Marcus Freeman set out to improve the depth and talent level of the Notre Dame roster when he was named head coach a little over three years.

In November 2021, Marcus Freeman was named the 30th head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football program, taking over after Brian Kelly’s departure for LSU. Freeman, just 35 years old at the time, was tasked with leading one of the most storied programs in college football to new heights. His appointment marked a new era for Notre Dame, one that promised a fresh direction, a renewed sense of energy, and a commitment to competing for championships.

One of Freeman’s primary goals when he took over the job was to improve the depth and talent level of the Notre Dame football roster. Despite the program’s consistent success under Kelly, Freeman knew that in order for Notre Dame to compete with the best teams in the nation—teams like Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, and Clemson—the Fighting Irish needed to recruit and develop talent at a higher level than ever before.

This article takes a comprehensive look at Marcus Freeman’s efforts over his first three years as head coach, the challenges he faced, and the progress he has made toward improving the depth and talent of the Notre Dame roster. From recruiting strategies to player development, Freeman’s vision for the future of Notre Dame football is coming into focus.

The State of Notre Dame Football When Freeman Took Over

Before Marcus Freeman took the helm, Notre Dame had already established itself as one of the most respected programs in college football. Under Brian Kelly’s leadership, the Fighting Irish consistently ranked among the top 10 teams in the country, with multiple playoff appearances and New Year’s Six bowl games. The program had a solid foundation in place, with strong defensive play and a capable offense. However, there were a few areas in which Notre Dame needed to improve in order to elevate itself to true national championship contender status.

1. Recruiting: While Notre Dame had consistently recruited top-tier players, it lacked the depth and elite talent that some of the top teams in the country had. Notre Dame’s recruiting classes often finished in the 10-15 range nationally, but in order to compete with programs like Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State, Freeman knew that he needed to take recruiting to the next level.
2. Offensive Playmaking: Notre Dame had often struggled to consistently generate explosive plays on offense. While the team was fundamentally sound, they lacked the type of dynamic playmakers at quarterback, wide receiver, and running back that could change the course of a game with a single play. Freeman knew that bringing in top-tier talent at these positions would be essential for success.
3. Defensive Depth and Flexibility: On the defensive side of the ball, Notre Dame had been strong, but the team lacked the kind of depth and versatility that championship-winning teams typically possess. Freeman, a former defensive coordinator, understood the importance of building a defense that could both stop the run and generate pressure on the quarterback. Depth on the defensive line and at linebacker was particularly crucial.
4. Overall Depth: Notre Dame’s roster, while talented, often lacked the depth necessary to compete with the very best teams for an entire season. Injuries and fatigue were often a limiting factor, especially when facing teams with deeper rosters.

Freeman’s Recruiting Strategy: Building a Championship-Caliber Roster

One of Freeman’s first priorities as head coach was to bolster Notre Dame’s recruiting efforts. Recognizing that recruiting is the lifeblood of any successful college football program, Freeman quickly set to work by reshaping the program’s approach to talent acquisition. This involved not only recruiting top-tier high school prospects but also utilizing the transfer portal to bring in experienced players who could contribute immediately.

1. Recruiting with a National Focus

Freeman’s first major recruiting strategy was to expand Notre Dame’s recruiting footprint. While Notre Dame had traditionally focused on recruiting within the Midwest and the surrounding regions, Freeman made it clear that he would look nationally for talent, particularly in areas such as California, Florida, and Texas. By expanding Notre Dame’s recruiting base, Freeman was able to tap into new pools of talent and attract players from regions traditionally dominated by other college football powerhouses.

2. Emphasizing Speed and Playmaking Ability

Another key part of Freeman’s recruiting strategy was to focus on speed and playmaking ability. While Notre Dame had a strong, disciplined roster, Freeman understood that in order to compete with elite teams, the Fighting Irish needed players who could change the game with their athleticism. This meant prioritizing wide receivers, running backs, and defensive backs who could take the top off a defense or cover elite receivers on the other side of the ball.

Under Freeman, Notre Dame was able to sign some of the most explosive recruits in the country, including highly-rated wide receivers and defensive backs. The emphasis on speed and playmaking ability was a clear departure from the more traditional, methodical approach that had been used in previous years.

3. Using the Transfer Portal Effectively

In addition to recruiting high school players, Freeman was quick to recognize the value of the transfer portal as a means of bolstering the roster. With the portal becoming an integral part of college football, Freeman leveraged it to bring in players who could help immediately. This was particularly important in positions of need, such as the quarterback and defensive line positions.

For example, Freeman brought in quarterback Jack Coan from Wisconsin, who played a key role in leading the Fighting Irish to the 2021 College Football Playoff. Coan’s experience and leadership helped solidify the quarterback position for Notre Dame, even as Freeman worked on developing younger quarterbacks for the future.

Similarly, Freeman used the portal to strengthen Notre Dame’s defensive line, bringing in players who could add depth and experience to a unit that had been inconsistent in previous seasons. By targeting experienced players through the transfer portal, Freeman ensured that Notre Dame could remain competitive even as it worked on building a deeper roster through recruiting.

4. Building Relationships with Recruits

Another key aspect of Freeman’s recruiting success has been his ability to connect with recruits on a personal level. As a former player and a coach with deep ties to the game, Freeman has been able to relate to young athletes and build strong relationships with them and their families. His recruiting pitch emphasizes not just the chance to play at a prestigious program like Notre Dame, but also the opportunity to grow both as a football player and as a person.

Freeman’s authenticity and enthusiasm for the game have resonated with recruits, and this has translated into improved recruiting results. His ability to sell Notre Dame as a place that develops not only football players but also well-rounded individuals has been a key factor in attracting high-caliber prospects.

The Impact of Freeman’s Recruiting Efforts

Freeman’s commitment to improving Notre Dame’s roster has already paid dividends. The 2022 and 2023 recruiting classes were among the best in recent memory for the Fighting Irish, with several five-star and four-star recruits joining the team. Notre Dame’s recruiting ranking has steadily improved, and the program now has the kind of depth and talent that will allow it to compete with the top teams in the country.

One area where Freeman has made an immediate impact is at the quarterback position. In the 2023 class, Notre Dame landed highly touted quarterback recruit Dante Moore, who is expected to be a key figure for the future of the program. Moore’s commitment signified a major shift in Notre Dame’s ability to recruit top-tier quarterbacks, a position that had long been a point of contention for the program.

On the defensive side of the ball, Freeman has brought in several highly regarded players, including linebackers and defensive backs who are expected to contribute immediately. With Freeman’s background as a defensive coordinator, it’s no surprise that he has placed a strong emphasis on building a defense that can compete with the best in the nation.

In addition to his recruiting success, Freeman has made strides in developing the talent already on the roster. Under Freeman, several players have shown significant improvement, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. The addition of offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, who worked with Freeman to develop a more dynamic offensive scheme, has resulted in improved play from Notre Dame’s quarterbacks and skill position players.

Building a Sustainable Program for the Future

While Freeman’s immediate recruiting successes are impressive, his ultimate goal is to build a sustainable program that can consistently compete for national championships. This means not just improving the talent level of the roster, but also creating a culture of excellence that permeates every aspect of Notre Dame football. Freeman’s focus on player development, mental toughness, and leadership is aimed at creating a program that can weather the highs and lows of a long college football season and remain a contender year in and year out.

Freeman’s emphasis on culture has already been felt within the locker room. Players have spoken highly of his leadership style, which is built on trust, accountability, and communication. Freeman’s ability to inspire his players and create a sense of unity within the team will be crucial as Notre Dame looks to take the next step toward national prominence.

As Marcus Freeman enters his third year as Notre Dame’s head coach, the program is in a strong position to compete for championships in the near future. His efforts to improve the depth and talent of the roster through aggressive recruiting and smart use of the transfer portal have already paid off, and the Fighting Irish now have the kind of talent that can compete with the best teams in the country.

Freeman’s vision for Notre Dame football is clear: he wants to build a program that not only has the talent to compete at the highest level but also the culture, depth, and leadership to sustain that success for years to come. While there will undoubtedly be challenges ahead, Freeman’s commitment to improving the program’s roster, both in terms of talent and depth, has set Notre Dame on a promising path toward future success.

With the recruiting success he’s achieved and the talent he’s developed, Freeman is laying the foundation for a Notre Dame program that will be a force to be reckoned with in the years to come. The Fighting Irish are poised to compete for national championships, and under Freeman’s leadership, the future of Notre Dame football looks brighter than ever.