Arkansas vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish: Full Timeline, Lineups, Prediction & Where to Watch Guide
The much-anticipated showdown between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish is finally here. With both programs fighting to define their seasons, this historic first-ever matchup brings together two storied college football schools with plenty of narratives, star players, and playoff implications on the line.
Timeline & Build-Up to Arkansas vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish
The Arkansas vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish clash is set for Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Kickoff is scheduled for noon ET (11 a.m. local), with live broadcast coverage on ABC.
Leading into this matchup:
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Arkansas stands at 2–2, showcasing one of its most explosive offenses in years.
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Notre Dame, currently 1–2, is desperate for a victory to reenter College Football Playoff discussions.
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Betting markets opened with Notre Dame as a 5.5-point favorite, while the total points line has been set at 63.5.
This is the first time the Razorbacks and Fighting Irish will meet on the football field, adding historic weight to an already pivotal contest.
Arkansas Razorbacks Roster Highlights
The Arkansas Razorbacks roster under Sam Pittman has seen consistent offensive fireworks this season. With Bobby Petrino’s Veer and Shoot scheme, Arkansas has surpassed 500 total yards in five consecutive games for the first time in program history.
Key names to watch:
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QB Taylen Green: Dual-threat leader with 1,191 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, and 360 rushing yards.
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TE Jaden Platt: Averaging nearly 18 yards per catch, a weapon in the passing game.
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DL Quincy Rhodes Jr.: Defensive standout leading the team in sacks and tackles for loss.
Despite the offensive success, the Razorbacks must clean up defensive issues, particularly tackling and quarterback pressure, if they are to keep Notre Dame’s offense in check.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish Betting Odds and Key Players
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish betting odds opened in their favor, but the margin is slim, showing how closely matched these teams are. Chris Ash’s first year as defensive coordinator has been turbulent, as the Irish defense has allowed big plays in crucial moments.
Players to keep an eye on:
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RB Jeremiyah Love: Consistent ground producer, averaging 5.5 yards per carry.
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RB Jadarian Price: Goal-line option and rushing touchdown leader.
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Passing Game: Capable of explosive plays but inconsistent under pressure, a weakness Arkansas will look to exploit.
The Notre Dame defense, however, remains a concern. If they cannot contain Green’s dual-threat ability, the Irish could find themselves in another high-scoring battle.
Full Game Timeline Projection
| Period | What to Expect | Potential Deciding Factors |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Quarter | Arkansas may push tempo early | Defensive adjustments by Notre Dame |
| 2nd Quarter | Momentum swings likely | Turnovers could flip field position |
| 3rd Quarter | Adjustments at halftime crucial | Big plays on offense will matter |
| 4th Quarter | Close-game scenarios expected | Special teams and late turnovers decisive |
Both teams have a track record of tight finishes this season, making the final minutes especially critical.
Taylen Green Stats and Impact
Looking at Taylen Green stats, it’s clear he is the driving force of the Razorbacks’ offense. With over 1,500 total yards and 14 combined touchdowns, Green’s dual-threat versatility will test Notre Dame’s defensive schemes. His ability to extend plays and challenge secondaries deep makes him the most important player on the field.
Chris Ash Defense Challenge
The new Chris Ash defense has yet to settle at Notre Dame. Through three games, the Irish have been unable to consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks, often giving up chunk yardage. This matchup will test Ash’s schemes against one of the most aggressive offensive systems in college football.
Lou Holtz Arkansas Notre Dame Connection
One unique subplot in this game is the Lou Holtz Arkansas Notre Dame connection. Holtz coached Arkansas from 1977 to 1983 and later led Notre Dame from 1986 to 1996, including their 1988 national championship run. His legacy provides a fascinating historical link between the two programs as they finally meet on the field.
College Football Prediction Models
The latest college football prediction models present a divided picture:
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SP+ Model: Arkansas favored narrowly, 31–29.
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CFP Index: Notre Dame projected by a slim 1.5-point margin.
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Betting Markets: Irish remain slight favorites (around –4.5).
CBS Sports leans toward a high-scoring battle with Notre Dame eking out a narrow win, while others see Arkansas’s offensive firepower overwhelming Notre Dame’s defensive struggles.
Where to Watch Arkansas vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Fans eager to follow the action can tune in and stream the game across multiple platforms:
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Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
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Time: 12 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. CT
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Channel: ABC
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Streaming Options: Available on Fubo and other live TV platforms carrying ABC coverage
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Venue: Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville, Arkansas
The game will also be tracked live on ESPN’s Gamecast with in-depth statistics and play-by-play coverage.
This clash not only promises offensive fireworks but also carries massive implications for both teams’ postseason hopes, making it one of the must-watch games of the college football weekend.
