Notre Dame vs Stanford: Rivalry, 2025 Score & Betting Odds

Few college football rivalries blend tradition, academics, and headline-worthy drama quite like Notre Dame vs Stanford. The latest chapter, played on November 29, 2025, saw No. 9 Notre Dame demolish Stanford 49-20 (NCAA game summary), fueled by Jeremiyah Love’s return from injury and making a clear statement from a team chasing a College Football Playoff berth.

Year rivalry began: 1925 ·
Games played (as of 2025): 39 ·
2025 game result: Notre Dame 49, Stanford 20 ·
Notre Dame CFP earnings: reported but unconfirmed ·
Stanford football donation: unconfirmed reports

The table below outlines the rivalry’s key data.

Why does Notre Dame have a rivalry with Stanford?

Two private academic powerhouses, one shared trophy since 1989 — the rivalry is older than most fans realize.

Origins of the rivalry (1925)

The series began on January 1, 1925, when Notre Dame defeated Stanford 27–10 in the Rose Bowl. The game was the first meeting between the two programs and set the stage for a sporadic series that would eventually become annual.

Renewal in 1988

After decades of infrequent contests, the rivalry was revived in 1988. Since 1997, the teams have played every season (Sports Illustrated). In odd-numbered years the game is held at Stanford Stadium; in even-numbered years at Notre Dame Stadium.

Shared academic prestige

• Both universities are private, highly selective institutions.
• Both are known for strong athletic programs across multiple sports.

The implication: the rivalry is fueled by mutual respect and the occasional upset, not by geographic proximity. For context on other ACC rivalries, see Florida State vs NC State Football: Score, History, Highlights.

Who is favored, Notre Dame or Stanford?

For the 2025 matchup, Notre Dame entered as the favorite — ranked No. 9 with a strong home-field advantage at Stanford Stadium.

2025 betting line

Notre Dame was favored by a significant margin, though the exact spread varied by sportsbook. The Irish covered the spread with a 49-20 victory (NCAA game summary).

Key factors affecting odds

• Jeremiyah Love’s return from injury boosted Notre Dame’s offensive confidence.
• Stanford’s defense had struggled all season.
• Notre Dame’s CFP aspirations added motivation.

The trade-off: betting on rivals is always risky — Stanford has won 8 of the last 14 meetings (when excluding a vacated 2012 Notre Dame win, per Wikipedia).

Is Stanford or Notre Dame better?

It depends on whether you measure by football wins, academic rankings, or all-time legacy.

Football head-to-head record

Notre Dame leads the all-time series 24–14 after the 2025 game (Winsipedia). Notre Dame holds the longest winning streak (7 games, 2002–2008). Stanford’s largest victory margin is 37–14 in 2010 (Winsipedia).

Academic comparison

Both are elite universities. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks Stanford among the top 10 national universities; Notre Dame is also highly ranked. The academic prestige adds a unique dimension to the rivalry.

The pattern: Notre Dame dominates on the field, but Stanford is often considered the superior academic institution.

Does Notre Dame get 20 million dollars?

Notre Dame’s College Football Playoff revenue is distributed through a formula based on conference affiliation and participation. Exact figures for 2025 have not been officially confirmed, but reports suggest the program earns substantial payouts from its bowl appearances.

Why this matters: Notre Dame, as an independent, receives a full share from the CFP, which funds its athletic programs. The amount fluctuates year to year based on performance and media rights.

Who gave Stanford 50 million dollars?

Several news outlets have reported a $50 million donation to Stanford football from alumnus Bradford M. Freeman. The details remain unconfirmed by official Stanford Athletics channels at this time.

The catch: if confirmed, this would be one of the largest gifts in Stanford athletics history and could significantly boost the program’s recruiting and facilities.

For Notre Dame, the 2025 win over Stanford was more than just another notch in the series record. It demonstrated a program capable of overcoming adversity and staying in the College Football Playoff conversation. For Stanford, the loss highlighted the gap that remains, even with potential new investment. The path forward for both programs will be shaped by how they leverage their unique strengths — Notre Dame’s independence and history, Stanford’s academic brand and financial resources.