Notre Dame and Marcus Freeman are trending toward securing an elite running back commitment for the 2025 class.

Notre Dame football, with its storied history and rich tradition, has always been a program that attracts some of the best talent in the country. Over the years, the Fighting Irish have been a constant force in college football, producing NFL talent, winning national championships, and building a reputation for excellence. In recent years, head coach Marcus Freeman has brought new energy and vision to the program, signaling a shift towards a modernized, dynamic offensive scheme. One key area of focus for Freeman and the coaching staff has been revitalizing the running back position, an area that has been vital to Notre Dame’s offensive identity for decades.

The 2025 recruiting class has become particularly exciting for Notre Dame fans, as the team is trending toward landing one of the nation’s top running backs. This potential commitment has the chance to significantly impact the program, both on the field and in the recruiting landscape. With Freeman at the helm, the Irish are positioning themselves to secure a playmaking back who could not only contribute immediately but also help set the foundation for future success.

Notre Dame’s Running Back Tradition

Notre Dame has a long and storied history at the running back position. From the legendary accomplishments of players like Jim Brown, Jerome Bettis, and more recently, Josh Adams and Kyren Williams, the Fighting Irish have been home to some of college football’s most dominant and talented running backs. The program’s running backs have always played an integral role in their success, particularly in their powerful ground game.

During the era of Lou Holtz, for instance, the Irish relied heavily on their running backs to control the clock, dictate tempo, and wear down defenses. This tradition continued under head coaches like Charlie Weis and Brian Kelly, who maintained a steady focus on developing top-tier running backs.

Over the years, though, Notre Dame’s running game has gone through some ups and downs, especially in terms of elite-level recruiting at the position. At times, the program had trouble consistently attracting the nation’s best running back talent. While Notre Dame always fielded solid backs, there was a desire to land that one game-breaking back capable of turning the tide in high-pressure situations.

With Marcus Freeman now leading the charge, there is a renewed focus on the running back position, and the coaching staff has made it a priority to bring in a top-tier back who can help the offense flourish. This recruiting cycle is crucial for Freeman, as he looks to build a championship-caliber team, and landing a high-profile running back in the 2025 class would be a massive step in the right direction.

The Shift Under Marcus Freeman

When Marcus Freeman took over as Notre Dame’s head coach in 2022, there was a clear emphasis on modernizing the offense. Freeman, known for his defensive acumen, understood that an offense that could keep defenses on their heels would complement his aggressive defensive philosophy. Part of this offensive evolution involved focusing on a more balanced attack, with an emphasis on speed, explosiveness, and versatility.

The running back position, while historically important, had not always been the centerpiece of the Irish offense under previous coaching regimes. In the past, Notre Dame often relied on a committee approach in the backfield, using multiple backs with varying skill sets. This worked well to some extent, especially with backs like Kyren Williams and Tony Jones Jr., who provided solid production. However, Freeman’s vision for the offense seemed to place a stronger emphasis on finding that dynamic, game-changing back who could shoulder the workload and make big plays in critical moments.

In Freeman’s first season as head coach, the Irish offense experienced some growing pains. The team had to adjust to new personnel and schemes, and while the ground game remained a staple, it became clear that the team needed a more consistent and dynamic force at running back. The coaching staff began placing more emphasis on recruiting a running back who could be the focal point of the offense. Freeman’s aggressive recruiting tactics and focus on modern offensive concepts set the stage for what is now a high-stakes recruiting battle for a top-tier 2025 running back.

The 2025 Running Back Class

The 2025 recruiting class is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent years for college football. As always, there are numerous top-tier athletes vying for spots at prestigious programs, but Notre Dame’s efforts to land one of the elite running backs have been particularly noteworthy. With the landscape of college football continually evolving, running backs have become an essential part of many programs’ offenses, not just as ball carriers but also as pass-catchers and blockers. The versatility of the modern running back has changed the way teams evaluate talent at the position, and Freeman and his staff have been keenly aware of this evolution.

Several highly ranked running backs in the 2025 class have been linked to Notre Dame, and the Irish coaching staff has made a significant impression on these prospects. While there are many schools that would love to land one of these top-tier backs, Notre Dame’s strong tradition of producing successful running backs, coupled with Freeman’s approach to building a modern offense, has made the program an attractive destination for these elite players.

One of the key factors in Notre Dame’s favor is its track record of developing players into NFL-caliber talent. The Irish have consistently produced professional running backs over the years, and the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of legends is something that many top-tier recruits find appealing. Additionally, Notre Dame’s academic reputation and its unique position as a top football program in the Midwest offer recruits a combination of both athletics and academics that few programs can match.

The Impact of a Commitment

Landing an elite running back in the 2025 class would have profound implications for Notre Dame, both immediately and long-term. Offensively, such a commitment would instantly improve the Irish’s ability to control the ground game, balance the offense, and generate big plays in both the running and passing game. An elite back would also open up opportunities for the quarterback and other skill players by demanding extra attention from opposing defenses, creating more favorable matchups across the board.

In addition to the immediate impact on the field, securing a commitment from a highly-rated running back would provide a significant boost to Notre Dame’s recruiting efforts. It would signal to other elite players that Notre Dame is a legitimate contender for top-tier talent and could further help the Irish build a pipeline of future stars. Recruiting is often a snowball effect—landing one top prospect can often lead to more top prospects wanting to be part of the program.

For Freeman, landing a commitment from one of the best running backs in the 2025 class would be a massive affirmation of his vision and recruiting abilities. As a first-time head coach at a high-profile program like Notre Dame, Freeman has faced the pressure of meeting lofty expectations. A major commitment like this would further cement his reputation as a capable and successful recruiter, able to land the kind of elite talent necessary to compete for national championships.

Notre Dame’s pursuit of an elite running back in the 2025 class is not just about one player—it’s about the program’s continued evolution under Marcus Freeman. With his focus on modernizing the offense, Freeman has made the running back position a top priority, seeking a player who can be the centerpiece of a dynamic and explosive offense. The potential commitment of a top-tier running back would not only provide immediate impact on the field but also bolster Notre Dame’s recruiting momentum, signaling that the Irish are ready to compete at the highest level in college football.

As the 2025 recruiting cycle heats up, all eyes will be on the top running back recruits who are considering Notre Dame. With the Irish trending toward landing one of these elite backs, it’s clear that Freeman is positioning the program for sustained success. Whether this commitment comes to fruition or not, Notre Dame’s efforts in the 2025 class will play a significant role in the program’s long-term trajectory. And in the world of college football, a game-changing running back could be just the piece the Fighting Irish need to return to the top of the national landscape.