Notre Dame’s Freeman Sets Bold Goal for 2026 College Football Playoff
In a season marked by wild swings, Notre Dame’s head coach Marcus Freeman is already talking about a comeback in 2026. Even after closing out 2025 with ten straight double-digit wins, the Fighting Irish found themselves left out of the College Football Playoff (CFP).
That controversial snub has lit a fire under Freeman and his squad. Their new mantra? Leave no doubt—and honestly, who can blame them after what happened?
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Notre Dame’s 2025 Season Recap
Notre Dame went on a tear, racking up ten consecutive wins by double digits. But somehow, that still didn’t get them into the CFP.
They finished the season ranked No. 10, slipping a spot as Miami—who beat Notre Dame in the opener—jumped into the playoff field. Miami will play Indiana for the national championship.
Controversial CFP Snub
The CFP exclusion has been a sore spot for Notre Dame fans. Athletic director Pete Bevacqua hasn’t been shy about calling out the ACC on social media, venting the program’s frustration.
Freeman admits the disappointment stings, but he’s pushing the team to move forward. Dwelling on it won’t change anything, but making sure it never happens again? That’s the focus.
Marcus Freeman’s Commitment to Notre Dame
Amid all the noise, Freeman’s doubled down on his commitment to Notre Dame. His name’s been tossed around in NFL coaching rumors, but he says his heart’s with the Irish.
He’s even spun the NFL interest to his advantage, picking the brains of general managers about what separates great head coaches from the rest.
Enhanced Contract and Career Plans
The university’s shown faith in Freeman with an improved contract. Sure, he doesn’t rule out the NFL someday, but that’s not on his radar right now.
He’s focused on what he can control—getting Notre Dame where it belongs.
Addressing Off-Field Incidents
Freeman’s had to deal with some off-field drama, too. At his son’s wrestling match, a local assistant coach accused him of pushing, which led to a police investigation.
But after reviewing the video, the prosecutor’s office said there was nothing to the claim. No charges, just a headache.
Support from Notre Dame
Through it all, Freeman’s been grateful for the university’s support. He insists he acted professionally while looking out for his family, and wishes that was the only story anyone cared about.
Notre Dame-USC Rivalry Series on Hold
Another twist: the iconic Notre Dame-USC rivalry is on pause for 2026 and 2027, maybe longer. USC coach Lincoln Riley pointed fingers at Notre Dame for not sticking to its “anytime, anywhere” promise.
Notre Dame swapped USC out for Big 12 runner-up BYU on the schedule for the next two years. The rivalry’s absence stings, but that’s college football these days.
Strategic Decision-Making
Freeman stands by the decision, arguing that moving the USC game to the start of the season wasn’t right for the program. He’d like to see the rivalry back soon, but says the team comes first.
Adding BYU is a calculated move—one that could boost Notre Dame’s CFP chances in 2026. It’s a gamble, but maybe a smart one.
Looking Ahead to 2026
With 2026 on the horizon, Freeman’s Leave no doubt mantra is front and center. The team is dead set on making their playoff case undeniable this time.
Freeman’s leadership and the team’s drive will be tested, but there’s a real sense that they’re not messing around.
Focus on Team Success
Freeman keeps saying it: individual accolades and NFL buzz only come when the team thrives. His eyes are on that elusive national title—Notre Dame’s first since 1988.
The Irish are hungry, and with Freeman at the helm, they’re not backing down from the challenge.
Conclusion
Notre Dame’s gearing up for the 2026 season, and you can just feel the energy behind that *Leave no doubt* mantra. It’s like the whole team’s got this chip on their shoulder—they want a spot in the CFP, and honestly, who could blame them?
Marcus Freeman’s got a big task ahead. His leadership and commitment are going to matter a lot as the Irish try to handle whatever comes their way.
If you want more on Freeman’s plans or just the latest Notre Dame buzz, check out the full article on ESPN. There’s always something new popping up.
