Notre Dame Head Coach Marcus Freeman Says Today’s Young Players Lack Irish History Knowledge, But His Mission Honors 1988 Champions

When Marcus Freeman accepted the position as head football coach at Notre Dame, he understood the weight of history attached to the job. The gleaming golden helmets, the echoes of legends past, the championship banners, and the storied rivalries—it’s all part of what makes Notre Dame more than just a football program. It’s a legacy. But to Freeman’s surprise, many of the young players he recruits today have only a faint understanding of the school’s rich football tradition.

“Some of these guys come here and don’t even know about the ’88 title team,” Freeman admitted during a recent press conference. “They know Notre Dame is a big name. They know we’re on national TV. But when you talk about Lou Holtz, Rocket Ismail, Tim Brown, the Four Horsemen, or the ‘Play Like a Champion Today’ sign—they don’t always know the details.”

For Freeman, this disconnect between past and present isn’t a criticism of the young players themselves, but rather a reality of modern college football. The sport has evolved. The landscape is filled with flashy facilities, NIL deals, and the relentless churn of recruiting cycles. In many ways, players today are more focused on the future—their NFL aspirations, personal brands, and immediate opportunities—than the storied chapters of the programs they join.

But for Notre Dame, Freeman believes reconnecting with history is critical to the present and essential for achieving what he sees as the ultimate goal: ending the national championship drought that has stretched since 1988.

“It’s been too long,” Freeman said firmly. “For a place with this kind of tradition, we should have been back on top by now. That’s my responsibility—to honor what came before, but also to raise that trophy again.”

The 1988 team under Lou Holtz remains etched into the fabric of Notre Dame football. Led by gritty quarterback Tony Rice, electrifying receiver Raghib “Rocket” Ismail, and a hard-nosed defense, the Irish stormed through the season undefeated, culminating in a memorable Fiesta Bowl victory over West Virginia to secure the national title. It was a return to glory reminiscent of the Knute Rockne, Frank Leahy, and Ara Parseghian eras. It cemented Notre Dame’s place among college football’s elites.

But in the decades since, while the Irish have remained nationally relevant—with BCS bowl appearances, College Football Playoff berths, and Heisman finalists—they have fallen short of reclaiming that ultimate prize.

Freeman, now in his third season leading the Irish, is determined to change that narrative. But he believes it requires more than X’s and O’s. It starts with instilling an appreciation for Notre Dame’s proud tradition in every player who walks through the door.

“Every program talks about culture,” Freeman explained. “But here, it’s different. The culture is rooted in history. If you don’t understand the standards set by guys like Joe Montana, Brady Quinn, Jerome Bettis, or Manti Te’o, how can you fully embrace what it means to wear that gold helmet?”

To close that gap, Freeman has implemented several initiatives designed to immerse players in Notre Dame’s storied past. Freshmen undergo orientation sessions highlighting iconic moments, legendary players, and pivotal games in school history. Film rooms aren’t just for breaking down opponents; they’re also used to showcase vintage footage from Notre Dame’s greatest triumphs. Former players regularly visit campus to share their experiences, offering wisdom that connects generations.

“We had Jerome Bettis here talking to the guys,” Freeman shared. “He told them about what it meant to represent Notre Dame on and off the field. That’s powerful. When they hear it from someone who’s been in their shoes—and gone on to success—it resonates.”

It’s all part of Freeman’s belief that winning at Notre Dame is about more than talent—it’s about playing for something bigger than yourself. It’s about carrying the weight of a legacy that spans over a century.

Of course, Freeman isn’t naïve to the realities of modern college football. He knows today’s recruits are bombarded with highlight reels, Instagram graphics, and NIL pitches from schools across the country. Competing with programs like Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, and USC means Notre Dame must balance tradition with innovation.

“Look, we’ve got state-of-the-art facilities, we embrace NIL, we’re competing on every level,” Freeman said. “But the Notre Dame difference is our history. Our academics, our faith, our football legacy—it’s unique. If a player buys into that, they’re going to thrive here.”

And many have. Under Freeman’s leadership, Notre Dame has remained a fixture in national recruiting, landing top-10 classes filled with blue-chip talent. The Irish have reached major bowl games, maintained academic excellence, and continued producing NFL prospects. But Freeman knows the real measuring stick remains hoisting a national championship trophy—a feat that has eluded the program for 36 long years.

“That’s the expectation,” Freeman emphasized. “When you walk into our locker room, when you see the banners, when you touch the ‘Play Like a Champion Today’ sign—that’s what it’s all about. You honor those who came before by building something special now.”

It’s a mission Freeman has embraced personally. Though he wasn’t part of Notre Dame’s football past as a player—his college career unfolded at Ohio State—he has immersed himself in the school’s history since taking the helm. Whether attending Mass at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, walking the campus that boasts icons like the Golden Dome and Touchdown Jesus, or studying the legends who built the Irish brand, Freeman has made understanding the school’s DNA a priority.

“That’s how you lead,” Freeman said. “You can’t expect your players to care about the history if you don’t live it yourself.”

His passion is beginning to rub off. Veteran leaders on the team have taken ownership of educating younger players on Notre Dame’s traditions. Team meetings often include discussions not just about upcoming opponents, but also about what it means to carry the Irish legacy forward. Players who may have once been drawn to Notre Dame by its national profile now find themselves embracing its deeper significance.

Linebacker Jack Kiser, one of the team’s vocal leaders, said Freeman’s message has resonated across the roster.

“Coach Freeman makes it clear—we’re part of something bigger than ourselves,” Kiser said. “We’re writing the next chapter of Notre Dame history. That motivates you.”

It’s an approach that Freeman believes will eventually pay dividends on the field. While the Irish have faced growing pains under his tenure, including near-misses in big games, Freeman sees a foundation being laid for sustained success.

“You build championships brick by brick,” Freeman explained. “You can’t skip steps. You recruit the right players, you develop them, and you make sure they understand the standard. That’s what we’re doing.”

And if all goes according to plan, the next time Notre Dame raises a national championship trophy, those young players will not only celebrate their own success, but do so with a full understanding of the champions who paved the way before them.

“That’s the dream,” Freeman smiled. “To bring another title to Notre Dame—and to make sure every guy on that field knows exactly what that means.”

As the Irish continue their pursuit of glory, Freeman remains steadfast in his dual mission: honoring the echoes of the past, and building a future worthy of Notre Dame’s legendary name.