Marcus Freeman Faces High Expectations in Year Five at Notre Dame

The Irish head coach looks to lead the team to a deep playoff run after missing out in 2025.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 5:05am

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Marcus Freeman is entering his fifth year as the head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team. After a successful start to his tenure, including three playoff wins, Freeman faces high expectations to lead the team to a national championship this season. However, the Irish missed the playoffs in 2025, and Freeman must prove he can guide the team to a deep postseason run with a talented roster and favorable schedule.

Why it matters

Notre Dame is considered a title favorite this season, and anything short of a playoff berth would be seen as a failure for Freeman and the program. The coach's future, including potential NFL interest, could hinge on how the team performs in 2026.

The details

In his first four seasons, Freeman has compiled a 43-11 record and led the Irish to three major bowl game victories. However, the team missed the College Football Playoff in 2025 despite high expectations. This year, Notre Dame boasts a talented roster, including a Heisman-caliber quarterback, and a favorable schedule, putting immense pressure on Freeman to deliver a championship-contending season.

  • Marcus Freeman was named Notre Dame's head coach in 2022.
  • The Irish have made the playoffs in three of Freeman's first four seasons as head coach.
  • Notre Dame missed the playoffs in 2025 despite high expectations.

The players

Marcus Freeman

The head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team, entering his fifth season in that role.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

The college football team that plays in the Atlantic Coast Conference, considered a title favorite for the 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“We left doubt. So don't blame somebody else for the situation that we were in... We have to leave no doubt. In order to do that, you gotta leave no…”

— Marcus Freeman, Head Coach

What’s next

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The takeaway

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