#6 Notre Dame vs #10 Miami NCAAF Pick: Irish Face Miami in Opener (Aug 31)

• Notre Dame came up short in the CFP Title Game last year, finishing 14-2 overall.
• Miami finished ranked #18 and 10-3 following a Pop-Tarts Bowl loss to Iowa State.
• These two teams last met on November 11, 2017, in a game that Miami won 41-8.

The defending runners-up head to #10 Miami in their 2025 opener. Notre Dame enters with a slight edge against a Hurricanes team that no longer has phenom QB Cam Ward. Miami faces an uphill battle here.

Notre Dame Aims to Keep Momentum

Notre Dame had a sensational 14-2 season last year, despite coming up short in the title game. They were led by a suffocating defense, which retains some talent but will also be replacing several key players. For a Fighting Irish team that seemed to be a step short for much the CFP era, making the Finals was proof that they can run alongside the blue bloods in the SEC and Big-10. They’ll aim to build on their success this year.

Miami Facing Roster Turnover

Miami finally made it back on the map last season, thanks to Heisman runner-up and 1st-overall pick Cameron Ward. They continue to pull in impressive recruiting classes under head coach Mario Cristobal, but will have massive shoes to fill at the QB position. Georgia transfer Carson Beck brings in a lot of talent, but his recovery from injury is still a bit cloudy. If Beck starts against Notre Dame, he’ll face a brutal battle.

Notre Dame vs Miami Pick

Miami has the home-field advantage in this game, but I’m still surprised to see the spread so close. Replacing Cam Ward will be no small task, and their new-look offense draws a brutal first matchup against Notre Dame’s defense. While I would be surprised to see a blowout, I expect the Fighting Irish to pull away and win this one with relative comfort. Look for Notre Dame to come away with something like a 27-17 win.