"Time to rally behind our team like never before": Hannah Hidalgo sends a message to Notre Dame football fans ahead of Orange Bowl vs Penn State

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team have a do-or-die matchup set for Thursday, Jan. 9, against the No. 4-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions in the semifinals of the college football playoffs for the 2025 Orange Bowl. A win will grant them a ticket to the Cotton Bowl semifinal.

With this crucial game approaching, women's basketball sensation Hannah Hidalgo recently took to her Instagram story to rally the fans, urging them to fully support the football team.

"What's up fam'? This is our moment. Our team is making waves in the college football playoffs and there's no slowing down now. It's time to rally behind our team like never before. We got the heart, the grit, and the talent to make it all the way," she said.

"So, let's flood those stands, rep our colors, and make some noise. This is our time to shine, so let's keep those dubs rolling," Hidalgo then added.

Hannah Hidalgo posted a message to the football team on her Instagram story.

The sophomore star's message aims to serve as an inspiration for the football team, which is striving for a deeper playoff run. They have recently delivered impressive performances, securing a 27-17 victory over the Indiana Hoosiers in the first round and a 23-10 win against the Georgia Bulldogs in the Sugar Bowl.

As they prepare to face Penn State on Thursday at 9 a.m. ET at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida, the team has the opportunity to build on their momentum. The Notre Dame faithful, including Hidalgo, will be closely watching in anticipation of another victory.

Hannah Hidalgo and the women's basketball team are breezing through the competition

Hannah Hidalgo and her women's basketball teammates are starting off the Atlantic Coast Conference strong. This Sunday, they secured their second straight conference victory by double digits, defeating the UNC Tar Heels 76-66, and improving to 12-2 overall for the 2024-2025 season.

Hidalgo, in particular, has established herself as a bona fide standout in her second year, averaging an impressive 25.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 4.6 steals per game. The Fighting Irish will continue their campaign against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons on the same day at their homecourt.