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The college football world will have its eyes on Hard Rock Stadium Sunday night when Notre Dame and Miami meet for the first time since 2017. The matchup is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC, marking a primetime showcase between two top-ten teams with playoff aspirations.
It’s been nearly a decade since these programs last shared the field. That night ended in a lopsided 41-8 Miami victory, but Notre Dame holds the all-time series advantage at 18-8-1. For Irish fans, memories of the iconic “Catholics vs. Convicts” clash in 1988 still loom large, while for Hurricanes faithful, the dominance at home — Miami is unbeaten in its last six home games in the series — is a point of pride.
The Notre Dame Angle
Marcus Freeman’s team enters off a 14-2 campaign and a run to the national championship game. This season begins a new era under center. Redshirt freshman CJ Carr, a former four-star recruit, was named the starting quarterback on Aug. 19. Though he has no game experience, Carr steps into an offense loaded with proven playmakers.
Running back Jeremiyah Love headlines the group. A preseason All-American and legitimate Heisman candidate, Love ran for over 1,100 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2024. Behind him, Jadarian Price adds depth, while Virginia transfer Malachi Fields joins a receiver unit already featuring Jaden Greathouse and Jordan Faison. Tight end Eli Raridon gives the Irish another dynamic target.
Up front, Notre Dame brings back a veteran offensive line led by Aamil Wagner and Ashton Craig. Defensively, the Irish are adjusting to a new voice. Chris Ash replaces Al Golden as coordinator, inheriting a unit that was one of the nation’s best a season ago. Linebacker Drayk Bowen and safety Adon Shuler headline a deep, talented group.
The Miami Angle
Mario Cristobal continues to rebuild the Hurricanes with a roster heavy on transfers and new faces. Miami went 10-3 last season, finishing just outside of the expanded playoff field. The biggest addition came at quarterback, where former Georgia starter Carson Beck brings nearly 8,000 career passing yards and 58 touchdowns into his Miami debut.
The Hurricanes will need Beck’s steady presence behind an experienced offensive line anchored by Francis Mauigoa. Cristobal’s challenge is on the other side of the ball, where a new defensive coordinator and a reworked secondary try to improve a unit that struggled a season ago. Rueben Bain Jr. remains the centerpiece up front, capable of disrupting any game plan.
What to Watch
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Quarterback debut: CJ Carr’s first career start comes in primetime on the road against a top-ten opponent.
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Star power in the backfield: Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love is one of the nation’s most explosive backs, while Miami counters with quarterback experience in Carson Beck.
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Defensive adjustments: Both teams enter with new defensive coordinators — Chris Ash at Notre Dame, Corey Hetherman at Miami — and will be tested immediately.
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Special teams battle: Both squads bring in proven veteran kickers, Miami’s Bert Auburn and Notre Dame’s Noah Burnette, leaving no clear edge in the kicking game.
Essential Game Info
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Game Time: Sunday, Aug. 31, 7:30 p.m. ET
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Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Fla.
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TV: ABC
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Odds: Notre Dame -2.5 (BetMGM)
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All-Time Series: Notre Dame leads 18-8-1 (Last Meeting: 2017, Miami 41–8)
This opener sets the tone for both programs. For Notre Dame, it’s about proving last year’s breakthrough wasn’t a one-off. For Miami, it’s a chance to show they belong back in the national conversation. Either way, Sunday night brings another chapter to one of college football’s most storied rivalries.
About the Author
Dalton Tinklenberg is the Founder and Media Director of The Scouting Depot, where he leads comprehensive coverage of college and professional football. He is an active member of some of the most respected organizations in sports journalism, including the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA), Maxwell Football Club, Online News Association (ONA), National Football Foundation (NFF), and the Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE).
Before launching The Scouting Depot, Dalton worked with Blue HQ Media, where he covered major sporting events such as the Indianapolis 500, the College Football Playoff, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
Through his professional affiliations and on-the-ground experience, Dalton combines deep knowledge of the game with recognized standards of storytelling, editorial excellence, and authenticity in sports coverage.
