Notre Dame football is in the middle of a serious resurgence - and it’s not by accident. Head coach Marcus Freeman is at the heart of it all, building something in South Bend that’s starting to look like a return to the Irish’s glory days.
Let’s start with recruiting - because that’s where Freeman is making the biggest waves. According to 247Sports, Notre Dame currently holds the No. 4 recruiting classes for both 2026 and 2027.
That’s not just a good run - that’s elite territory. We’re talking about a level of talent acquisition that hasn’t been seen in South Bend in over a decade.
Freeman has elevated Notre Dame’s recruiting game to a tier that many believed was out of reach for the Irish in the modern era of college football.
And it’s not just about talent on paper. Freeman’s impact has already translated to results on the field.
Since taking over as head coach, he’s led Notre Dame to multiple double-digit win seasons and a return to the National Championship game. That’s the kind of turnaround that doesn’t just happen - it’s built on culture, consistency, and a vision that players clearly believe in.
Former college football star and analyst David Pollack has been one of Freeman’s loudest supporters. On his podcast See Ball Get Ball, Pollack didn’t hold back when talking about what Freeman brings to the table.
“That is Marcus Freeman’s personality, that is who he is, that is his swag, and that is his freaking coaching,” Pollack said. “When you watch this dude, he has evolved. He understands who he is.”
Pollack’s co-host Brent Rollins echoed the sentiment, praising Freeman for restoring a standard that many had forgotten Notre Dame was capable of reaching. And that standard? It’s not just about winning - it’s about competing at the absolute highest level, year in and year out.
What makes all of this even more impressive is how Freeman has shattered the narrative that Notre Dame couldn’t recruit with the big boys. That was the belief under previous head coach Brian Kelly, who famously left the program for LSU in search of what he thought were greener recruiting pastures.
But now, looking at what Freeman has built, it’s clear - the issue was never Notre Dame. It was about having the right person leading the charge.
Freeman is that guy.
And with the College Football Playoff expanding, the Irish are in an even better spot. As long as they finish in the top 12 of the final CFP rankings, they’re in.
That’s a massive advantage for an independent program with a national schedule and a strong brand. Freeman’s ability to consistently field top-tier teams gives Notre Dame one of the most reliable paths to the playoff in the country - without the baggage of conference politics.
Pollack made a point to remind Irish fans just how good they have it right now. A favorable schedule, a clear path to the postseason, and a head coach who’s not just winning - but building something sustainable.
If you’re a Notre Dame fan, this is a moment to savor. Marcus Freeman has turned what once felt like a ceiling into a foundation.
The Irish are no longer chasing the elite programs - they’re becoming one. And with Freeman at the helm, the future in South Bend looks as bright as it’s been in a long time.