Last weekend, Notre Dame faced rivals USC in the 96th meeting of their storied rivalry. The Fighting Irish took a 34-24 victory that saw them go 5-2 after a standout game from running backs Jadarian Price and Jeremiyah Love.
According to PFSN’s CFB Playoff Meter, Notre Dame has an 18% chance of reaching the playoffs. The PFSN power rankings rank them the ninth-best team in the nation. They also sit 12th in the AP Top 25 Poll, moving up one spot this week.
Marcus Freeman Linked to NFL Job by Colin Cowherd
During the most recent episode of “The Colin Cowherd Show”, the insider revealed that Marcus Freeman’s agent sent a message to him. He shared why he believes the Notre Dame coach could go pro next season. Freeman has been with the Fighting Irish for five years.
“Marcus Freeman, do you stay at Notre Dame? Because I don’t think there’s a job in College that he would leave for. I think he will stay forever at Notre Dame. But I watch him and I’m like, I think he’s the next College guy to go pro.” Cowherd suggested.
After leading the Fighting Irish to the national championship last year, Freeman is the most successful head coach at Notre Dame since Lou Holtz. One of the head coach’s biggest strengths during his time at the program is his recruiting.
“Freeman is what a College coach should be today: young, handsome, energetic, and a top recruiter,” Cowherd revealed.
In the 2024 cycle, the Irish landed five of the nation’s top 100 prospects, including quarterback CJ Carr, who has become the Fighting Irish’s starter. In 2023, Freeman also landed Jeremiyah Love, who has become one of the best Running Backs in College Football.
“They were genuine in who they are. They’re real with you more than some of these other college coaches. They built that relationship over time,” revealed 2025 four-star safety prospect Dallas Golden, committed to the Fighting Irish.
Can Freeman Go Toe To Toe With Ohio State?
During the episode, Cowherd also revealed that he believes Notre Dame is the only team that can compete with Ohio State. The two played each other in the National Championship game last year, with Ohio winning 34-23 over the Fighting Irish.
“I think Notre Dame’s one of the few teams that can go toe to toe with Ohio State. I think they have the quarterback, they have the run game, and the intelligence. It’s not just that they beat USC. They ran at will against USC; They looked really impressive.”
In Notre Dame’s victory over the Trojans, Love, who was recruited by Freeman in 2023, ran for 228 yards on 24 carries. The Fighting Irish’s second running back, Jadarian Price, also had 13 carries for 87 yards and a touchdown.
“Love may go in the first round. He’s that good. I think he might go. If Ashton Jeanty can go sixth, then Love can go in the top ten for sure,” both hosts suggested. The Running Back has rushed for 758 yards and nine touchdowns this year.
While they are very far from touching the No. 1-ranked Ohio State yet, but after moving up to No.12 in the AP Top 25 poll, they are one step closer to a rematch of last year’s National Championship defeat. They are on a bye week this weekend.
