“Little Animal,” Jim Tressel, Troy Smith: Marcus Freeman’s experiences at Ohio State

Marcus Freeman’s journey through college football has been nothing short of fascinating. From his days as a linebacker at Ohio State to his current position as head coach at Notre Dame, Freeman’s story is deeply intertwined with the legacy of one of college football’s most respected programs. His time at Ohio State was marked by memorable moments, including his role in the Buckeyes’ national championship run in 2002 and his relationship with legendary head coach Jim Tressel. Freeman’s experiences with Ohio State shaped not only his career as a player but also his perspective on leadership, teamwork, and football philosophy.

Freeman’s story begins in the late 1990s and early 2000s, when Ohio State was at the height of its football powers under Tressel. Freeman, a highly touted recruit, was recruited to play for the Buckeyes and spent four seasons in Columbus, earning a reputation as a tenacious linebacker. Along the way, Freeman had the opportunity to work with some of the best players in college football, including Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Troy Smith, a key figure in Ohio State’s rise to national prominence.

In this article, we will look back at Freeman’s time at Ohio State, highlighting his relationships with coaches, teammates, and his experiences that would later influence his career as a coach. We will focus on Freeman’s interactions with Jim Tressel, his connection to Troy Smith, and how those formative years helped shape his path to Notre Dame.

The Ohio State Experience: A Formative Journey

When Marcus Freeman arrived at Ohio State in 2004, he quickly realized that he was stepping into a football program that expected nothing less than excellence. Under head coach Jim Tressel, Ohio State had established itself as one of the premier programs in college football. Tressel, known for his disciplined approach to the game and his commitment to building strong relationships with his players, set the tone for Freeman’s early experiences at Ohio State. The program’s success, combined with its rigorous standards, would challenge Freeman in ways that would help him grow not only as a player but also as a person.

Jim Tressel’s Leadership Style: Discipline and Family

Jim Tressel was a figure of immense respect and influence in the college football world, and his leadership style left an indelible mark on Freeman. Tressel, a coach known for his stoic demeanor and meticulous approach to the game, was more than just a football coach to his players—he was a mentor, a father figure, and a guide in the often tumultuous world of college athletics. Freeman’s interactions with Tressel helped him understand the importance of discipline and responsibility, lessons that would later shape his approach as a head coach.

Tressel’s emphasis on discipline extended beyond the football field and into every aspect of his players’ lives. Freeman recalls how Tressel’s attention to detail and his commitment to doing things the right way helped him understand the broader picture of what it meant to be part of Ohio State’s football family. “Coach Tressel is a guy who taught us the importance of doing things right every day, even when nobody is watching,” Freeman once said. “That’s something that I carry with me today, and it’s something I hope to instill in my players.”

Freeman’s time under Tressel helped him recognize that winning championships was about more than just physical talent—it was about cultivating a culture of trust, accountability, and mutual respect. Tressel’s influence on Freeman’s coaching philosophy became evident as Freeman transitioned from player to coach, especially when he took the helm at Notre Dame. The lessons Freeman learned from Tressel would guide him through his career, allowing him to build a program that focuses on both football and personal development.

Troy Smith: The Quarterback Who Defined Ohio State’s Era

One of the most significant relationships Freeman formed at Ohio State was with quarterback Troy Smith. Smith, who would go on to win the 2006 Heisman Trophy and lead Ohio State to the national championship game that same year, was one of the most talented and respected players Freeman ever played alongside. Freeman often speaks highly of Smith’s leadership, work ethic, and ability to rise to the occasion in the most important games.

As a linebacker, Freeman had the privilege of facing Smith on a daily basis in practice. The two players developed a mutual respect for each other, despite playing on opposite sides of the ball. Smith, a dual-threat quarterback who could beat opponents with both his arm and legs, was an incredibly difficult player to defend. Freeman recalls how practicing against Smith helped him elevate his own game. “Troy was the best quarterback I’ve ever faced, without a doubt,” Freeman said. “He was so quick, so accurate, and he had that ability to make plays when it mattered most. As a linebacker, it was tough, but it made me better. We all wanted to rise to his level of play.”

Smith’s leadership was a key factor in Ohio State’s success during Freeman’s time in Columbus. Smith’s ability to remain calm and focused in high-pressure situations was a quality Freeman admired. During the 2006 season, Ohio State was on a collision course with the national title, and Smith was at the center of the offense, guiding the Buckeyes to a perfect regular season. Freeman was often impressed by Smith’s ability to command the huddle, inspire his teammates, and perform under pressure. Even though Smith was the star of the team, he never allowed his success to overshadow the importance of team dynamics. Freeman observed this firsthand and later adopted a similar leadership style when he became a coach.

The 2002 National Championship: A Defining Moment

One of the most defining moments of Freeman’s time at Ohio State came in the 2002 season, when the Buckeyes won the national championship in dramatic fashion. Although Freeman was not a starter during that championship run, he played a crucial role in Ohio State’s success, contributing to a defense that was one of the toughest in the country. The Buckeyes defeated Miami in a thrilling double-overtime victory in the Fiesta Bowl to claim the title, and Freeman’s memories of that game remain some of the most cherished of his playing career.

The 2002 national championship was a testament to the culture of discipline and resilience that Jim Tressel had instilled in the program. Freeman, who was a freshman that season, witnessed firsthand the power of Tressel’s leadership and how it permeated every level of the team. The victory was also a testament to the importance of teamwork and the role that each player, regardless of their individual role, played in the championship journey.

Freeman often reflects on how that 2002 championship run shaped his perspective on what it takes to win at the highest level. He recalls the bond between the players and the coaching staff, the sense of pride that came from representing Ohio State, and the drive to succeed as a unit. These lessons, gleaned from the 2002 national title team, would later influence Freeman’s coaching career, where he emphasized the importance of team unity, mental toughness, and preparation.

From Player to Coach: Freeman’s Journey to Notre Dame

Marcus Freeman’s transition from player to coach was natural, and much of his coaching philosophy can be traced back to his time at Ohio State. The lessons he learned under Jim Tressel and alongside players like Troy Smith helped Freeman develop the mindset needed to succeed in the cutthroat world of college football coaching.

Freeman’s coaching career began at Purdue, where he served as a defensive coordinator, but it was his time at Cincinnati as the Bearcats’ defensive coordinator that truly set the stage for his opportunity at Notre Dame. Freeman’s success in Cincinnati, where he helped lead the Bearcats to a College Football Playoff berth, caught the attention of Notre Dame’s administration, and in 2021, he was hired as the head coach of the Fighting Irish.

Freeman’s coaching style blends the discipline and structure he learned from Tressel with the passion and leadership qualities he admired in Troy Smith. Like Tressel, Freeman emphasizes accountability and trust, creating a program where every player understands their role and responsibility. But also, like Smith, Freeman values strong leadership and strives to foster an environment where players are not only better athletes but better individuals. Freeman’s experiences at Ohio State laid the foundation for his coaching career and continue to shape his approach to leading Notre Dame.

Legacy: The Ohio State Influence on Freeman’s Coaching Career

As Freeman prepares for the future at Notre Dame, he continues to reflect on the profound impact Ohio State had on shaping his career. From his relationship with Jim Tressel to his time with Troy Smith and the lessons learned from Ohio State’s national championship run, Freeman’s experiences in Columbus are woven into the fabric of who he is as a coach.

Ohio State’s commitment to excellence, discipline, and teamwork has influenced Freeman’s coaching philosophy, and his focus on developing well-rounded student-athletes who succeed both on and off the field mirrors the environment that Tressel created during his time in Columbus. Freeman’s leadership, both on the field and in the locker room, continues to carry forward the legacy of Ohio State’s program, where hard work, accountability, and selflessness are paramount.

In the years to come, as Freeman works to build Notre Dame into a national championship contender, it’s clear that his time at Ohio State will remain a cornerstone of his approach. His experiences with Jim Tressel, Troy Smith, and his teammates at Ohio State shaped his understanding of what it means to win at the highest level. For Freeman, the lessons learned at Ohio State will forever be a part of his coaching DNA, and they will continue to guide him on his journey at Notre Dame.