Marcus Freeman Earns National Recognition as Notre Dame Eyes Another Title Run
Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman continues to gain national attention as he leads the Fighting Irish into what could be a defining season for his tenure. On Monday, Freeman was named to the 2025 Dodd Trophy Preseason Watch Listโan accolade recognizing not just wins, but the impact a coach has on the program, the community, and his players’ academic success.
This announcement comes on the heels of Freeman winning the 2024 Dodd Trophy Coach of the Year award, capping off a season that saw the Irish return to the national championship stage for the first time since 2012.
Although Notre Dame fell short in Januaryโs title game against Ohio State, the teamโs performance marked a major milestone in Freemanโs growing legacy.
In just three seasons as head coach, Freeman has compiled a 33โ9 record, steadily improving the teamโs standing in the national spotlight. His leadership has reinvigorated the program, both on and off the field, with fans and analysts alike praising his poise, recruiting prowess, and commitment to player development.
โMarcus Freeman will continue to do Marcus Freeman things,โ one fan wrote on social media following the news. Another chimed in, โJust give him the trophyโwe already know heโs gonna win it.โ The excitement surrounding the program has rarely been higher in the post-Brian Kelly era.
Freemanโs fourth season at the helm will kick off with a highly anticipated road matchup against the Miami Hurricanes on August 31. That game presents an early test for the Irish, as Miami will be led by Carson Beck, the former Georgia quarterback who transferred after initially declaring for the NFL Draft.
While Miami has its quarterback situation solidified, Notre Dameโs own quarterback battle is still ongoing. Freeman must choose between promising freshman CJ Carr and redshirt sophomore Kenny Minchey to replace Riley Leonard, who left big shoes to fill after his transfer from Duke sparked last yearโs title run.
The competition under center will likely shape the trajectory of the season. Carr, one of the most highly touted recruits in recent Notre Dame history, has drawn comparisons to past Irish greats. Minchey, meanwhile, has been in the system longer and offers a steadier handโat least on paper.
Regardless of who wins the starting job, expectations are sky-high in South Bend. With a deep and talented roster, an experienced coaching staff, and a leader in Freeman who has already proven he can take the Irish to the cusp of glory, anything short of another College Football Playoff run will feel like a step backward.
The national spotlight is firmly on Marcus Freemanโand if the past is any indication, heโs more than ready for it.