Notre Dame's Freeman Emphasizes Brotherhood, Sacrifice Ahead of Spring Practices

New players and transfers join veteran core as Irish aim for national title in 2026

Mar. 19, 2026 at 7:51am

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As Notre Dame's spring football practices begin, head coach Marcus Freeman is continuing to emphasize the importance of team unity, sacrifice, and overcoming past disappointments. With 30 new players joining the program this spring, Freeman is focused on integrating the newcomers and instilling the values of the "Notre Dame family" in them.

Why it matters

After narrowly missing the College Football Playoff last season, Notre Dame is poised to be a national title contender in 2026. Freeman's ability to build team chemistry and motivate both veteran and new players will be crucial to the Irish's success.

The details

Freeman highlighted the benefits of having an extended offseason to develop his team, noting the 8 weeks of uninterrupted training the Irish were able to complete. He also spoke about the need to carefully integrate the 30 new players, whether transfers or early enrollees, to ensure they are physically and mentally prepared to contribute. Freeman emphasized the importance of the team embracing the "pain" of last season's playoff miss, saying the new players must understand they are now part of the "Notre Dame family" and its shared experiences.

  • Notre Dame officially began spring practices on Wednesday, March 19, 2026.

The players

Marcus Freeman

The head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team, known for his motivational speaking and ability to build team unity.

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What they’re saying

“Yeah, are there benefits? Absolutely. And I probably got up here last year after we played the national championship game, and you would ask a similar question. I would've said, 'Yeah, the benefits of playing that late in the season because of the practices that you go through.' But this has been a unique offseason for me to see, because we've never had this much time. We've never had this development, that full eight weeks of being in the weight room, the meetings, the football schools, the individual drills. We're at a different level than I've previously seen us at.”

— Marcus Freeman, Head Coach

“Using that example into a marriage. There's expectations in relationships. At least that goes for my house, me and my wife. I've often said if she does not like somebody, I might not dislike that person, but I can't be friends with them. I have to go home and see her every day. No, I can't. There's expectations here.”

— Marcus Freeman, Head Coach

What’s next

Notre Dame will continue spring practices over the next several weeks as they prepare for the 2026 season, with a focus on integrating the new players and building team chemistry.

The takeaway

Marcus Freeman's ability to motivate his players and instill a sense of shared purpose and sacrifice will be crucial as Notre Dame looks to build on last season's near-miss and contend for a national championship in 2026.