Marcus Freeman’s Mission: Why 2026 Is Notre Dame’s All-In Year
Marcus Freeman is staying put in South Bend-for now-and that’s not just good news for Notre Dame fans, it’s a signal that the Irish are gearing up for something big. After a 2025 season that ended with more questions than answers, Freeman’s name was tossed around in connection with just about every high-profile coaching vacancy, from major college programs to NFL sidelines.
But despite the noise, Freeman is locked in for 2026. And make no mistake: this isn’t just another season.
Internally, this has long been circled as the year Notre Dame goes all in.
With a top-tier recruiting class incoming and national championship expectations that are more than just offseason optimism, Freeman is staying to finish what he started. The long-term future might still be up in the air, but the immediate mission is clear: build a title contender. And everything happening inside the program right now reflects that urgency.
From subtle shifts in roster construction to calculated moves in the transfer portal, Notre Dame is evolving. Freeman, always deliberate in his approach, isn’t just reacting to the changing college football landscape-he’s shaping how Notre Dame adapts. With that in mind, here are three must-execute resolutions for Freeman and the Irish as they chase their first national title since 1988.
1. Let Aneyas Williams Take the Wheel
Notre Dame’s identity hasn’t changed under Freeman: it’s still a program built on physicality, development, and dominance in the trenches. While the transfer portal has become a lifeline for many programs, the Irish continue to bet on their ability to recruit, develop, and retain high school talent-and nowhere is that philosophy more evident than in the backfield.
With Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price off to the NFL, the spotlight now shifts to Aneyas Williams. Entering his third season, Williams isn’t just next in line-he’s already shown he belongs. Whether it was stepping up in the Orange Bowl or scoring twice against Stanford when Love was sidelined, Williams has proven he can deliver when it counts.
Notre Dame’s recent run of NFL-caliber running backs has been impressive. Kyren Williams brought a complete toolset-toughness, speed, hands, and pass protection.
Audric Estime followed with a throwback bruising style that drew comparisons to Jerome Bettis. Then came Love, whose explosiveness and creativity gave the offense a new gear.
That duo made the Irish offense dangerous, and their departure leaves a sizable production gap.
But this isn’t a rebuild-it’s a reload. Offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock has added blue-chip talent in Jonaz Walton and Javian Osborne, both top-200 recruits.
The depth is there, but Williams is the proven commodity. He now has the chance to be the guy in a room that’s produced stars year after year.
Running behind an NFL-caliber offensive line and alongside Heisman hopeful CJ Carr, Williams is poised for a breakout. He brings a different flavor to the position-expect a back who sets the tone with toughness, energy, and the kind of consistency that fuels championship runs.
2. Own the Transfer Portal on Defense
The shift from Al Golden’s Vyper-heavy scheme to Chris Ash’s system brought growing pains. Early in the 2025 season, the defense looked out of sync at times, and the criticism came fast. But as the season wore on, the unit settled in and started to look like a group capable of anchoring a title contender.
Still, Notre Dame can’t afford another slow start. In a season where every game will matter, there’s no room for early missteps. That’s where the transfer portal becomes critical-especially up front.
Interior defensive line depth is still a major need, and the Irish are targeting impact players who can step in and contribute immediately. Devan Thompkins from USC brings size (6’5”, 290) and the ability to disrupt from the inside-plus, poaching him from a departing rival would send a message.
Ethan Wesloski from North Texas is a tackling machine with range and coverage chops, fitting well into Freeman’s defensive blueprint. And Ian Geffrard from Arkansas offers the kind of run-stuffing presence that can anchor the middle and eat up blocks.
If Notre Dame wants to go toe-to-toe with elite offenses, especially in the trenches, these additions aren’t luxuries-they’re necessities.
3. Protect the Trenches: Offensive Line Depth Is a Must
Notre Dame’s offensive line has long been a strength, and 2026 is no exception. But as any contender knows, it’s not just about the starting five-it’s about the next man up. Injuries, fatigue, and the grind of a full season can expose even the best units if depth isn’t there.
CJ Carr and Aneyas Williams can only be as good as the protection in front of them. That’s why Freeman and his staff are eyeing key reinforcements through the portal.
Xavier Chaplin from Auburn brings SEC-tested experience and strong pass protection at left tackle. Carius Curne from LSU offers versatility with starting experience on both ends of the line.
Coen Echols is a plug-and-play interior option with high marks in pass blocking. And Brandon Best from Kennesaw State is a developmental prospect with upside, the kind of player who can grow into a valuable depth piece.
Even one of these additions could be the difference between a good offense and a great one. Depth up front isn’t just insurance-it’s a requirement for a team chasing a title.
The Vision Is Set. Now Comes the Execution.
Marcus Freeman didn’t stay at Notre Dame because he lacked other options-he stayed because he believes in what he’s building. And the program believes in him.
In a college football world driven by quick fixes and short-term thinking, that kind of mutual commitment is rare. It’s also essential.
This offseason isn’t just about filling holes. It’s about setting the foundation for a championship run.
The talent is there. The coaching staff is aligned.
The recruiting class might be the best in the country. And Freeman, for all the outside noise, is still in South Bend with a clear purpose.
Now it’s about execution. Winning big games.
Beating ranked opponents. Building a playoff résumé that leaves no doubt.
The Irish have the pieces. The path is in front of them.
2026 isn’t just another season-it’s the season. And for Marcus Freeman and Notre Dame, it’s time to turn belief into banners.