that’s hard to do,” Freeman said. His coaching philosophy of teamwork and resilience was on full display, especially under challenging weather conditions.
In contrast, USC coach Lincoln Riley faced criticism for a risky fourth-and-one pass that ultimately backfired. Strategic decisions like these highlight the fine margins in high-stakes matchups and underscore Notre Dame’s disciplined approach.
What This Means for the Season
With this win, Notre Dame improves their record to 5-2, strengthening their position as a playoff contender. More importantly, this victory reinforces the Fighting Irish’s reputation as a team that thrives under pressure and in historic rivalry games. Fans can expect Notre Dame to carry this momentum into their upcoming matchups, keeping playoff hopes alive.
Key Takeaways
- Jeremiyah Love: 228 rushing yards, 1 TD, game-changer.
- Jadarian Price: 100-yard kickoff return TD, momentum shifter.
- Defense: Key interceptions and fumble recovery secured the win.
- Record Update: Notre Dame improves to 5-2 and strengthens playoff contention.
Notre Dame’s victory over USC wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. The Fighting Irish showed they can dominate in any condition, balancing explosive offense with a disciplined defense. This game will be remembered as a testament to teamwork, strategy, and resilience.
