Overview
- Freeman told On3's J.D. Pickell that Notre Dame "left doubt" in 2025 and set a program standard to "leave no doubt" starting with each day’s work.
- He confirmed all three coordinators are returning, citing the value of continuity on offense, defense and special teams.
- Notre Dame missed the 12-team College Football Playoff after opening with two close losses to Texas A&M and Miami before winning 10 straight.
- Quarterback CJ Carr returns after a freshman season with 2,741 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, six interceptions and a 66.6% completion rate.
- Multiple outlets frame the Irish as early national title favorites for 2026, while some coverage also criticized the decision to skip a bowl after the snub.