Notre Dame football suffered a crushing 41-40 defeat to Texas A&M in South Bend on Saturday, September 13, 2025. The Fighting Irish, ranked No. 8 entering the contest, seemed poised for a statement victory after running back Jadarian Price scored his second rushing touchdown of the night. But a last-minute Aggies drive stunned the Irish faithful and left the team with its first loss of the season.
A Back-and-Forth Battle
The game was filled with momentum swings and big plays from both sides. Notre Dame opened strong, striking first with an early special teams score. Jadarian Price quickly followed up, powering his way into the end zone on a 2-yard run that gave the Irish early confidence.
Texas A&M refused to be intimidated. Quarterback Marcel Reed and his receiving corps kept the Aggies in striking distance, pushing Notre Dame’s defense to its limits. By halftime, Texas A&M had built a 28-24 lead, showcasing both explosive offense and resilience against Notre Dame’s physical style.
Jadarian Price Shines
Jadarian Price became the offensive spark the Irish needed. Midway through the third quarter, he broke free for a 17-yard touchdown run, his second of the evening. The score not only electrified the home crowd but also swung momentum back toward Notre Dame. Price’s vision and acceleration proved vital, and his two-touchdown night highlighted his growing role as a key contributor in the backfield.
With Price leading the charge, Notre Dame regained control in the second half, taking the lead into the final minutes. Alongside him, running back Jeremiyah Love also provided key yardage, including a gutsy fourth-down run that seemed to seal the win.
Turning Points of the Game
Several defining moments shaped the outcome:
- Early Special Teams Spark – Notre Dame set the tone with a quick touchdown on special teams, energizing the crowd.
- Price’s Two Scores – Jadarian Price’s pair of rushing touchdowns gave the Irish crucial leads and momentum at critical points.
- Jeremiyah Love’s Fourth-Quarter TD – A 12-yard run by Love late in the fourth quarter pushed Notre Dame ahead 40-34, appearing to secure the win.
- Aggies’ Final Drive – With less than a minute to play, Texas A&M marched downfield, capping it off with an 11-yard touchdown pass that sealed the 41-40 Irish defeat.
Late Collapse Proves Costly
Despite holding a narrow lead in the closing minutes, Notre Dame’s defense couldn’t hold firm when it mattered most. Texas A&M’s offense displayed poise under pressure, exploiting gaps in coverage and finishing with the decisive score with just 19 seconds remaining.
The heartbreaking ending was a reminder of how slim the margins are in college football. One defensive stop would have meant a signature victory for Notre Dame, but instead, the Irish were left stunned on their home turf.
Stats and Performances
Notre Dame’s offensive balance was evident throughout the night. While Price carried the load on the ground with two touchdowns, quarterback CJ Carr connected on several key throws to keep drives alive. Tight end Eli Raridon provided a reliable target in the passing game, contributing in both blocking and receiving.
On the defensive side, the Irish had difficulty containing Texas A&M’s speedy receivers. Missed tackles and blown coverages allowed the Aggies to generate explosive plays, something the coaching staff will undoubtedly review ahead of next week’s matchup.
Key highlights for Notre Dame included:
- Jadarian Price – 2 rushing touchdowns, including a 17-yard burst in the third quarter.
- Jeremiyah Love – 1 rushing touchdown on a clutch fourth-down play.
- Special Teams Unit – Early touchdown to open the scoring.
Impact on Notre Dame Football’s Season
The loss comes at a difficult time for Notre Dame football. Ranked inside the top ten, the Irish entered the game with legitimate College Football Playoff aspirations. A one-point defeat to Texas A&M does not end those hopes, but it does put the team in a challenging position.
The Irish must now regroup quickly, as every remaining game carries increased importance. With conference rivals and traditional powerhouses still on the schedule, consistency will be key.
This game also highlighted areas that require immediate improvement:
- Closing Out Games – Notre Dame had the lead late but couldn’t finish. Developing composure in crunch time will be vital.
- Defensive Communication – Too many blown assignments allowed Texas A&M to stay in the contest.
- Maintaining Offensive Rhythm – While Price and Love excelled, the Irish need better balance to avoid stalling in critical moments.
Looking Ahead to Purdue
Notre Dame now turns its attention to Purdue, a matchup that takes on even greater significance after this loss. For the Irish, the focus will be on bouncing back quickly, regaining momentum, and avoiding consecutive defeats.
Fans will be watching to see if Jadarian Price continues to shoulder more responsibility in the running game. His performance against Texas A&M showed he can be a difference-maker. Alongside him, CJ Carr will need to elevate the passing attack to complement the ground game.
Why This Loss Hurts More
This was more than just a non-conference game. It was a chance to showcase Notre Dame football as a national contender capable of beating a top SEC opponent. Instead, the Irish let a golden opportunity slip away in the final seconds.
Still, the season is far from lost. If Notre Dame can correct mistakes and return to form quickly, they remain in the conversation for major bowl games and, potentially, the playoff picture.
Notre Dame football fans will not forget this game anytime soon. The highs of Jadarian Price’s two touchdowns and the excitement of late leads were ultimately overshadowed by the heartbreak of a last-second defeat. As the team looks ahead, the question becomes whether this setback will derail their season or fuel a stronger, more determined run.
Stay tuned and share your thoughts below: what do you think Notre Dame needs to fix most before facing Purdue?