Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman visits Schuylkill County, connecting with local recruits and community members during his Northeast tour.

Notre Dame head football coach Marcus Freeman continued his extensive spring recruiting tour this week with a meaningful visit to Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, where he connected with local recruits, high school coaches, and community members. In a stop that combined strategic recruiting outreach with personal connection-building, Freeman’s presence underscored Notre Dame’s commitment to expanding its footprint in the Northeast and identifying talent in under-recruited regions.

Freeman, entering his third season as the Fighting Irish head coach, has consistently emphasized relationship-building and regional engagement as cornerstones of his recruiting philosophy. His trip to Schuylkill County was no exception. He spent time at multiple high schools, including North Schuylkill, Blue Mountain, and Pottsville Area, where he met with coaches, counselors, and players. While no immediate scholarship offers were extended during the visit, Freeman’s arrival generated significant buzz and hope for long-term opportunities.

Reaching Into Pennsylvania’s Coal Region

Schuylkill County, part of Pennsylvania’s storied coal region, is better known for its working-class roots and Friday night lights than for sending waves of players to Power Five programs. However, the area boasts a rich football tradition, and Freeman’s visit was seen as validation of the effort and talent found in local high school programs.

“I think it means a lot for our kids to see a coach of his caliber walk into our building,” said North Schuylkill head coach Wally Hall. “It sends a message that hard work can pay off and that big-time programs are paying attention—even here.”

Freeman’s conversations with coaches revolved not just around potential recruits, but also on building pipelines and sharing perspectives on the challenges student-athletes face both on and off the field. Several coaches noted how Freeman took time to learn about each school’s academic environment, athletic resources, and player development philosophies.

Looking Beyond the Rankings

Freeman has developed a reputation for identifying under-the-radar prospects and building Notre Dame’s classes with a balance of blue-chip talent and high-upside players who fit the Irish culture. His trip to Schuylkill County reflects that same blueprint.

“There’s talent everywhere,” Freeman told a small group of reporters gathered outside Pottsville Area High. “If you only look at star rankings or certain geographic pockets, you miss the bigger picture. What we’re looking for are student-athletes who are tough, disciplined, and who value education. That’s Notre Dame.”

It’s no coincidence Freeman’s trip aligned with evaluation periods. While Notre Dame’s 2025 class is already strong—highlighted by commitments from top-tier players like four-star quarterback Deuce Knight and five-star defensive back Ivan Taylor—the Irish are still hunting for complementary pieces to round out the class.

Schuylkill County’s top prospects in the 2026 and 2027 classes are on Notre Dame’s radar in a developmental sense. Several underclassmen received questionnaires and were encouraged to attend Notre Dame summer camps. A few even got invites for unofficial visits to South Bend during the fall.

Impact on Local Players

One of the players who had the opportunity to meet Freeman was Blue Mountain junior lineman Nathan Reber, a 6-foot-4, 270-pound two-way standout who has drawn interest from several Group of Five programs. While Reber hasn’t yet garnered national recruiting attention, his physical tools and high academic profile make him a fit for Notre Dame’s model.

“I was just honored that Coach Freeman came here,” Reber said. “He asked me about my grades, my goals, and told me to keep working hard. That’s something I’ll never forget.”

Freeman also made time to speak with teams as a group, sharing stories of his own journey through football and his vision for leadership in college athletics. Players described the experience as “eye-opening” and “motivational,” particularly his emphasis on academics and character.

“He didn’t come in talking about football first,” said Pottsville junior linebacker Eli Morgan. “He talked about being a good teammate, making good choices, and taking care of your responsibilities in the classroom. That stuck with a lot of us.”

Building Community Connections

Freeman’s stop in Schuylkill County wasn’t limited to school visits. He also appeared at a local community center in Frackville for a meet-and-greet event that drew nearly 200 attendees. The gathering, organized by a Notre Dame alumni chapter in eastern Pennsylvania, included local business leaders, youth coaches, and fans of all ages.

Dressed casually in a Notre Dame pullover and sneakers, Freeman signed autographs, posed for photos, and took questions from the audience. He spoke about the direction of the program, the meaning of the Notre Dame degree, and why connecting with communities like Schuylkill County matters.

“This isn’t just about finding players,” Freeman said. “It’s about showing young people that someone believes in them and sees value in where they’re from. We want them to know they matter—on the field and in life.”

For many in attendance, Freeman’s authenticity and accessibility stood out.

“He’s the real deal,” said John Stankiewicz, a longtime Notre Dame supporter and Frackville native. “He’s got the charisma of Lou Holtz with the modern energy these kids respond to. We’re lucky to have him at the helm.”

Why Pennsylvania Matters to Notre Dame

Pennsylvania has long been a fertile recruiting ground for Notre Dame, producing legends like Paul Hornung and Raghib “Rocket” Ismail. In recent years, the Irish have continued to draw from the Keystone State, landing players like former linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and wide receiver Tyler Eifert, both of whom became All-Americans and NFL Draft picks.

Freeman’s decision to personally visit smaller counties signals a broader strategy aimed at reviving Notre Dame’s grassroots presence in the region. While powerhouse programs often gravitate toward metro areas like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, Freeman’s willingness to go off the beaten path is earning respect.

“He’s not just checking boxes,” said Blue Mountain athletic director Jared Harris. “He’s doing the work. These visits mean something. It’s how you build trust with coaches, communities, and families.”

The Bigger Picture: Culture Over Hype

Throughout his tenure, Freeman has prioritized culture over hype. Whether it’s through his “Golden Standard” approach to leadership or his insistence on academic accountability, Freeman is crafting a Notre Dame identity that transcends star ratings.

That philosophy was on full display in Schuylkill County. While there were no viral social media videos or flashy announcements, there was a clear sense that Freeman’s visit planted seeds—both with prospective athletes and with a community that rarely receives attention from college football’s elite programs.

“He’s building something real,” said North Schuylkill assistant coach Tyler Barnes. “And he’s showing that Notre Dame is about more than just Saturdays. It’s about who you become off the field.”

What Comes Next

Freeman’s Schuylkill County visit was part of a broader Northeast swing that includes stops in New Jersey, New York, and New England. The focus is not only on the 2025 class but also laying the groundwork for 2026 and beyond. With satellite camps, regional showcases, and official visits on the summer calendar, Notre Dame’s presence in the Northeast is expected to grow.

In the weeks ahead, Notre Dame’s recruiting staff will review evaluations, distribute new offers, and continue to track the progress of players Freeman met during the visit. For the athletes in Schuylkill County, the message is clear: keep working, and Notre Dame will keep watching.

“We don’t promise anyone anything,” Freeman said. “But we promise to be honest, to evaluate thoroughly, and to respect the effort these young men are putting in. That’s what makes this process worthwhile.”

As Freeman boarded his rental SUV and drove off toward his next stop, the impact of his visit lingered. For Schuylkill County, it was more than just a recruiting pit stop. It was a reminder that the Notre Dame brand, steeped in tradition and excellence, is also rooted in relationships—and that sometimes, those relationships begin in the most unexpected places.