When does a new rivalry begin in college football? Notre Dame and Clemson may have already planted the seeds ahead of a 12-game series.

Smith had three standout years with the Irish before joining the NFL in 2016. He recently signed with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Jan 20, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman arrives prior to the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the CFP National Championship college football game at ...

Former Notre Dame superstar linebacker Jaylon Smith will be opening up “JINYA” on Wednesday, a Ramen restaurant in South Bend ...

It’s not as though Notre Dame is an underdog — far from it. Archival reels particularly highlight the upward trajectory of the university and team, and how the “Notre Dame brand” of today came to be.

"The Notre Dame brand is something that is true to tradition, community and faith in my opinion," he said. "The history of the university is like nothing in the world.

This win required the No. 7 seed in a 12-team tournament to erase a 10-point first half deficit, the largest Notre Dame football has faced at any point all season.

Last game: Penn State beat Boise State 31-14 and Notre Dame beat Georgia 23-10, both in quarterfinal games of the College Football Playoff. 2024 records: Penn State 13-2, 8-1 Big Ten, Notre Dame 13-1.