Notre Dame announced Sunday that it will not participate in any bowl game this season after being left out of the College Football Playoff field. The decision came shortly after the playoff bracket was revealed.
The Fighting Irish finished the regular season 10–2 and were considered a strong candidate for an at-large playoff berth under the expanded 12-team format. However, the playoff committee selected Miami for the final at-large position, pointing to the Hurricanes’ head-to-head win over Notre Dame earlier in the year.
In a statement shared on social media, Notre Dame said it would “withdraw our name from consideration for a bowl game following the 2025 season.” The program thanked players, families, and fans, adding that it looks ahead to preparing for next year.
Notre Dame had won its last 10 games, many by significant margins, and was widely viewed as one of the hottest teams entering the postseason. Despite that momentum, the committee cited its established criteria, which prioritizes head-to-head results, to place Miami ahead of the Irish.
The decision marks a rare instance of a major college football program declining postseason play. Bowl games traditionally offer additional practice time, national exposure, and an opportunity for players to compete one final time before the offseason.
Notre Dame’s choice has sparked debate about the effectiveness of the expanded playoff system and whether the selection criteria still leave room for controversy. It also raises questions about whether other programs might consider similar decisions in future seasons.
The school’s statement closed by saying it hopes to compete for a national championship in 2026.