Notre Dame football will be hosting its first-ever Friday night game in South Bend when the Irish host the Indiana Hoosiers in the first round of the College Football Playoffs. Arguably, this might be one of the most significant games in Irish football history. It goes beyond just winning a playoff game. It may redefine Notre Dame’s future and re-establish it as one of college football’s truly elite programs.
Freeman’s moment to step up for Notre Dame football
On top of the contract extension, this is a big moment for Freeman to prove himself to the Irish faithful since taking over in 2022. Aside from a few questionable losses to Marshall and Northern Illinois, Freeman has shown consistency and has improved each year in wins (9, 10, and currently sitting at 11 wins this season) and two bowl wins. Earning a spot in the first 12-team College Football Playoff is a step in the right direction, but getting its first-ever home win in the playoffs would be a major statement. It would add to the credibility that Freeman is the guy to lead the Irish forward.
The knock against Freeman has been some of the ‘letdown’ losses against teams that the Irish should have handled (Marshall and, this year, Northern Illinois), which have left people with questions. If the Irish can handle their business against a tough Indiana team in this first playoff setting in front of ‘Touchdown Jesus,’ it would go a long way in putting doubters at bay and illustrating that Freeman can handle the pressure in South Bend. I think people forget he is still young in terms of age and as a head coach. He’s still learning, but Friday night could be a defining moment.
Proving Notre Dame’s place among the best
In addition to this being a big game for Freeman, this is a massive game for Notre Dame and its place in the college football hierarchy. Blue bloods like Alabama, Georgia, and Michigan have dominated in recent years, which has left the Irish on the outside looking in when it comes to national title contention. This game will allow the Irish to prove they are not just a ‘brand name’ from the past but a true contender that programs need to be concerned with.
There’s always been controversy and a negative narrative around Notre Dame as an independent program with academic requirements. Getting the first win in the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff would send a loud message: Notre Dame is back. The Irish are not just here for bowl wins; they are competing for championships on a regular basis.
Notre Dame football recruiting and the portal: The time is now
Not only would a win go far in giving the stamp that Notre Dame is back, but it would also be a big help in their recruiting efforts. Freeman has done a nice job with recruiting, but a win could help solidify the program as one other blue bloods need to keep an eye on when it comes to recruiting.
Notre Dame has always recruited well, but with the evolving college landscape, proving they can compete at the highest level with the elite teams is more important than ever. A playoff win would showcase that Notre Dame is serious about high school prospects and transfers. It would be another recruiting tool to help Freeman and the coaching staff attract top talent.
A legacy at a crossroads
At the end of the day, this is just more about a singular game, but the future of Notre Dame football. A win over Indiana would remind everyone that the Irish are more than just a historical program, but can compete in this new era of college football.
This College Football Playoff game could be a turning point that shapes the next chapter in Notre Dame football. It’s about more than just catching up with the blue bloods; it’s about stepping back into the spotlight as an elite contender. If Notre Dame football can pull off the win, regardless in the fashion, the Irish have a chance to remind the college football world that they’re not going anywhere— they’re here to stay.