So, the dust has finally settled on the NFL coaching carousel, and if you’re a Notre Dame fan, you can breathe. Seriously. Put the paper bag down.
For a minute there, it felt like Marcus Freeman was basically halfway to New Jersey or Nashville. The rumors were loud. Some of the biggest names in the NFL—we're talking the Giants and the Titans—had him on their "must-have" list. It makes sense, honestly. He’s 39, he’s got a 43-12 record, and he just took the Irish to a National Championship game in 2024. Most coaches would take that momentum and cash it in for a pro whistle.
But he didn't.
Marcus Freeman isn't just staying; he’s essentially "running it back" with an enhanced contract and a roster that looks like it was built in a lab. Adam Schefter confirmed it on January 13, 2024, and the collective sigh of relief in South Bend was probably heard in Chicago. Keeping Freeman is arguably the biggest bit of Notre Dame football news we've had in years because it prevents the "rebuild" cycle that usually kills momentum.
The Portal Haul That Changed Everything
If you looked at the Irish roster three weeks ago, you might have been a little worried. The first week of the transfer portal was... let’s be real, it was kinda rough. They missed on some early targets, and fans were starting to tweet through the pain.
Then came the second week.
General manager Mike Martin and Freeman went on a absolute heater. They didn't just find depth; they found starters. The biggest fish? Quincy Porter. The former five-star recruit is coming over from Ohio State, and at 6-4, 210 pounds, he is the immediate answer at the X receiver spot.
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Who Else Joined the Party?
It wasn't just Porter. The Irish realized they needed to get "SEC big" in the middle of the defensive line. They went out and grabbed:
- Tionne Gray: A 6-6, 336-pound monster from Oregon. He’s basically a human wall.
- Francis Brewu: A tackle from Pitt who already knows the system because Notre Dame just hired his old coach, Charlie Partridge.
- Keon Keeley: The prodigal son returns. After flipping to Alabama as a recruit, he’s coming back to where it all almost started.
These aren't just bodies. These are guys who play on Sundays. Honestly, the way they salvaged the portal period after that slow start is nothing short of a miracle.
CJ Carr and the New-Look Offense
Everyone is talking about the wide receiver room, and for good reason. Jordan Faison—who, by the way, finally gave up lacrosse to focus on football full-time—is the clear leader. But the real story is the guy throwing them the ball.
CJ Carr is entering his second year under Mike Denbrock. We saw flashes last year, but the expectations for 2026 are through the roof. With a boundary threat like Porter and a slot weapon like Jaden Greathouse, Carr has no excuses.
The depth chart is actually terrifying for opposing defensive coordinators. You’ve got Mylan Graham (another Ohio State transfer) and Cam Williams waiting in the wings. It’s the first time in a long time where Notre Dame doesn't just have enough receivers; they have too many.
The Defensive Shakeup You Didn't See Coming
While everyone was watching the portal, some major moves happened in the Gug. Max Bullough left for Michigan State, which felt like a gut punch. He was the heart of that linebacker room.
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But Freeman made a chess move. He shifted Al Washington to linebackers coach.
Washington is a rising star. He turned down the defensive coordinator job at his alma mater, Boston College, just to stay at Notre Dame. He’s now the second-longest tenured assistant on the staff. That kind of continuity is rare. He inherits a group led by Drayk Bowen and Jaiden Ausberry, plus a returning (and hopefully healthy) Kingston Viliamu-Asa.
The Cornerback Logjam
Then there’s the secondary. It’s a "good problem to have," but Mike Mickens has some math to do. Leonard Moore is a lock at boundary corner—the kid is a future top-10 NFL pick. But then you’ve got DJ McKinney coming in from Colorado and Jayden Sanders from Michigan.
Rumor has it we might see Christian Gray move inside to the nickel spot. It’s the only way to get all that speed on the field at once. If it works? This might be the best secondary in the country. Period.
Why 2026 Feels Different
Last year’s 10-2 season was good, but missing the College Football Playoff because the committee snubbed them (dropping them to No. 11 after a blowout win over Stanford) still stings. You can tell it’s personal for Freeman.
The 2026 recruiting class is currently ranked No. 2 in the nation. They’ve got five-stars like tight end Ian Premer and offensive lineman Ben Nichols coming in. Premer is particularly special—he was the Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year and could probably play three different sports at the college level.
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But recruiting rankings don't win trophies. Development does.
The Irish are essentially betting that the combination of Freeman’s culture, Carr’s arm, and a revamped defensive line will finally bridge the gap between "really good" and "National Champion." They’ve addressed every single weakness from the 2025 squad.
- Need a dominant DT? Got two.
- Need a vertical threat? Got two from Ohio State.
- Need to keep your head coach? Signed him to an extension.
Honestly, the only thing left to do is play the games.
Actionable Insights for the 2026 Season
If you're following the latest Notre Dame football news, here is what you need to keep an eye on over the next few months to stay ahead of the curve:
- Watch the Spring Game for the "Nickel" Rotation: See if Christian Gray actually moves inside. If he does, it confirms the Irish are going all-in on a "best five" defensive back strategy.
- Monitor Jordan Faison's Weight: Now that he’s not running miles for the lacrosse team, watch to see if he adds 10-15 pounds of "football muscle." It could turn him from a gadget threat into a true WR1.
- Track the 2027 Recruiting Momentum: With the 2026 class basically in the bag (and ranked top 3), the staff is already moving on to 2027. If they can land a couple of elite offensive tackles early, the "O-Line U" reputation is officially back.
- Listen to Mike Denbrock's Pressers: The offensive coordinator has been vocal about "evolving" the passing game for CJ Carr. Any mention of increased "11 personnel" (one back, one tight end, three receivers) is a hint that this won't be your grandfather's ground-and-pound Notre Dame.
The window is open. With Freeman committed and the roster loaded, there are no more excuses. It’s championship or bust in South Bend.