The Notre Dame Fighting Irish just wrapped up a season straight out of a Hollywood script—gritty, unexpected, and historic. Under the sharp leadership of Marcus Freeman, the team blazed a trail to an astonishing 14-2 record, storming their way to the national championship game for the first time since 2012. Along the way, they dismantled powerhouse programs like Penn State, Georgia, and Indiana, proving they belonged among college football’s elite. Although their fairytale run ended in a hard-fought battle against Ohio State, their journey sent shockwaves through the sport.
Freeman’s impact was more than just wins and losses—it was a cultural shift, a statement. He etched his name in history by becoming the first Black Asian head coach to lead a team to a national championship appearance. This groundbreaking feat earned him the prestigious National Coalition of Minority Football Coaches College Coach of the Year award, cementing his legacy in the sport. But for Freeman, this is just the beginning. The Fighting Irish aren’t merely rewriting history; they’re tearing up the old script and crafting a new one, one that’s more ambitious, more daring, and more electrifying than anything that’s come before.
A Night of Champions: Freeman Witnesses Notre Dame’s Rise Beyond the Gridiron
It was a night of destiny at Notre Dame, and Marcus Freeman had a front-row seat—not on the football field, but in the stands, watching history unfold in another arena. As the Notre Dame women’s basketball team surged to the No. 1 spot in the AP Top 25 rankings for the first time since 2019, Freeman was there, soaking in the electric atmosphere. Sports anchor Sabrina Hoover captured the moment in a tweet, highlighting the significance of his presence:
“Marcus Freeman is in attendance tonight to watch the top-ranked team in the country.”
This wasn’t just another game. It was a testament to Notre Dame’s growing dominance across multiple sports, a night that underscored the school’s championship DNA. The Fighting Irish took over the No. 1 spot after UCLA stumbled in a shocking 71-60 loss to USC, and head coach Niele Ivey is making sure her team stays locked in.
“It’s definitely an honor to be the nation’s top team, but we are just focused on getting better every day,” Ivey stated, emphasizing the mindset that makes champions.
Just like their football counterparts, the women’s basketball team is proving that Notre Dame isn’t just a school with a great history—it’s a school in the midst of building an even greater future.
Marcus Freeman is in attendance tonight to watch the top-ranked team in the country. pic.twitter.com/p07waZgIr1
— Sabrina Hoover (@sahoov1214) February 18, 2025
Notre Dame Football: A Sleeping Giant Awakens
As the basketball team enjoys its moment at the summit, Notre Dame football is gearing up for what could be one of the most thrilling runs in program history. Marcus Freeman, who has amassed an impressive 33-10 record in just five years as head coach, is laying the foundation for something truly special. His journey—from a graduate assistant in 2010 to defensive mastermind at Purdue, Cincinnati, and Ohio State before taking over at Notre Dame—has led to this moment. Now, with recruiting momentum, a revitalized culture, and a fearless mindset, Freeman is on the verge of redefining Notre Dame football.
And just when things couldn’t get any more exciting, Josh Pate’s bold prediction has set the fanbase on fire.
Josh Pate’s Stunning Take: Is Notre Dame’s Best Yet to Come?
The question hanging in the air: Was this past season the pinnacle of the Marcus Freeman era, or just the beginning? Illinois-based fan Chris Morris sparked the debate with a thought-provoking question:
“Was this the best season we’ll see from Notre Dame under Marcus Freeman? It’s hard to see them getting the path to another title game anytime soon.”
It’s the kind of question that makes fans pause. Is this as good as it gets, or is Notre Dame about to break through in a way no one saw coming?
Enter Josh Pate, the college football analyst who’s never been afraid to stir the pot. On The Late Kick Show (episode 609), Pate didn’t just respond—he shattered the notion that Notre Dame’s best days are behind them.
“I disagree with this, but I know where you’re coming from,” Pate said, acknowledging the skepticism. “But I don’t think the logic holds anymore. I had this logic for a long time, and I got to be honest with you, the mold kind of got broken this past year.”
The “mold” is dead. The old college football hierarchy? Crumbling. And Notre Dame is poised to capitalize.
Pate admitted he was once among those who doubted Notre Dame’s ability to win a national championship in the modern era. He believed their championship window had slammed shut, pointing to talent gaps, recruiting disadvantages, and past playoff failures. But something has changed—dramatically.
“The mold of college football broke,” Pate declared.
He pointed to a changing landscape:
- Balanced rosters across college football
- Top-tier recruiting under Freeman
- A strong, disciplined team culture
- The ability to go toe-to-toe with SEC and Big Ten powerhouses
Pate’s conclusion? Notre Dame isn’t done—they’re just getting started.
“I wouldn’t even say this past year’s team is definitively the best Marcus Freeman will have. I think you’ll have more talented teams coming up now.”
That’s not just optimism. That’s a warning to the rest of college football.
The Freeman Era: A Legacy in the Making
Notre Dame football is no stranger to greatness. The ghosts of legends past still loom large over South Bend. But Marcus Freeman isn’t here to live in the shadow of history—he’s here to create his own era of dominance.
With recruiting at an all-time high, an undeniable culture shift, and the belief of analysts like Josh Pate, the Fighting Irish are knocking on the door of immortality.
The question isn’t whether Notre Dame will compete for another national title. The question is: How many will they win?
And if history has taught us anything, it’s this: Never doubt Notre Dame when they have momentum.
