Notre Dame vs TCU Picks and Predictions for Friday December 5, 2025

By: Kim Smith Published 12/05/2025, 12:30 AM ET

Notre Dame travels to Fort Worth for a tough non-conference matchup against a surging TCU team riding a three-game winning streak. Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 PM EST at Schollmaier Arena on ESPN+. This game features two squads that rely heavily on guard play, tempo control, and mid-range creation — and both come in with the confidence of strong recent performances. Before we dive in, make sure you check out the full and free college basketball picks.

Notre Dame Preview

Notre Dame enters this matchup at 6-3 and fresh off a signature win over undefeated Missouri, where the Irish showed impressive resilience and offensive balance in a 76–71 victory. Marcus Burton remains the engine of this team, and his performance this season has been nothing short of elite.

Key Numbers for the Irish

75.4 PPG scored
67.7 PPG allowed
46% FG, driven by efficient spacing and perimeter threats
37.1 rebounds per game
12 assists per game
5.2 steals per game

Burton leads the way with:

19.9 PPG
48.8% shooting
91.7% from the FT line

Notre Dame’s strength lies in its ability to grind games down, force opponents into half-court possessions, and close late-game situations at the foul line. However, their margin for error shrinks when they face teams that can impose physicality and speed — which TCU does extremely well.

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Defensively, the Irish have been solid, but their lack of rim protection (just 1.7 blocks per game) tends to show up against strong drivers and athletic wings.

TCU Preview

TCU sits at 5-2, but their record only tells part of the story. The Horned Frogs have won three straight — including impressive victories over Wisconsin and Florida — and finally look like the aggressive, downhill, pressure-oriented team expected in the preseason.

Key Numbers for the Horned Frogs

79.7 PPG scored
65.9 PPG allowed
44 rebounds per game
16 assists per game
9.3 steals per game

Guard Duke Punch leads TCU with:

12.7 PPG
58.1% shooting
70% FT

While Punch is the statistical leader, this is a roster built on depth, athleticism, and defensive physicality. TCU attacks closeouts, pressures passing lanes, and forces opponents into uncomfortable possessions earlier in the shot clock.

At home, they’re even more dangerous — and they have covered spreads consistently when playing in Fort Worth.

Notre Dame vs TCU Pick

I’m backing TCU in this matchup.

Notre Dame is coming off a big emotional win and now immediately faces a road environment that punishes slow starts and inconsistent interior defense. TCU’s athleticism, pressure defense, and ability to generate steals give them a real advantage against a Notre Dame team that has struggled when forced out of rhythm.

The Horned Frogs are deeper, more physical, and far better in transition. Notre Dame will compete — and Burton will put up numbers — but over 40 minutes, I think TCU’s rebounding edge and tempo pressure will eventually wear them down. Betting on sports and on TCU is easy, but even easier if you use the best sportsbooks. Make sure you know about how the fans are looking on prediction markets for Notre Dame with the social sportsbooks. Getting the most out of your bets on TCU vs Notre Dame can be done by using the Fanatics Sportsbook promo code.

Give me TCU at home to extend their winning streak.

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