The Notre Dame Fighting Irish fell short in the national championship against the Ohio State Buckeyes back in January, but it marked their most successful season since reaching the title game in 2012, when they faced Alabama in the BCS National Championship under then-head coach Brian Kelly. Now, with Marcus Freeman at the helm, the Irish are preparing for another promising season, set to begin in just over a month. Freeman will enter his fourth year as the program’s head coach and has shown steady progress in each season he's led the team.
Notre Dame Announces Big Marcus Freeman News on Monday originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish fell short in the national championship against the Ohio State Buckeyes back in January, but it marked their most successful season since reaching the title game in 2012, when they faced Alabama in the BCS National Championship under then-head coach Brian Kelly.
Now, with Marcus Freeman at the helm, the Irish are preparing for another promising season, set to begin in just over a month. Freeman will enter his fourth year as the program’s head coach and has shown steady progress in each season he's led the team.
On Monday, Freeman received more national recognition. He was officially named to the 2025 Dodd Trophy Preseason Watch List—an honor that comes just months after he was awarded the 2024 Dodd Trophy Coach of the Year for his outstanding performance last season.
The Golden Standard ☘️
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) July 7, 2025
The 2024 Dodd Trophy Coach of the Year Marcus Freeman headlines the 2025 Dodd Trophy Preseason Watch List.#GoIrish☘️ pic.twitter.com/Y7Mud75UpC
Fans reacted to Notre Dame's announcement:
"Marcus Freeman will continue to do Marcus Freeman things," a fan said.
Someone else added, "Just give him the trophy we already know he’s gonna win it."
Another fan posted, "Coach Freeman leading the way again!"
"The ReDoddening," one more fan commented.
Marcus Freeman has compiled an impressive 33–9 record during his tenure with the Fighting Irish, and the upcoming season will begin with a true test on the road against the Miami Hurricanes on August 31. Miami will feature former Georgia quarterback Carson Beck, who transferred after initially declaring for the NFL Draft.
As for Notre Dame, Freeman faces a key decision at quarterback. The battle appears to be between CJ Carr and Kenny Minchey, with the winner tasked with filling the shoes of former starter Riley Leonard.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: General Sports
