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This article appeared in a series in the print issue, "The Never Ending Season: The Story of the Irish's Historic Fight for a National Title." Notre Dame’s football program is among the most notorious in collegiate football history. From hosting the first ever home playoff game in the first 12-team playoff bracket the to making their first national championship appearance since 2012, follow the Irish as they continue to tread a historic path on their constant march to victory.

In a storybook ending to the Fighting Irish’s home games, Notre Dame welcomed Indiana University (IU) to South Bend. Surrounded by the spirit of the impending Christmas holiday and the tangibility of the season’s snow, the campus proved itself to be an idyllic location for the first-ever 12-team playoff game.

Anticipation began on Dec. 8 as the NCAA’s new 12-team bracket was released and Notre Dame was selected to host a first-round game. Many students expressed their excitement, calling it the best way to end the fall semester (or at least better than exams). As a result, flights were changed, finals were taken, and students began preparing for the big game.

This neighborly matchup was more than a game between two Indiana schools; it was also a momentous occasion for the history of Notre Dame Stadium. Though concerts, inaugural balls, and graduation ceremonies have been held within its walls, no playoff games had occurred—until Dec. 20.

Kick off began at 7:30 p.m., but fans spent the day wandering around campus and tailgating in the cold. The green and red sea of fans cultivated a Christmas-themed spectacle in the stands. Some stood out in Santa suits, green capes, and Buddy the Elf costumes. Families, alumni, and diehard fans braved the winter chill to join together and cheer on their team.

Inside the stadium, the Irish controlled the game for the majority of its duration, taking a 27-3 lead until late into the fourth quarter. Key plays contributed to this lead, such as an interception by Xavier Watts, which resulted in Jeremiyah Love’s 98-yard touchdown run—a play that tied Josh Adams for the longest run in Notre Dame history and set the record for the longest run in CFP history. Riley Leonard threw another touchdown to Jayden Thomas and completed a rushing touchdown of his own, bringing his season total to 15 rushing touchdowns—breaking Notre Dame’s single-season record for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback.

As the game came to a close, students stood arm in arm to sing the Alma Mater, basking in the Christmas gift of an endless season of football. Seniors embraced their classmates as they rejoiced for another game, and first-years said goodbye to the stadium until next season.

That night, the Fighting Irish became the first-ever football team to win a College Football Playoff game on its home field. The victory amplified the culture of Notre Dame, where faith and football intersect. The bittersweet end to the semester was sweetened by the reminder of the school’s triumph. This momentum rallied around the team, enabling them to follow the yellow brick road to the next round of the playoffs.