Notre Dame vs Stanford: Irish Dominate in Battle for the Legends Trophy (2025 Recap)

Date: November 30, 2025

Category: College Football / NCAA

The rivalry week has concluded, and the Notre Dame vs Stanford showdown ended in emphatic fashion. In a game that carried massive College Football Playoff (CFP) implications, the Fighting Irish made a powerful statement to the selection committee.

If you missed the late-night action from Palo Alto, we have the full breakdown of how Notre Dame secured the Legends Trophy and kept their postseason dreams alive.

The Legends Trophy Stays with the Irish

Last night, No. 9 Notre Dame walked into Stanford Stadium and dismantled the Cardinal with a decisive 49-20 victory.

This win marks a significant milestone for Marcus Freeman’s squad. After a shaky 0-2 start to the season, the Irish have now rattled off 10 consecutive wins, proving they are one of the hottest teams in the country heading into December.

Key Matchup Stats

• Final Score: Notre Dame 49, Stanford 20

• Total Offense: Notre Dame (524 yards) vs. Stanford (312 yards)

• Trophy: The Legends Trophy remains in Notre Dame’s possession.

Note: The Legends Trophy, a combination of Irish crystal and California redwood, has been the prize of this rivalry since 1989.

 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team lifting the Legends Trophy after defeating Stanford 49-20 in 2025 season finale.

Game Recap: How Notre Dame Dominated

The question leading into the game was whether the Irish would look past a 4-8 Stanford team. The answer was a resounding “No.”

1. The Jeremiyah Love Show

Running back Jeremiyah Love continued his Heisman-worthy campaign. He opened the scoring with a 2-yard touchdown run—his 21st touchdown of the season. Despite an injury scare where he briefly exited to the locker room, Love returned to the sideline, showcasing the resilience that has defined this team’s season.

2. A Fast Start

Notre Dame didn’t wait around. They scored on their first four possessions, jumping out to a 28-0 lead. This aggressive start effectively ended the competitive phase of the game before halftime. Quarterback CJ Carr was efficient, connecting for his 12th straight game with a touchdown pass, finding Jadarian Price to extend the lead.

3. Stanford’s Struggles

For the Stanford Cardinal, it was a tough end to a challenging season under interim coach Frank Reich. While they found some rhythm in “garbage time” during the fourth quarter, they were simply outmatched by Notre Dame’s defensive front and offensive firepower.

Playoff Implications: What This Means for Notre Dame

The Notre Dame vs Stanford result was about more than just a trophy; it was about “style points.”

With chaos occurring elsewhere during Rivalry Weekend, Notre Dame needed a dominant win to impress the CFP committee. By keeping their starters in late and pushing the score to 49-20, the Irish likely solidified their spot as an at-large bid.

• Current Record: 10-2

• CFP Probability: Before the game, ESPN’s FPI gave them an 85.6% chance. After this blowout, those odds have likely improved.

The History of the Rivalry

The Notre Dame vs Stanford series is one of the most unique in college football, pitting two prestigious academic institutions against each other.

• Series Lead: Notre Dame now leads the all-time series 25-14.

• Recent Dominance: The Irish have won the last three meetings (2023, 2024, 2025).

• Next Meeting: The rivalry is scheduled to continue, with the Irish looking to extend their streak next season.

FAQ: Notre Dame vs Stanford

Q: Who won the Notre Dame vs Stanford game in 2025? A: Notre Dame won with a score of 49-20 on November 29, 2025.

Q: What is the Legends Trophy? A: It is the trophy awarded to the winner of the Notre Dame-Stanford game, made of Irish crystal and California redwood.

Q: Did Jeremiyah Love play against Stanford? A: Yes, he started his 29th consecutive game and scored the opening touchdown, despite a brief injury scare.