The 2025 campaign got off to a rough start for Notre Dame, dropping three of its first games and watching early defensive lapses push the Fighting Irish out of the 2025‑2026 College Football Playoff picture. The early setbacks not only dimmed preseason optimism but also intensified scrutiny on the program’s defensive trajectory.
A New Scheme in South Bend
Head coach Marcus Freeman answered the crisis by naming Chris Ash his defensive coordinator, replacing Al Golden, who had held the post for just one season. Ash, a veteran of multiple Power Five programs, brings a reputation for aggressive front‑seven play and secondary flexibility, prompting analysts to wonder whether his system can reverse the unit’s decline.
CBS Sports has already staked a bold claim, projecting that Notre Dame’s defense could be the best in the country by 2026. The forecast leans on the size, power, and NFL upside of the front seven, as well as a secondary that features versatile backs such as Leonard Moore and Christian Gray. Fresh additions Tionne Gray and Francis Brewu bolster the interior line, while Keon Keeley and DJ McKinney are expected to add depth in the secondary.
Pressure on the Head Coach
Freeman’s own future remains a subplot. He was briefly linked to NFL openings earlier this offseason, and a repeat defensive shortfall could amplify pressure from a fanbase eager for a return to the playoff. The coach’s ability to translate Ash’s scheme into on‑field results will likely determine whether he stays on track for a long‑term tenure or becomes a candidate for NFL interviews.
Looking ahead, the 2026 schedule will be a litmus test. Wins against traditional rivals and strong non‑conference opponents could validate the defensive overhaul and restore confidence in the program’s trajectory. For now, the narrative centers on whether a revamped unit can turn early adversity into a championship‑contending season.