Many analysts view the College Football Playoff committee’s decision to leave Marcus Freeman’s Notre Dame out of the 12-team field this season in favor of Miami as one of its most controversial moves ever. The Hurricanes leapfrogged the Irish because of a Week 1 head-to-head win, even though Mario Cristobal’s squad didn’t make the ACC Championship.
Besides that, Miami had consistently ranked below Notre Dame in all prior CFP standings. However, the Hurricanes’ inclusion has also drawn strong support from numerous voices.
Joey McGuire Intensifies Spotlight on Marcus Freeman’s Notre Dame After CFP Exclusion
Besides Miami’s edge over Notre Dame in the playoff, there has been significant criticism regarding Group of Five teams like Tulane and James Madison making the playoff over the Irish, Texas, and Vanderbilt.
Especially with Ole Miss and Oregon beating the Green Wave and the Dukes, respectively, many believe the G5 should be entirely excluded. Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire was asked about the topic on Monday, and he focused most of his response on Notre Dame rather than the G5.
“I think when you have a criteria where you’re going to select a team, everybody should be in that same criteria,” McGuire said ahead of Texas Tech’s trip to Miami for the Orange Bowl. “So, I don’t wanna make Notre Dame mad, but be in a conference, and you’re in the playoffs. They’re in the ACC, and they’re in the playoffs. That’s nothing against – Marcus Freeman; I think he’s an absolute rockstar.”
“I would want my son to play for Marcus Freeman; that’s not what I’m talking about. I’m talking about ‘Let’s make it, across the board, that everybody is measured the same.’”
Notre Dame is one of only two FBS teams that compete as independents, meaning the Irish are not in a conference. Critics have repeatedly questioned the program’s ability to select opponents, while conference programs have roughly two-thirds of their schedules determined for them.
Meanwhile, this isn’t the first time McGuire has criticized Notre Dame’s independent status this season. Even after Texas Tech’s 29-7 win over BYU a month ago, McGuire took a subtle jab at Freeman’s program.
“I have so much respect for BYU. I do,” McGuire had said. “I was really excited whenever they joined the Big 12 because I think that they carry a lot of weight and a lot of respect. I think that I have a lot of respect for them entering a conference and not playing an independent schedule like other people-y’all already know who that is.”
However, Notre Dame Athletic Director Pete Bevacqua has repeatedly affirmed the program’s commitment to remaining independent in football. He has even stated that independence is part of the school’s “DNA” and that there is “zero intention” to change it.
Meanwhile, it seems Freeman’s program will not face pressure to join a conference anytime soon. A signed memorandum of understanding ensures Notre Dame a spot in the playoff field if the school finishes ranked in the top 12 starting in 2026.
