Marcus Freeman, the head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, is entering his fifth season with a clear directive: win games first and let the playoff conversation follow.
Emphasis on Immediate Wins
A year after finishing the regular season ranked No. 11 in the AP poll with a 10‑2 record yet missing the inaugural 12‑team College Football Playoff, the Irish are determined to avoid a repeat.
The guarantee of a playoff berth if the team finishes inside the top 12 of the AP poll adds a new layer of urgency, but Freeman insists the focus remains on building a solid foundation before the season opener on September 6 against Wisconsin.
Key returnees such as quarterback C.J. Carr, who led the team to a ten‑game winning streak last season, along with standout receivers Jordan Faison and Jaden Greathouse, give the offense a potent mix.
The draft saw six Irish players selected, including Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price, while defensive stalwarts Leonard Moore, Boubacar Traore and Kyngstonn Viliamu‑Asa will anchor the defense.
Freeman’s message to the squad is simple: concentrate on each snap, each drive, each victory, and the postseason will take care of itself.