Dick Corbett Head Football Coach Marcus Freeman speaks with the media following the 2025 Blue-Gold Game

Following an exciting and spirited 2025 Blue-Gold Game at Notre Dame Stadium, Dick Corbett Head Football Coach Marcus Freeman took to the podium to address the media. In his typical composed, energetic manner, Freeman offered a comprehensive breakdown of the game, individual performances, areas for growth, and his vision for the Fighting Irish moving forward.

The Blue-Gold Game — an annual spring tradition — isn’t about the final score as much as it is about evaluation, development, and building momentum into the summer months. After the Blue team earned a hard-fought victory, Freeman emphasized the broader progress his team has made since the conclusion of last season.

Opening Remarks: Pride in the Program’s Direction

Coach Freeman began by thanking the fans, alumni, and South Bend community for their continued support, noting the packed stands and incredible atmosphere as signs of what makes Notre Dame football so special.

“Today was another reminder of how fortunate we are to represent Notre Dame,” Freeman said. “The energy in the stadium, the connection among our players, and the progress we’ve made as a team — it’s all incredibly encouraging.”

Freeman stressed that while the Blue-Gold Game is a major checkpoint, it’s only one part of a larger journey. The goal, he reiterated, is to keep building every day between now and September.

On CJ Carr’s Impressive Showing

It didn’t take long for the questions to shift toward freshman quarterback CJ Carr, who dazzled with a strong, composed performance for the Blue team.

Freeman smiled when asked about Carr’s play.

“CJ’s preparation is what’s setting him apart,” Freeman said. “He’s got all the physical tools, but what excites me the most is his work ethic, his humility, and his drive to learn. He’s not satisfied with where he’s at, and that’s the kind of mindset we want leading this team in the future.”

Freeman also praised Carr’s ability to command the offense, noting that his communication at the line of scrimmage and quick decision-making were beyond typical freshman levels.

Still, Freeman emphasized patience.
“Let’s let CJ develop at the right pace. He’s going to be a special player here, but we’re going to support his growth step by step.”

Emerging Offensive Weapons

When asked about the offensive unit, Freeman beamed with pride at the group’s growth throughout spring practice.

“Jadarian Price looked explosive today — that’s been building all spring,” he said. “Tobias Merriweather is really starting to come into his own as a complete receiver, and our offensive line is taking on the identity we expect at Notre Dame.”

Freeman credited offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock for tailoring the system to the strengths of his personnel.

“Our offensive identity is going to be physical, smart, and fast,” Freeman said. “We want to establish the run, protect the quarterback, and create explosive plays — and I thought we saw glimpses of that today.”

Defense: Aggression and Opportunism

On the defensive side, Freeman was equally enthusiastic, though he acknowledged that there’s work to be done.

“I loved the energy from our defense,” he said. “Guys like Drayk Bowen, Jordan Botelho, and Xavier Watts made big-time plays. We saw the kind of aggression and opportunistic mindset we need.”

Freeman mentioned that new wrinkles introduced by defensive coordinator Al Golden have already started paying dividends.

“We’re going to be a defense that dictates the pace, not reacts,” Freeman said. “That requires confidence and communication — and while we’ve made great strides, we still have to tighten things up over the summer.”

Leadership and Culture

One of the recurring themes throughout Freeman’s press conference was the importance of leadership and team culture.

“Our captains and veteran players have set a high standard,” Freeman said. “Howard Cross, Joe Alt, Xavier Watts — they’re leading with their actions every day.”

Freeman stressed that leadership development has been an intentional focus all spring, with players participating in weekly leadership councils and accountability groups.

“You don’t just hope leadership happens,” Freeman said. “You have to develop it. I’m proud of how our guys have embraced that challenge.”

On Injuries and Player Health

Freeman addressed questions about a few players who didn’t participate fully due to minor injuries, emphasizing that no major long-term concerns exist.

“We had a few guys we held out as precautions,” Freeman said. “If today were a real game, several of them could have gone. Our priority is always the health of our players.”

Among those limited were veteran linebacker JD Bertrand and wide receiver Deion Colzie, both expected to be full-go when fall camp begins.

Recruiting Momentum

While the Blue-Gold Game focuses on current players, Freeman didn’t shy away from discussing the event’s importance for recruiting.

“This weekend is huge for us,” Freeman said. “We’ve got a lot of talented recruits on campus, and it’s important for them to see not just the facilities or the stadium — but to feel the connection and family atmosphere we have here.”

Freeman credited the current players for helping create that welcoming environment.

“Recruits notice how our guys treat each other. They notice how we practice. That’s a big reason why we continue to build momentum in recruiting.”

Looking Ahead: Summer and Fall Goals

With spring ball now in the books, Freeman outlined the program’s immediate next steps.

“May is a huge month for strength and conditioning,” Freeman said. “June will be all about skill development and continuing to build chemistry.”

Freeman said the coaching staff will focus heavily on individual improvement plans for each player, customized to their position and developmental needs.

“Our summer isn’t just about getting in shape,” Freeman explained. “It’s about getting sharper mentally, stronger physically, and closer as a team.”

Fall camp, which will open in early August, will be structured with an increased emphasis on competition across the depth chart.

“Every spot is earned daily,” Freeman said. “That’s how we’re going to continue raising our standard.”

Final Thoughts: Gratitude and Optimism

Before wrapping up, Freeman took a moment to express his gratitude once more.

“To our fans — thank you. Your support means everything. To our players — I’m proud of the work you’ve put in. To our staff — you continue to pour everything into building this program the right way.”

Freeman closed with a message that captured the spirit of Notre Dame football heading into 2025:

“We have high expectations here, and that’s exactly how it should be. We embrace that challenge. We’re building something special. We’re not where we want to be yet, but today showed that we’re on the right path. And I couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead.”

Post-Press Conference: Buzz Around Campus

After Freeman’s press conference, the buzz around campus was undeniable.

Fans left the stadium energized, talking about CJ Carr’s poise, the emerging stars on defense, and the clear growth in the team’s chemistry.

Recruits on visits posted photos across social media, raving about the Notre Dame atmosphere.

And the players themselves — whether from the winning Blue squad or the battling Gold team — departed with a sense of pride in what they had built this spring and determination to continue the climb.

 A Strong Foundation for 2025

Marcus Freeman’s post-Blue-Gold Game comments confirmed what many Irish fans already suspected: Notre Dame football is trending upward.

There is talent across the roster, leadership within the locker room, and a shared belief in the program’s mission.

The 2025 season will come with challenges, but if Saturday — and Freeman’s confident, clear-eyed approach afterward — is any indication, Notre Dame is ready to meet those challenges head-on.

In South Bend, hope springs eternal. And thanks to Marcus Freeman and the foundation he is building, that hope feels stronger and more justified than ever.