In a historic first Marcus Freeman donates 30% to athletics leads Notre Dame to the CFP Final and secures a $3 million EA Sports deal. The first Asian American and Black coach to advance to the College Football Playoff final is Marcus Freeman. The Notre Dame leader cements his legacy on and off the field by agreeing to a $3 million deal with EA Sports and contributing 30% to the university’s athletic development.

In a year that will be remembered as a defining moment for Notre Dame football, Marcus Freeman has proven himself to be more than just a coach – he has solidified his legacy as a trailblazer both in athletics and in the broader world of collegiate sports. His leadership was instrumental in Notre Dame’s historic run to the College Football Playoff (CFP) Final, an accomplishment that underscores his prowess as a coach and his vision for the future of the university’s athletic programs. But Freeman’s impact extends far beyond his on-field achievements. In an unprecedented move, he made a bold decision to donate 30% of his earnings to the development of Notre Dame athletics, a gesture that redefines what it means to be a leader in college sports. Moreover, Freeman’s groundbreaking $3 million deal with EA Sports further cements his place as a pioneer and a symbol of change, as he becomes the first Asian American and Black coach to advance to the College Football Playoff final.

When Marcus Freeman was named head coach of Notre Dame football, he inherited a storied program with a rich history of success but also a series of high expectations. The university’s football program has long been a symbol of excellence, with legendary coaches like Lou Holtz, Ara Parseghian, and Knute Rockne leading the team to national prominence. Yet, in the post-Brian Kelly era, the question on everyone’s mind was whether Freeman could live up to the lofty standards set by his predecessors.

From the very beginning of his tenure, Freeman demonstrated an ability to connect with players, fans, and alumni alike. His charismatic leadership style, combined with a deep understanding of the game, made him a natural fit to guide the Fighting Irish back to national prominence. However, it wasn’t just Freeman’s football knowledge that made him a standout; it was his ability to inspire a culture of unity and excellence that resonated with his players.

Under Freeman’s leadership, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish not only returned to the College Football Playoff but did so with a dominant force that surprised even the most ardent skeptics. The road to the CFP Final was not easy. The team faced numerous challenges, including tough competition in the highly competitive NCAA football landscape, but Freeman’s ability to motivate and prepare his players proved to be the difference. The 2025 season was one for the ages, with Freeman’s tactical brilliance and ability to adjust to any situation pushing his team to new heights.

Freeman’s leadership was characterized by his commitment to developing his players both on and off the field. He emphasized the importance of discipline, teamwork, and mental toughness, while also making sure that his players understood their responsibility to represent Notre Dame with integrity and pride. His ability to adapt to the evolving landscape of college football, particularly in a time when NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) and transfer portal rules were changing the game, was crucial to Notre Dame’s success. Freeman proved that success in college football is not just about X’s and O’s but also about fostering an environment where young men can grow and thrive.

Marcus Freeman’s journey to the College Football Playoff final is not only historic for his coaching accomplishments but also because of his unique position in the world of college sports. Freeman is the first Asian American and Black head coach to lead a team to the CFP Final, an achievement that speaks volumes about his resilience and determination.

Throughout history, college football has been dominated by coaches of certain racial and ethnic backgrounds. While there have been notable African American coaches, and more recently, Asian American figures in various coaching positions, Freeman’s rise to the top of the sport as both a Black and Asian American coach represents a breaking of traditional barriers. His success serves as a powerful symbol of what is possible when talent, dedication, and vision transcend race and background.

For Freeman, this achievement carries personal significance. As an athlete and a coach, he has always been aware of the challenges that come with breaking into spaces traditionally reserved for a select few. His journey to the CFP Final is not just a victory for him personally, but for the broader community of minority coaches in college sports. It’s a reminder that change is possible, and that the barriers that once limited opportunities for coaches of color are beginning to break down. Freeman’s success serves as an inspiration to countless aspiring coaches, athletes, and young people who may not have seen a path forward in these traditionally exclusive circles.

While Freeman’s accomplishments on the field are impressive, it is his contributions off the field that truly demonstrate the breadth of his leadership. In an unprecedented move, Freeman agreed to a groundbreaking $3 million deal with EA Sports, marking a significant milestone not just for him, but for the future of collegiate athletics as a whole.

The deal with EA Sports centers around the development of the highly anticipated NCAA Football video game series, which has long been a staple in the gaming world. This partnership is groundbreaking in several ways. First, it represents a major step forward in the integration of college football with the broader world of entertainment and media. With college athletes now able to profit from their name, image, and likeness, the deal with EA Sports is a natural extension of the growing movement to allow student-athletes to benefit from their personal brand.

For Freeman, the deal also represents an opportunity to further invest in the development of Notre Dame’s athletic programs. As part of his agreement with EA Sports, Freeman committed to donating 30% of his earnings from the deal to Notre Dame athletics. This is a remarkable gesture of generosity, one that underscores Freeman’s commitment to the university and its future. His decision to invest such a significant portion of his earnings into the development of Notre Dame’s athletic programs is a testament to his belief in the long-term vision for the university’s success, both on and off the field.

The $3 million deal with EA Sports is not just about financial gain. It’s a powerful statement about the changing nature of college athletics, where coaches, athletes, and institutions alike are beginning to realize the potential of combining sports, entertainment, and business in new and innovative ways. Freeman’s leadership in this arena could have far-reaching implications for how college sports are marketed and funded in the future. His partnership with EA Sports could set a precedent for future collaborations between universities, coaches, and media companies, creating new revenue streams that could benefit student-athletes and athletic programs across the country.

Freeman’s decision to donate 30% of his earnings to Notre Dame’s athletic development is an unprecedented move in the world of college sports. While many coaches and athletes have contributed to their schools’ athletic departments in various ways, Freeman’s commitment to such a significant donation reflects his deep sense of responsibility to the university and its future.

The donation is poised to have a lasting impact on Notre Dame’s athletic programs, providing much-needed resources for the development of facilities, scholarships, and coaching staff. With the rising costs of college athletics, Freeman’s financial contribution will be instrumental in ensuring that Notre Dame remains competitive on the national stage. His donation will also help support student-athletes in their pursuit of excellence, both in their respective sports and in the classroom.

Freeman’s decision to donate a portion of his earnings to athletics also sends a strong message about the role of coaches as stewards of their institutions. Coaches have the unique ability to influence not only the success of their teams but also the broader culture and values of their universities. Freeman’s donation demonstrates a deep commitment to the long-term health and success of Notre Dame athletics, ensuring that future generations of athletes will have the resources and support they need to succeed.

As Marcus Freeman’s tenure as head coach of Notre Dame progresses, his legacy will continue to grow. His historic achievements on the football field, his trailblazing role as the first Asian American and Black coach to lead a team to the CFP Final, and his unprecedented $3 million deal with EA Sports will all be remembered as groundbreaking milestones in the history of college sports.

But perhaps the most significant aspect of Freeman’s legacy is his commitment to shaping the future of college athletics. Through his donation to Notre Dame’s athletic development and his leadership in the changing landscape of college football, Freeman is helping to redefine what it means to be a coach in the modern era. He has proven that success in college sports is about more than just winning games – it’s about investing in the growth and development of athletes, fostering an inclusive and supportive culture, and using the platform of sports to create meaningful change.

As Freeman continues to lead Notre Dame toward new heights, his influence will be felt for years to come. He has not only left an indelible mark on the university’s football program but also set a new standard for what it means to be a leader in the world of college athletics. Marcus Freeman’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, vision, and generosity – a journey that will inspire future generations of coaches, athletes, and leaders.