Arkansas Football vs Notre Dame 2025: The atmosphere in Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium was electric. Fans, decked in cardinal and white, were ready to witness a historic clash: the Arkansas Razorbacks facing off against the iconic Notre Dame Fighting Irish for the first time in their storied histories. But what unfolded on the field on September 27, 2025, was a one-sided affair that sent shockwaves through the college football world.
The final score, a decisive 56-13 victory for the Irish, tells only part of the story. This was a game defined by Notre Dame’s relentless offense and a stunning performance by their young quarterback.
If you missed the action, you’re in the right place. We’ll break down the key moments, highlight the players who stole the show, and analyze what this game means for both programs moving forward.
A First Quarter Full of Promise (for a Moment)
The game started with a glimmer of hope for the home team. The Arkansas defense, energized by the crowd, managed to hold Notre Dame on their opening drive. The Razorbacks then methodically moved the ball down the field, showing the offensive prowess that has been a hallmark of their early season. Kicker Cam Little put the first points on the board, giving Arkansas a 3-0 lead and igniting the crowd into a frenzy.
However, that was as good as it got for the Hogs. The Irish offense, led by redshirt freshman quarterback CJ Carr, responded with a vengeance. Carr, in just his fourth collegiate start, demonstrated poise far beyond his years. He orchestrated a swift and surgical drive, capping it off with the first of many touchdowns for the Irish. This was the moment the tide turned, and it never looked back.
Notre Dame’s Offensive Masterclass
The bulk of the Arkansas football vs Notre Dame highlights belonged to the Fighting Irish offense. They were a well-oiled machine, gashing the Arkansas defense with both the run and the pass. Here’s a breakdown of what made their performance so dominant:
- Quarterback Excellence: CJ Carr was the undeniable star. He finished the game with a career-high 354 yards passing and matched a Notre Dame freshman record with four touchdown passes. His command of the offense was impressive, and he showed an incredible ability to read the defense and deliver accurate throws.
- The Jeremiyah Love Show: Running back Jeremiyah Love was a force of nature. He caught two of Carr’s touchdown passes and rushed for two more scores, showcasing his versatility and explosive playmaking ability. Love’s performance was a key factor in keeping the Arkansas defense off balance.
- Deep Play Success: Notre Dame wasn’t just dinking and dunking their way down the field. They repeatedly connected on long-yardage plays that demoralized the Razorback defense. A 35-yard touchdown strike from Carr to Jadarian Price was a particular highlight, with Price showcasing his elite speed and vision to shake a defender and find the end zone.
It’s worth noting the sheer volume of production from the Notre Dame offense. They amassed a staggering 643 total yards of offense, with 420 of those coming in the first half alone. This level of offensive output is a testament to the play-calling and the flawless execution by the Irish.
A Struggling Razorback Defense
For the Razorbacks, this game was a tough pill to swallow, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. They struggled to contain Notre Dame’s diverse attack. The defensive line couldn’t generate consistent pressure on Carr, and the secondary was often a step behind Notre Dame’s talented receiving corps.
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While they showed flashes of good play, the sheer speed and size of the Fighting Irish ultimately overwhelmed them. The Razorbacks will need to make significant adjustments to compete with high-powered offenses in the SEC.
The Bigger Picture: What This Means for Both Teams
The outcome of this game has different implications for both programs.
- For Notre Dame: This was a massive bounce-back win. After starting the season 1-2, including a couple of close losses, this dominant performance against a Power 4 opponent was exactly what they needed. It re-establishes their identity as a contender and gives them crucial momentum heading into the rest of their schedule. The emergence of CJ Carr as a legitimate star is the most promising takeaway for the Fighting Irish.
- For Arkansas: This was a humbling defeat. While the Razorbacks had shown flashes of promise earlier in the season, this game exposed some deep-seated issues on both sides of the ball. They’ll need to learn from this loss and use it as a building block. The upcoming slate of conference games will be a true test of their resolve.
A Look Ahead
The Fighting Irish now head into a crucial part of their season with renewed confidence. For the Razorbacks, the focus must shift to correcting the fundamental mistakes that plagued them against Notre Dame. The team will need to rally around each other and prove that this loss was an anomaly, not a sign of things to come.
FAQs on Arkansas Football vs Notre Dame
1. Who won the Arkansas vs Notre Dame football game in 2025?
Notre Dame won the game with a final score of 56-13.
2. Where can I find the official highlights for the Arkansas football vs Notre Dame match?
Official game highlights are typically available on the official athletics websites of both teams.
3. Who was the standout player for Notre Dame in the game?
Notre Dame redshirt freshman quarterback CJ Carr was the standout player, throwing for 354 yards and four touchdowns.
4. What was the final score of the Arkansas football vs Notre Dame game?
The final score was 56-13 in favor of Notre Dame.
5. Is this the first time Arkansas and Notre Dame have played each other in football?
Yes, the September 27, 2025, matchup was the first-ever football game between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
