Pro Football Focus just spotlighted Marcus Freeman’s defense as one of the nation’s best. Notre Dame is quietly becoming a force nobody wants to face in 2025.
Marcus Freeman’s journey from leaving Cincinnati to becoming Notre Dame’s defensive coordinator under Brian Kelly has been impressive — but few could have predicted just how far he’d go.
Now leading the program, he’s raising the bar in recruiting — but it’s the defense where his impact stands out most. Just ask Pro Football Focus.
In a recent article ranking the “Top 10 defenses ahead of the 2025 college football season,” Notre Dame came in at No. 6 overall, trailing only Alabama, Texas, Clemson, Georgia, and Penn State.
“The Fighting Irish’s elite coverage unit propelled the team to the national championship game last year, and it remains an elite group in 2025,” PFF wrote. “Notre Dame features PFF's No. 3 secondary and top returning cornerback, sophomore Leonard Moore. The program's linebacker unit also placed in the top five, thanks to outstanding depth. The one question mark is the lack of star power along the defensive line, but the Fighting Irish still have experienced players there.”
That defensive line uncertainty likely explains why they rank behind the other five programs, all of which boast strong lines.
The Fighting Irish will enter the season relying on edge rushers Joshua Burnham and Boubacar Traore, with Jason Onye and Gabriel Rubio anchoring the interior. While there are some question marks, Freeman’s impact on the defense can’t be understated.
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What he’s built during his short time in South Bend is remarkable.
He’s turned Notre Dame into a perennial defensive powerhouse, especially on the recruiting trail. The quarterback situation on offense has often held the team back, but the defense remains their bread and butter — the area that truly sets them apart.
They could have the best cornerback duo in college football with Leonard Moore and Christian Gray, supported by a strong linebacker core featuring Drayk Bowen, Jaylen Sneed, and Jaiden Ausberry. They’re athletic and talented across the board and don’t look to be slowing down anytime soon.
Freeman’s influence is clear — he’s transformed Notre Dame’s defense into a top-tier unit despite some questions up front. With lockdown corners and a deep linebacker group, the program is well-positioned to compete at the highest level again this season.
Category: General Sports
