There has been plenty of smoke surrounding Marcus Freeman’s future at Notre Dame. When the 2025 season ended abruptly, the outside noise only intensified. Freeman’s name surfaced in connection with nearly every major opening at both the college and NFL levels, making it fair to question how long he ultimately plans to remain in South Bend. But it was never going to be this offseason. The 2026 season has long been viewed internally as an all in year for the program. With legitimate national championship aspirations and arguably the top recruiting class in the country arriving, Freeman is committed to seeing the job through. Next offseason may bring real questions, but for now Freeman is back, and unfinished business defines the mission.
While the uncertainty felt nerve racking from a fan perspective, there was a reason Notre Dame coverage never veered into panic. Behind the scenes, there was little concern Freeman would leave at this stage. His recent statement reaffirming his short term future offered reassurance, even if the long term picture remains somewhat ambiguous. What is clear, however, is that the program is operating with urgency.
Subtle but meaningful changes point to an ideological shift in roster construction. Freeman is calculated by nature, and very little happens by coincidence. Not everything can be explained away by the modern college football landscape. This evolution feels intentional, and it sets the tone for what must happen next.
With that context, here are three New Year’s resolutions Marcus Freeman and Notre Dame must execute to position themselves for a national championship run in 2026.
Marcus Freeman must hand the offense to Aneyas Williams
Under Freeman, Notre Dame has remained true to its identity as a line driven program built on physicality, toughness, and development. While many programs lean heavily on the transfer portal for immediate answers, Notre Dame continues to prioritize recruiting, developing, and retaining high school talent. That philosophy is most evident in the running back room.
With Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price off to the NFL, Aneyas Williams is next in line to lead the Irish rushing attack. Entering his third season in South Bend, Williams has already proven his value in meaningful moments, including the Orange Bowl and a two touchdown performance against Stanford when Love was unavailable.
For much of the past decade, Notre Dame consistently produced NFL running backs, though there were stretches during the Brian Kelly era when development did not match the sport’s elite programs. That gap has since closed. Beginning with Kyren Williams, the Irish have been on a remarkable run at the position. Kyren brought a complete skill set defined by physicality, speed, receiving ability, and pass protection. Audric Estime followed with a bruising style that evoked memories of Jerome Bettis. Then came Jeremiyah Love, whose blend of speed, power, and creativity elevated the offense to another level.
The Love Price tandem made Notre Dame’s offense explosive, and their departures leave behind a significant share of last season’s production. Still, the cupboard is far from bare. Offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock has added elite young talent in Jonaz Walton and Javian Osborne, both top 200 recruits. While the depth chart is crowded, Williams is the proven option and now has the opportunity to take control of the position.
Running behind an NFL caliber offensive line and alongside a Heisman caliber quarterback in CJ Carr, Williams is positioned for a breakout season. Every running back brings a unique style, and Irish fans should expect Williams to define this offense with toughness, energy, and consistency.
Notre Dame must take control of the transfer portal on defense
The transition from Al Golden’s Vyper heavy system to Chris Ash’s defense came with early challenges. At times during the season, the unit looked unsettled, and criticism followed. As the year progressed, however, those concerns faded. The defense improved steadily, and what once felt like a gamble became a necessary step forward.
Still, Notre Dame cannot afford another slow start on defense in 2026. The early inconsistencies of 2025 likely cost the Irish a College Football Playoff berth, and that margin for error no longer exists. This is where the transfer portal becomes essential.
Interior defensive line depth remains a pressing need, and there are several portal targets who could make an immediate impact. Devan Thompkins from USC would bring a six foot five, 290 pound interior presence capable of consistently pressuring the quarterback and creating tackles for loss, while also delivering a symbolic win over a departing rival. Ethan Wesloski from North Texas profiles as a tackling machine with strong coverage ability, fitting seamlessly into Freeman’s defensive vision. Ian Geffrard from Arkansas offers the size and strength of a true run stuffing nose tackle who can anchor the middle of the line.
If Notre Dame expects to compete with the nation’s elite offenses, reinforcing the defensive interior through the portal is not optional.
Notre Dame must preserve championship level offensive Line depth
Notre Dame’s offensive line remains one of the program’s greatest strengths, but championships are often decided by depth. Injuries, fatigue, and late season attrition test even the most talented units. For CJ Carr and Aneyas Williams to reach their full potential, the trenches must remain dominant throughout the season.
The transfer portal again presents valuable opportunities. Xavier Chaplin from Auburn offers proven SEC experience at left tackle and excels in pass protection. Carius Curne from LSU provides versatility with starting experience at both tackle spots. Coen Echols, brings interior stability and strong pass blocking grades. Brandon Best from Kennesaw State represents a developmental option with upside from a smaller program.
Adding even one of these linemen could be the difference between a strong offense and a championship caliber one.
Focus now turns into Execution
Marcus Freeman did not remain at Notre Dame because he lacked NFL opportunities. He stayed because he believes in what he is building and because Notre Dame believes in him. In an era increasingly defined by short term thinking, that mutual commitment matters.
For Irish fans, this moment serves as a reminder that some of the most important wins do not come on Saturdays, but during offseasons like this, when the foundation grows stronger. Notre Dame has its head coach, and at least through 2026, Marcus Freeman is not going anywhere.
Now the focus turns to execution. Winning marquee matchups, beating ranked opponents, and building a playoff ready resume will determine whether this era culminates in Notre Dame’s 12th national championship. The pieces are in place. The vision is clear. The rest is execution.