Notre Dame's Freeman Talks NFL Interest, Star RBs

Head coach Marcus Freeman discusses potential NFL opportunities, Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price's futures

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman appeared on "Good Morning Football" and discussed a variety of topics, including the NFL's interest in hiring him, his two star running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price, and his desire to bring back the historic rivalry with USC.

Why it matters

Freeman's comments provide insight into the future of Notre Dame's football program, with the potential for him to leave for the NFL and the outlook for his star offensive players. The rivalry discussion also highlights the storied history and importance of certain matchups in college football.

The details

During the interview, Freeman addressed the NFL's interest in him as a head coaching candidate, saying he's open to the possibility in the future but is currently fulfilled and happy at Notre Dame. He praised the university's support and his ability to coach "some of the best young men in the world." Freeman also discussed his two star running backs, Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price. He called Love a "unicorn" with unmatched balance, footwork, quickness and speed, and said he has a high ceiling to continue improving. As for Price, Freeman said he's an unselfish player who has made the most of his opportunities, showcasing deceptive speed and the ability to get the ball to the end zone.

  • The interview took place on Thursday, March 5, 2026.

The players

Marcus Freeman

The head football coach of the University of Notre Dame, who has led the Fighting Irish since 2021.

Jeremiyah Love

A running back for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, praised by Freeman for his unique athletic abilities and potential at the next level.

Jadarian Price

A running back for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, who has made the most of his opportunities despite sharing the backfield with Jeremiyah Love.

Xavier Watts

A former Notre Dame wide receiver who was moved to safety by Freeman and went on to win the Bronko Nagurski award as the best defensive player, before being a Defensive Rookie of the Year finalist in the NFL.

Lou Holtz

The legendary former head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, whose passing was also discussed by Freeman in the interview.

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What they’re saying

“Never say never. Maybe I daydream every once in a while, where I think about it. When there was some interest this year, I said it in my press conference: It gave me the opportunity to gain knowledge on what being a head coach in the NFL would truly entail.”

— Marcus Freeman, Head Coach, Notre Dame (Good Morning Football)

“He's a unicorn. I'm telling you. There's none like him. People say, 'How do you replace Jeremiyah Love?' You don't replace Jeremiyah Love. You gotta try to replace his production, but his balance, his footwork, his quickness and his speed, it's something I've never seen before and been around and coached.”

— Marcus Freeman, Head Coach, Notre Dame (Good Morning Football)

“If you could just watch his plays. Watch the plays that Jadarian Price played in the games here in his career at Notre Dame, there wouldn't be a question of why he's being talked about now. But it just wasn't a lot, because you're sharing the backfield with Jeremiyah Love.”

— Marcus Freeman, Head Coach, Notre Dame (Good Morning Football)

What’s next

The NFL's interest in hiring Marcus Freeman as a head coach will continue to be a storyline to monitor, as he weighs his future options.

The takeaway

Marcus Freeman's comments highlight the bright future of the Notre Dame football program, with star running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price poised to make an impact at the next level. However, Freeman's potential departure for the NFL remains a possibility, which could significantly alter the trajectory of the Fighting Irish.