Notre Dame Entering Winning Window Of Marcus Freeman Era

The time is now to add that coveted 12th title, and Marcus Freeman has the team to push for it.

Apr 12, 2025; Notre Dame, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman smiles as he walks off the field after the Blue-Gold game at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images / Michael Caterina-Imagn Images

Time flies by at Notre Dame

It feels like just yesterday, Brian Kelly acquired a curious new accent and decided to move down south, leading to the beginning of the Marcus Freeman era at Notre Dame. In reality, though, it's been four years since this all transpired, and much has changed during this time in the Irish program.

The first few seasons at the helm for Freeman were full of questions. How quickly would it take him to become a great head coach? What would the inevitable learning curve look like? How would the roster change?

Those questions all received answers acquired over time. There were many ups and downs on the field, tough learning moments for Marcus and his team, and a roster that slowly transitioned to be faster, longer, and deeper.

Year Three has always been a historical benchmark for Irish coaches. Marcus Freeman passed this test with flying colors, taking his squad to the verge of title town. The Freeman era is no longer new, Marcus Freeman is no longer a "rookie" coach. It's time to enter the next phase of the Freeman era. Winning time.

Competing at the highest level on and off the field ☘️

5️⃣ 2025 NFF Hampshire Honor Society members

This marks the second-straight year Jack Kiser has been selected to the NFF Hampshire Honor Society
#GoIrish☘️ pic.twitter.com/pHPWn2M15L

— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) April 16, 2025

In a position to claim title 12

Notre Dame proved in 2024 that it can hang with any team in the country. Even while severely injured and with a less-than-dangerous pass game, the Irish rattled off a 13-game winning streak and pushed an ultra-loaded Ohio State roster to the brink.

On the back of this success, Notre Dame proved that the measuring stick for whatever comes next for the program is clear. Winning the national title. It's the only hurdle left to clear.

Momentum is high, recruiting is picking up, the roster is deep and talented, and Marcus Freeman has found his footing. The middle part of his tenure that we are entering is prime winning time.

The Notre Dame program, as currently constituted, is in the healthiest place it's been in since 1988. The foundation is there, the vibe is right, and there's talent in place. All that is left to do now is see if Freeman can etch himself in Irish lore forever.

Irish fans have waited three decades for the program to be this healthy. Now it's time to capitalize on it and return Notre Dame to championship glory.

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