Marcus Freeman reveals how Notre Dame can win the national championship

As the 2025 college football season approaches, Marcus Freeman and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish find themselves in the midst of a significant program transformation. Freeman, now entering his third year as head coach, is focused on building a championship-contending team that can compete with the best of the best in college football. After a strong 2024 campaign, where Notre Dame showed growth and resilience, Freeman and his staff are gearing up to take that next step toward national glory.

In recent interviews, Freeman opened up about the philosophy, strategies, and mindset that will give Notre Dame the best chance of winning the College Football Playoff and ultimately claiming its first national championship since 1988. Here’s a closer look at Freeman’s vision for how Notre Dame can win the national championship in the 2025 season.

1. Strong Leadership and Accountability at All Levels

One of the cornerstones of Marcus Freeman’s vision for success at Notre Dame is building a strong foundation of leadership throughout the program. Freeman has always emphasized the importance of creating a culture that promotes accountability, teamwork, and mental toughness. For Freeman, the ability to lead is not confined to just the coaching staff or the team captains; it permeates throughout the entire roster.

Freeman made it clear that in order to win a national championship, every player must understand their role and take ownership of their actions on and off the field. He believes that successful teams are built on relationships, where the coaches and players communicate openly and build trust in each other. From the quarterback to the special teams unit, Freeman’s message is clear: everyone needs to be aligned with the goal of bringing a national championship to South Bend.

This philosophy of leadership starts with the team’s captains, but it extends beyond them to the rest of the players. Freeman has continually spoken about the importance of fostering a culture of responsibility, where players are self-motivated to push themselves and their teammates to greater heights. He has noted that the best teams are those where each player feels personally accountable for the team’s success, and it is this mindset that Freeman believes will propel Notre Dame to a championship.

2. Elite Quarterback Play

In any conversation about a national championship, the quarterback position is always central. For Notre Dame to reach the pinnacle of college football, Freeman understands that they must have elite play at the quarterback position. Heading into the 2025 season, this area is even more critical given the competition and the expectations surrounding the program.

Freeman’s approach to quarterback development is holistic. After bringing in Sam Hartman, an experienced graduate transfer from Wake Forest, and with Tyler Buchner coming back from injury, Freeman has two distinct styles of quarterbacks to work with. Hartman is a seasoned leader with over 70 career touchdown passes, known for his ability to throw the deep ball and operate in the high-powered offensive system he ran at Wake Forest. Buchner, on the other hand, is a dynamic dual-threat quarterback with untapped potential, who has shown flashes of brilliance when healthy but still needs to prove his consistency.

Freeman has said that the quarterback position is wide open, with both Hartman and Buchner capable of leading the team to greatness. But for Notre Dame to win a national title, Freeman believes that the team must have consistent, high-level quarterback play throughout the season. Whether it’s Hartman’s ability to manage a fast-paced offense and execute the passing game, or Buchner’s potential as a dual-threat leader who can extend plays and make defenses pay with both his arm and legs, Freeman believes the quarterback position will be a critical factor in their championship aspirations.

To reach their full potential, Freeman has stressed the importance of getting the most out of his quarterbacks through a balanced offensive approach and exceptional coaching. Having a game-changing quarterback is crucial for competing with the likes of Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State, and Freeman knows that the Irish will need a steady, reliable force under center if they are to compete at the highest level.

3. A Balanced Offense That Can Adapt

One of the keys to winning a national championship in college football is having an offense that can score efficiently while also being able to adapt to different types of defenses. Freeman’s philosophy centers on building an offense that is multifaceted, dynamic, and unpredictable. Under offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, Freeman believes that Notre Dame’s offense will be balanced enough to keep defenses guessing while still being able to rely on core principles.

Freeman pointed out that a national championship-caliber offense has to be both explosive and consistent. The Irish will rely on a strong running game, led by their talented stable of running backs, including Audric Estime and Logan Diggs. Estime, in particular, has the physical tools to be a dominant back, capable of wearing down defenses with his size and power. However, Freeman also understands the importance of mixing up the offensive play calling to create mismatches in both the running and passing games.

This year, Freeman and Rees are focused on bringing a more modern, up-tempo offense to the table, one that emphasizes tempo and space creation. They know that with the right balance between the run and pass, and with a quarterback who can execute effectively, Notre Dame can be difficult to stop on offense. Freeman mentioned that winning a national title requires offensive versatility—being able to control the clock with a dominant ground game, while also taking shots downfield when the defense overcommits.

Freeman’s approach to offense isn’t just about calling plays—he’s focused on developing an offensive identity that fits the talent they have at Notre Dame. Whether it’s pounding the ball with Estime, using tight ends to exploit mismatches, or throwing deep passes with Hartman’s arm strength, the Irish are preparing for an offense that can perform in multiple ways.

4. A Dominant and Disciplined Defense

While having an explosive offense is critical, Freeman knows that defense wins championships. As a former defensive coordinator, Freeman understands the importance of having a defense that can shut down high-powered offenses in the biggest moments. For Notre Dame to win the national championship, they will need to consistently play dominant defense against some of the most explosive offenses in the country.

Freeman’s defensive philosophy revolves around being aggressive, fast, and disruptive. The Irish defense, led by Al Golden as defensive coordinator, has the talent to compete with the best. Isaiah Foskey, the standout edge rusher, is poised for a dominant senior season, and Benjamin Morrison, the talented cornerback, is one of the best at his position. Freeman has mentioned that for Notre Dame to have a shot at the championship, the defense must take the ball away from opponents and create scoring opportunities. Turnovers are critical in big games, and Freeman expects his defense to make those game-changing plays when it matters most.

The secondary, in particular, will be one area of emphasis. Freeman and his defensive staff want to develop a secondary that can match up with the best wide receivers in the country and not give up big plays. Linebackers like JD Bertrand and Marist Liufau will be key to stopping the run and covering in pass protection, while the defensive line’s ability to generate pressure and sack the quarterback will help set the tone. Notre Dame’s defense has all the tools needed to shut down opposing offenses, but Freeman knows it’s about consistency, physicality, and executing in the clutch.

5. Special Teams and the Importance of Depth

In Freeman’s vision for a national championship run, special teams play an often-overlooked but critical role. In tight games, where field position is at a premium, a reliable kicker, a dynamic return man, and coverage units that can flip the field can make all the difference. Freeman has stressed that special teams can be the difference-maker in big moments, and Notre Dame has the players in place to excel in this area.

Notre Dame’s depth will also play a significant role. Winning a national championship requires a deep roster that can weather injuries and sustain a high level of play throughout the season. With the depth Freeman is building in both the trenches and the skill positions, Notre Dame will have the ability to rotate players in and out without losing effectiveness.