Bryan Ault asked prospects about how they see Notre Dame Football Head Coach Marcus Freeman. 2026 Commit Nick Reddish had nothing but praise for Freeman, saying that Freeman is building something special in South Bend.
In the world of college football recruiting, coaches not only sell their programs but also themselves as leaders who will guide young athletes to success on and off the field. For Notre Dame Football, that responsibility lies squarely on the shoulders of Head Coach Marcus Freeman, who has already established himself as a rising star in the coaching ranks. His leadership and vision for the Fighting Irish have drawn the attention of many high school prospects, and they are paying close attention to what Freeman is building at Notre Dame.
When Bryan Ault, a long-time recruiting analyst, sat down with several top prospects for the 2026 class, the conversation inevitably turned to Coach Freeman and his influence on the program. As someone who has followed Notre Dame’s recruiting for years, Ault was particularly interested in how these young athletes viewed Freeman’s coaching philosophy and what kind of impression he had made on them during their visits to South Bend. Among the rising stars, one name that stood out was Nick Reddish, a highly-rated 2026 recruit who had committed to the Fighting Irish.
Reddish, a four-star linebacker with impressive physical tools and an even stronger work ethic, is one of the first prospects to openly praise Freeman for the foundation he is laying at Notre Dame. In a candid interview, Reddish didn’t hold back when discussing his admiration for Freeman. “Coach Freeman is definitely building something special at Notre Dame,” he said, his voice filled with genuine enthusiasm. “You can feel it when you’re on campus. It’s not just the players; it’s the coaches, the staff, the entire university. Everyone believes in what he’s doing, and it shows on the field.”
Reddish’s praise is not just a reflection of the success Freeman has already had with Notre Dame football, but also a recognition of the broader culture he is trying to cultivate within the program. Freeman, who took over as the 30th head coach of the Fighting Irish in 2021, arrived at Notre Dame with a reputation as a passionate, fiery leader who could connect with players on a personal level. His coaching style, rooted in discipline, accountability, and personal growth, immediately resonated with recruits like Reddish, who are looking for more than just a winning program—they want to be part of something bigger.
From the outset, Freeman’s approach to recruiting has been different from many of his predecessors. He’s not just looking for talented athletes; he’s looking for young men who are committed to the values of the program. Freeman’s mantra of “Being a man of integrity, commitment, and relentless pursuit of greatness” has become the cornerstone of his recruiting pitch. It’s a message that has struck a chord with prospects, particularly those who want to be part of a program that not only produces high-caliber football players but also develops them into leaders both on and off the field.
Nick Reddish’s commitment to Notre Dame didn’t come overnight. It was the result of a long recruitment process where Freeman’s personal touch made a significant impact. Reddish shared how Freeman stood out from other recruiters he had interacted with. “Coach Freeman was always honest with me. He never promised me anything that he couldn’t deliver,” Reddish explained. “He told me that I would have to earn everything, and that’s something I really respect. It wasn’t just about football. He cares about me as a person, and that’s what sold me on Notre Dame.”
For Freeman, the goal is always to build a relationship first. “I want to recruit young men who are driven, who want to be the best versions of themselves,” Freeman said in a recent interview. “I want them to understand that this is about much more than football. When they come to Notre Dame, they are entering a family that is committed to their development—not just as athletes, but as leaders, husbands, and fathers. Our goal is to make them the best players and the best people they can be.”
This approach to recruiting has made an impact on Reddish, who has formed a strong bond with Freeman and the coaching staff. “It’s about trust,” Reddish said. “I trust Coach Freeman. I trust his vision. He’s already proven to me that he can develop talent. Look at the way he has built the program in such a short time. I believe in him, and I want to be a part of it.”
It’s this sense of trust and commitment that has helped Freeman’s recruiting efforts gain traction with elite prospects like Reddish. In the age of instant gratification and one-and-done commitments, Freeman’s ability to connect with recruits on a deeper level is a major selling point for Notre Dame. The coach is well aware that recruits have many choices, but he believes that the right players are drawn to the culture he’s building in South Bend.
One of the key elements of Freeman’s vision for Notre Dame football is the balance he seeks to strike between tradition and innovation. Freeman understands the storied history of Notre Dame football, but he’s also determined to bring the program into the modern era, utilizing cutting-edge technology, progressive coaching methods, and a renewed focus on player development.
Since taking over as head coach, Freeman has made a concerted effort to modernize the program, bringing in new ideas to complement the traditions that make Notre Dame so special. He has embraced the use of analytics, sports psychology, and individualized coaching plans to help players reach their full potential. In Freeman’s mind, the goal is to create an environment where players are constantly improving, both physically and mentally, so they can perform at the highest level when it counts.
For Reddish, this blend of tradition and innovation is one of the reasons why he believes Freeman is on the right track. “What I love about Coach Freeman is that he respects the history of Notre Dame, but he’s not afraid to make changes to improve the program,” he said. “He’s all about development—getting you better every day. He has a clear vision for where he wants to take the program, and you can see that in everything he does. Whether it’s the training facilities, the way they approach practice, or how they focus on mental conditioning, you can tell that Coach Freeman is building something special.”
Indeed, Freeman has wasted no time in establishing his mark on the program. Under his leadership, Notre Dame has seen significant improvements in key areas, including recruiting, player development, and team culture. His emphasis on “competing with a purpose” has helped foster a culture of accountability and resilience among the team. Freeman also prides himself on building a tight-knit locker room, where players feel comfortable pushing each other to improve while also supporting one another as brothers.
The 2026 class, with players like Reddish, represents a new era for Notre Dame football—a group of athletes who are not just committed to winning but also to building a legacy. Freeman’s coaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of family, unity, and purpose, and his recruits have bought into this vision.
As Notre Dame looks to the future, Freeman’s ability to build strong relationships with high school recruits will be critical to maintaining the program’s competitive edge. By creating a family-like atmosphere and focusing on the personal development of his players, Freeman has laid the groundwork for long-term success. His recruiting efforts are paying off in the form of top-tier talent, and as the 2026 class begins to take shape, Freeman’s influence is evident.
For Reddish, the decision to commit to Notre Dame was a clear choice. “I want to be a part of something special, and Coach Freeman is the guy who’s going to lead Notre Dame back to the top,” he said. “The more I learned about the program and the way Coach Freeman operates, the more I knew this was where I wanted to be. It’s not just about football—it’s about developing into the best version of myself. Coach Freeman is going to help me do that.”
As the 2026 recruiting cycle continues, it’s clear that Freeman’s impact on the Notre Dame program will continue to grow. The energy and excitement surrounding the Fighting Irish are palpable, and with young players like Reddish already onboard, it’s clear that Freeman is building something that could last for years to come. Notre Dame football, under the guidance of Marcus Freeman, is poised to return to national prominence—and with recruits like Reddish leading the charge, the future looks brighter than ever.
