Ryan Day has made history by clinching his first national championship with Ohio State this past Monday. While the college football world is still buzzing from the thrilling game, Fox insider Joel Klatt is already casting his gaze toward the future, speculating on potential successors for Day when he eventually departs from Columbus.
Marcus Freeman: A Strong Contender
One name that stands out prominently in Klatt’s analysis is current Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman. Klatt believes that Freeman, who recently faced off against Day and the Buckeyes in Atlanta, would be the top choice for Ohio State’s athletic director when the time comes for a coaching change. “If and when Ryan Day decides that he wants to move on, that’s the first call that any athletic director is going to make,” Klatt stated, emphasizing Freeman’s impressive trajectory.
Freeman’s connection to Ohio State runs deep; he was a standout linebacker for the Buckeyes from 2004 to 2008, earning accolades as a two-time Second Team All-Big Ten selection. His rich history with the program adds an intriguing layer to his candidacy should Ohio State seek a new head coach.
Freeman’s Success at Notre Dame
As the head coach at Notre Dame, Freeman has already made significant strides. He led the Fighting Irish to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game in just his third full season, boasting a commendable record of 33-10. His efforts did not go unnoticed, as he was awarded the Bear Bryant Coach of the Year Award for his outstanding performance in 2024. This level of success undoubtedly positions Freeman as a prime candidate for any top-tier program, including Ohio State.
Future Prospects for Notre Dame
Looking ahead, Klatt remains optimistic about Notre Dame’s prospects for the 2025 season, ranking them sixth in his “Way-too-early Top 10.” He praised Freeman for establishing a strong culture within the program, stating, “The culture at Notre Dame is excellent, and the team, I believe, is elite.” Klatt expressed confidence that Notre Dame will be a formidable contender for the College Football Playoff next year, underscoring the special foundation Freeman is building in South Bend.
However, the Fighting Irish face challenges as they prepare for the upcoming season. They will lose starting quarterback Riley Leonard, and several offensive linemen have entered the transfer portal. Yet, most of their offensive talent is set to return in 2025, and the depth on the offensive line should help mitigate the losses.
Quarterback Battle Ahead
A key question for Notre Dame will be who steps up to fill the quarterback position left vacant by Leonard. Steve Angeli, who served as the backup this season, showcased his potential by leading a scoring drive in the Orange Bowl. Additionally, C.J. Carr, a promising prospect, could also vie for playing time. The competition for the starting role will be one to watch closely as the season approaches.
Defensive Challenges for Freeman
While the offense has its share of returning talent, the defense faces significant questions. Notable players like Xavier Watts, Rylie Mills, Howard Cross, and early draft entry Benjamin Morrison will be missed. Adding to the uncertainty, defensive coordinator Al Golden is also departing the program. Despite these challenges, Klatt believes that the strong culture Freeman has fostered can help the team overcome the loss of key players.
As the college football landscape evolves, all eyes will be on both Ohio State and Notre Dame. With Ryan Day at the helm for now, the Buckeyes are riding high after their national championship victory. However, the speculation surrounding Day’s future and the potential for Freeman to return to Ohio State adds an intriguing narrative to the mix.
In the coming months, fans will be eager to see how Freeman navigates the challenges ahead at Notre Dame and whether he can continue to elevate the program. The college football community will undoubtedly be watching closely, as the future of both teams could hinge on these pivotal decisions.
As we look forward to the 2025 season, the excitement and anticipation are palpable. Will Marcus Freeman remain at Notre Dame, or could he be the next head coach at Ohio State? One thing is for certain: the world of college football is never short on drama, and the storylines are just beginning to unfold.
