Notre Dame Withdraws from Bowl Game, Ending Eight-Year Streak
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish announced on December 3, 2025, their decision to withdraw from consideration for a bowl game this season, marking the end of an eight-year streak of postseason appearances. The announcement came after the team was unexpectedly excluded from the College Football Playoff bracket, leading to widespread disappointment among players and staff.
In a statement released by the university, the Fighting Irish expressed gratitude for the support of their fans and families. “As a team, we’ve decided to withdraw our name from consideration for a bowl game following the 2025 season. We appreciate all the support from our families and fans, and we’re hoping to bring the 12th national title to South Bend in 2026,” the statement read.
The decision to withdraw follows a tumultuous weekend for the program. According to Notre Dame Athletic Director Pete Bevacqua, the committee’s choice to leave Notre Dame out of the playoff felt “like a collective feeling that we were all just punched in the stomach.” He emphasized his belief that the playoff was unfairly denied to the student-athletes, labeling the committee’s rationale as “a total farce.” Prior to the announcement, discussions regarding the team’s future took nearly an hour, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Had they participated, Notre Dame was slated to face BYU in the upcoming Pop-Tarts Bowl, a matchup highlighting the first two teams left out of the playoff bracket. The Fighting Irish’s withdrawal, however, reflects a deeper frustration with the current postseason structure. Bevacqua’s strong sentiments indicate a desire not to partake in a system they perceive as flawed.
This decision also signifies a break from a tradition that has seen Notre Dame qualify for a bowl game in eight consecutive seasons. The last time the team failed to achieve bowl eligibility was during a challenging 2016 season under former head coach Brian Kelly, which culminated in a 4-8 record. Since then, Notre Dame has consistently reached postseason play, showcasing their competitive spirit under both Kelly and current head coach Marcus Freeman.
Historically, the Fighting Irish have maintained a notable presence in bowl games, holding a record of 24-22 all-time, which includes all College Football Playoff appearances. Last season, they achieved significant success, winning three playoff games before succumbing to Ohio State in the national championship.
The 2025 season saw Notre Dame finish with a strong record of 10-2, yet the team’s performance did not translate into postseason play this year. This will be the first time since 2016 that Notre Dame will not participate in any bowl game, highlighting the unusual circumstances surrounding their withdrawal.
As the Fighting Irish look to the future, the focus shifts to the potential for a renewed championship pursuit in the 2026 season. Fans and players alike hope that this decision will serve as a catalyst for change within the college football playoff system, ultimately leading to a more equitable opportunity for all participating teams.
