Notre Dame Football’s Top Blessing: What They Are Most Grateful For This Season
Notre Dame football has much to be thankful for, but one thing stands out above the rest: the program’s progress under head coach Marcus Freeman. The Fighting Irish are currently 10-1, ranked No. 5 in the College Football Playoff standings, and just one win away from securing a spot in the 12-team playoff. There’s a lot of optimism surrounding the team’s future, especially when considering how much has improved in recent years.
While short-term success is often prioritized in today’s sports culture, the long-term growth at Notre Dame is especially significant. Under the previous coaching staff, expectations were set at winning ten games each season, but there wasn’t a clear path for sustained growth. Coach Freeman has shifted that mindset, fostering a more progressive approach that has revitalized the program.
One of Freeman’s biggest achievements has been in recruiting, where he’s expanded Notre Dame’s reach. The program has aggressively targeted key recruiting areas like Texas and Florida, which had been largely neglected in the past. Additionally, Freeman’s willingness to consider players from public schools has broadened the pool of recruits, changing the program’s demographic for the better.
Notre Dame has also made significant strides in terms of administrative support. After a rocky situation with the Andy Ludwig hiring, the school took decisive action by investing heavily in coaching staff. Offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock was lured from LSU with a substantial offer, and defensive coordinator Al Golden received a contract extension. Other key assistants, like Mike Mickens and Deland McCullough, have also been well-compensated, reinforcing the program’s commitment to success.
In the NIL landscape, Notre Dame was initially cautious, but now the program is highly competitive, showing adaptability as the space evolves.
Most importantly, on the field, Freeman and his staff have shown significant growth. After a tough early-season loss, the team didn’t collapse but instead adapted and improved. For the first time in years, Notre Dame looks capable of competing with any team in the nation. This is largely due to Freeman’s growth as a head coach; despite this being his first job in that role, he has embraced learning, evolving, and seeking advice from other coaches.
Whether or not Notre Dame wins a National Championship in the next few years, it’s clear that Coach Freeman’s progressive mindset will continue to propel the program forward. This is not the best version of Notre Dame we’ll see under his leadership, which bodes well for the team’s future. Irish fans have a lot to be grateful for this holiday season, especially the promising direction of their football program.
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