In 2024, Ma͏rcus Freeman guided the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on a remarkable journey, culminating in a historic championship run. With a formidable offensive line and a well-rounded offensive strategy, the Irish showcased their prowess, making a deep playoff push that solidified their status among college football’s elite. However, the championship game ended in a tough 34-23 defeat to Ohio State, leaving fans eager for redemption.
Looking Ahead: Optimism for 2025
As the dust settles from last season, analysts are already turning their eyes toward the future. One such analyst, Andy Ari, expresses a strong belief in Notre Dame’s potential for the upcoming season. “I actually have Notre Dame going all the way to the national title game from the number six seed,” Ari stated, showcasing his confidence in the program’s ability to bounce back.
Quarterback Concerns and Offensive Line Strength
Despite the optimism, questions loom over the quarterback position as the Irish prepare for 2025. CJ Carr is anticipated to take the reins of the offense, but uncertainties remain. Ari remains positive, noting, “I think Notre Dame may have the best offensive line in the country next year.” His comments come in light of two starters entering the transfer portal, sparking concerns among fans. However, Ari reassures them that these departures may not be as detrimental as they seem, suggesting that those players were unlikely to secure starting roles in the upcoming season.
Key Returning Players on the Offensive Line
The Fighting Irish will lean heavily on their returning offensive linemen, including Anthony Knapp, Ashton Craig, and Billy Schrauth, who are poised to create a strong interior presence. Additionally, left tackle Charles Jagusah, right tackle Emil Wagner, and incoming freshman Will Black will add depth to the line, providing a solid foundation for the offense to build upon.
Wide Receiver Woes: A Need for Talent
While the offensive line appears robust, the wide receiver corps presents a different challenge. The 2025 recruiting class missed out on top targets like Cooper Perry and Derek Meadows, leaving the Irish to secure commitments from Elijah Burress, Jerome Bettis Jr., and Antavious Richardson. The pressure now falls on wide receivers coach Mike Brown to cultivate talent that can step up and make an impact in 2026.
Recruiting Strategy: Strengthening the Roster
Following their championship appearance, Notre Dame faces significant roster changes as they look to strengthen their squad for the future. With several key players departing for the NFL draft and the transfer portal, Marcus Freeman’s team is actively pursuing top recruits to fill the gaps and maintain their competitive edge.
Top Recruiting Targets for Notre Dame
Among the players Notre Dame is eyeing, three stand out as potential game-changers:
#1. Kaydon Finley
Finley, a speedy wide receiver from Aledo High School, has the ability to stretch the field—something the Irish offense lacked in 2024. With impressive stats of 1,849 yards, 27 touchdowns, and an average of 17.4 yards per catch, he has already made multiple visits to South Bend and is a top priority for the Fighting Irish.
#2. Jayce Cora
Cora, a versatile athlete from the Community School of Naples, has emerged as a key target for Notre Dame. The Irish appear to be leading the race against schools like Boston College, Pittsburgh, and USF. Notably, Cora possesses the size and speed to play either safety or wide receiver, having recorded 888 receiving yards and nine receptions in his high school career.
#3. Zahir Mathis
Mathis is regarded as one of the top defensive linemen still available in the 2025 class. Hailing from Philadelphia, he excels at breaking off blocks and making plays in the backfield. While he has the ideal size for an edge rusher, he may need to add some weight to compete at the collegiate level. With 32 solo tackles and 6.0 sacks, Mathis could be a valuable addition to the Irish defense.
Looking Forward to the 2025 Season
As Notre Dame gears up for the 2025 season, the excitement is palpable. With a mix of returning talent and promising recruits, the Fighting Irish are poised to make another run at the national title. The challenges ahead are significant, but the foundation laid by Marcus Freeman and his coaching staff provides a solid platform for success. Can the Irish rise to the occasion and reclaim their spot among college football’s elite? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the passion and dedication of the Notre Dame program will be on full display as they strive for greatness once again.
