Marcus Freeman, Head Football Coach of Notre Dame reflects on 2024 National Championship run, lessons in pain, future of the Fighting Irish, what he sees in Jeremiyah Love, key roster additions, NFL pedigree and 2025 mission

Aug 26, 2025

In a thought-provoking discussion, Marcus Freeman, head coach of Notre Dame, shares insights on the recent National Championship run and the journey ahead. He reflects on lessons learned from high-pressure situations and the importance of building a winning culture. Freeman highlights the potential of breakout star Jeremiah Love and the stacked talent within the team. He delves into the balance between tradition and modernity in college football, emphasizing authenticity in leadership and the unbreakable bond of unity amidst challenges.

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INSIGHT

Perception And Recruiting Boost

The 2024 run changed external perception and boosted recruiting for Notre Dame.
Marcus Freeman says getting prospects on campus is now crucial to sell the program.

ADVICE

Focus On Process Not Prize

Focus on reaching full potential rather than fixating on winning a national title.
Embrace responsibility that comes with tradition and use it to drive daily improvement.

INSIGHT

Keep The Pain As Motivation

Freeman identified a key lesson: the team didn't know how to handle early success.
He used the phrase "keep the pain" as a recurring motivator throughout the season.

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“A lot of lessons from that (National Championship) game, one is- we are good enough to be in that game and we are good enough to win that game….but this program is good enough every year to be in that game and to win that game, but we have to earn the right to do that.“ Marcus Freeman

As the 2025 college football season approaches, The Pivot Podcast welcomes back Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman for a powerful sit-down ahead of what could be a defining year in South Bend. Coming off a thrilling run to the National Championship game last season, Coach Freeman opens up to Ryan, Channing, and Fred about the lessons learned from the highs and heartbreaks of 2024—and how he's using that experience to fuel this year’s mission.

In this candid conversation, Freeman talks leadership, pressure, and what it truly takes to build a sustainable culture of excellence. Freeman opens up about the hunger that still drives him, the lessons taken from last year, and the mounting expectations as Notre Dame returns a roster stacked with talent and leadership. He reflects on the evolution of the Fighting Irish under his watch, handling pressure, the growing expectations on and off the field, and how he’s preparing his team—and himself—for the next step.

Freeman also shares his excitement for breakout running back Jeremiah Love, whose explosive finish to the 2024 season has fans buzzing and opposing defenses on alert. With bigger responsibilities in the spotlight, Love is expected to be a game-changer in the Irish offense—and a major factor in Notre Dame’s championship hopes.

With unfiltered honesty and a competitor’s mindset, Marcus Freeman gives fans and critics alike an inside look at what’s coming next for Notre Dame football. The Irish kick off vs Miami Sunday night August 31st on primetime.

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