Coming off an impressive run that culminated in an appearance in the national title game, the anticipation surrounding the Notre Dame Fighting Irish is palpable. Joel Klatt has placed them just outside of his top-five teams for next season, ranking them at No. 6 in his Way-Too-Early Top-10 list. But what does this mean for the Irish as they prepare for another competitive season?
Marcus Freeman’s Impact
At the heart of Klatt’s assessment is head coach Marcus Freeman, who is entering his fourth season with the program. Freeman has quickly established himself as one of the brightest minds in college football, especially considering his age. Klatt is particularly enthusiastic about the culture Freeman is fostering at Notre Dame.
“I love what Marcus Freeman is building,” Klatt stated. “If you listened to the show on Tuesday morning, that post-national championship game recap, you know that I was incredibly high on Marcus Freeman and what he was able to do. Listen, that team was overmatched on Monday night and yet they battled and they battled and they battled. The culture at Notre Dame is excellent and the team, I believe, is elite.”
Setting the Stage for Next Season
So, where do the Fighting Irish go from here? After finishing the previous season with a remarkable 14-2 record and a runner-up finish in the College Football Playoff, the expectations are sky-high. One of the first orders of business for Freeman and his staff is to select their first non-portal quarterback in two years.
Will it be Steve Angeli or CJ Carr? Both have their merits, and Klatt believes that whoever takes the helm will have a solid offensive foundation to work with. “Looks like it could be Steve Angeli,” Klatt noted. “Maybe CJ Carr… CJ was a Top-50 overall recruit this past season, so he’ll be in there.”
Strengthening the Offense
Klatt is particularly optimistic about Notre Dame’s offensive line, which he believes could be the best in college football next season. The return of players like Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price adds depth to the running game, which will be crucial for the team’s success.
“I think Notre Dame is probably going to have the best offensive line in college football,” Klatt continued. “Their ability to run the football is going to be there. Now, will Angeli be able to run the football like Riley Leonard? I don’t know. Will CJ Carr be able to run the football like Riley Leonard? I don’t know. But I do know that putting two backs on the field at the same time, which you see a lot now – we saw it with Michigan last year, we’re seeing it with Ohio State this year – we can see that with Price and Love.”
Defensive Challenges Ahead
However, it’s not all smooth sailing. The Irish will need to replace key pieces of a defense that was nothing short of spectacular last season. They allowed just 15.5 points and 307.4 yards per game, leading the nation in turnovers forced and defensive scores. The challenge will be even greater with a new defensive coordinator at the helm.
“The defense certainly loses some pieces. There’s no doubt,” Klatt acknowledged. “But didn’t you just get the feeling that the culture and what they’re building from a depth perspective was able to weather a lot of storms when it comes to the roster? I mean, this is a team that lost a lot of guys to injury. And yet they were able to still go out there and have a hell of a season. Lot of losses. I get it. I’m trusting Marcus Freeman right here.”
Looking Ahead: Playoff Aspirations
With Freeman at the helm, Notre Dame finds itself in a prime position as it heads into another season. Klatt is confident that the Fighting Irish will be back in the College Football Playoff conversation next year.
“I will be absolutely shocked if Notre Dame is not back in the College Football Playoff next year. That’s the level that Marcus Freeman is now kind of competing at,” Klatt asserted. “He’s building something very special. It’s not going to surprise me at all if Marcus Freeman is able to win a national championship at Notre Dame if he decides to stay there.”
A Bright Future for Notre Dame
As the Irish gear up for the upcoming season, the excitement is palpable. With a strong foundation laid under Freeman’s leadership, the team is poised for success. The blend of an elite offensive line, a promising quarterback battle, and a resilient defense could make Notre Dame a formidable force in college football.
In the world of college football, where every game counts and every decision matters, the Fighting Irish are ready to make their mark. With Klatt’s endorsement and Freeman’s vision, the future looks bright for Notre Dame. Will they rise to the occasion and reclaim their spot among the elite? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the Fighting Irish are ready to fight.
