Reading Between Marcus Freeman’s Lines: Who Will Be Notre Dame Football’s 2025 Leaders?

As Notre Dame football moves deeper into the offseason, with Marcus Freeman at the helm, anticipation is building not just for the upcoming 2025 season but for the key leadership figures who will guide the Fighting Irish through what promises to be a highly competitive campaign. Freeman, who is entering his third year as head coach, has often emphasized the importance of leadership and team chemistry, and it’s clear that this upcoming season will require a special group of players to step up in big ways.

While much of the talk about the Irish’s 2025 campaign revolves around new faces and fresh talent, a strong leader or two can make all the difference in the world. Freeman, known for his clear and direct approach, has subtly hinted at the players he believes will lead this team, and it’s not just about star power. It’s about mentality, maturity, and the ability to bring a team together.

Let’s take a deep dive into some of the potential leaders for Notre Dame football in 2025, based on Freeman’s comments, team dynamics, and the players who have stepped up this spring.

The Veterans: Stronghold of Stability

Notre Dame’s leadership will begin with its veterans—those players who have been through the highs and lows of college football. As Freeman continues to build the program in his own image, it’s these seasoned players who will act as the pillars for a team that hopes to contend for a playoff berth.

Sam Hartman – Quarterback: The veteran presence under center is always paramount for any team, and Hartman brings experience in spades. Having transferred from Wake Forest, Hartman enters the Notre Dame program with a wealth of experience and maturity. The 2024 season was a breakthrough year for Hartman, and now that he has settled into his new environment, there’s little doubt that he will be a leader both on and off the field. Freeman has expressed how impressed he’s been with Hartman’s ability to command the huddle and his leadership qualities, especially given the pressures of being the face of the offense.

Hartman is a natural leader, having proven himself over four seasons in the ACC, and his ability to communicate and inspire confidence in his teammates will be critical for the team’s success in 2025. As the presumed starting quarterback, all eyes will be on him when the season begins. However, his poise under pressure and ability to deliver in crunch time will solidify his leadership role on this team.

Joe Alt – Left Tackle: As one of the premier offensive linemen in the nation, Alt is poised to be one of the cornerstones of the Irish offense. His leadership on the field will be critical to the success of the team, particularly in the trenches. Alt’s leadership style is one of quiet intensity, and his work ethic has earned him respect from teammates and coaches alike. He’s not one for flashy antics or bravado, but he leads by example, and his ability to protect the quarterback and open lanes for the running back will be vital. Freeman has expressed how much confidence he has in Alt to help anchor the offensive line, which will be essential for Notre Dame’s offensive success in 2025.

JD Bertrand – Linebacker: On the defensive side of the ball, JD Bertrand is an unquestioned leader. With a steady presence in the middle of the defense, Bertrand has earned the trust of both Freeman and his teammates. As one of the team’s most experienced players, Bertrand’s knowledge of the defense and ability to read offenses will be pivotal in keeping the Irish defense organized and aggressive. His leadership extends beyond the X’s and O’s; he’s a vocal leader who will push his teammates to stay focused and disciplined throughout the grueling season.

The Rising Stars: Emerging Leaders Who Will Take the Reins

While veterans like Hartman, Alt, and Bertrand will provide the steady foundation, Notre Dame’s future success in 2025 will also depend on the development of some key young players who are ready to take on a leadership role of their own.

Benjamin Morrison – Cornerback: Morrison’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric, and he is now widely regarded as one of the top cornerbacks in the country. His ability to shut down some of the most dynamic wide receivers in college football has earned him a reputation as a lockdown corner. But what sets Morrison apart is his maturity beyond his years. Though only entering his third season, Morrison has already demonstrated leadership qualities that go beyond his ability to play at an elite level. His communication skills and ability to get the defense in sync make him a natural leader, and Freeman has spoken highly of Morrison’s ability to command the secondary.

With a defense that will rely on its ability to match up with high-powered offenses, Morrison will need to continue developing into one of the top players in college football. His competitive fire and self-assuredness will be essential in leading a young secondary and helping the team make crucial stops on defense.

Tobias Merriweather – Wide Receiver: Merriweather’s potential was on full display during his freshman season, but 2025 will be the year he fully steps into a leadership role. As one of the most physically gifted wide receivers on the team, Merriweather has all the tools to become one of the top playmakers in the country. His speed, size, and ability to make contested catches are already well-established, but what will set him apart in 2025 is his ability to take on a more vocal role within the receiving corps. With so much offensive talent at Notre Dame, Merriweather’s ability to inspire confidence in his teammates will be crucial in making the Irish offense one of the most potent in the country.

Freeman has praised Merriweather for his maturity and growth throughout spring practice, noting that he’s poised for a breakout year. If Merriweather can develop into a consistent and reliable target for Hartman, he will be a key leader on the offense, pushing the team to new heights.

The Unsung Heroes: Players Who Will Lead by Example

Every successful team has its unsung heroes—the players who may not get the headlines but who provide the grit and determination necessary to succeed. For Notre Dame, there are several players who fit this mold and will likely emerge as key leaders in 2025.

Audric Estime – Running Back: Though Estime is still early in his career, his physicality and determination have already made him a standout player on the team. His punishing running style and ability to break tackles have made him a fan favorite, but it’s his quiet leadership that will be vital in the coming season. Estime isn’t one to seek the limelight, but his consistency and willingness to do the dirty work will inspire his teammates and help set the tone for the offense. Freeman has mentioned Estime’s growth as a leader, noting that he’s becoming more vocal and is ready to take on a bigger role in the offense.

Marist Liufau – Linebacker: A key component of Notre Dame’s linebacker corps, Liufau has the potential to be a breakout leader in 2025. With his ability to make plays all over the field, Liufau’s leadership will come not from his words but from his actions. He’s a hard-hitting linebacker who plays with tremendous passion and energy, and his leadership will be critical in maintaining a high level of intensity on the defensive side of the ball.

 A Balanced Leadership Approach

As Marcus Freeman continues to build his program, the 2025 season will hinge on the leadership ability of a wide array of players. From experienced veterans like Sam Hartman and JD Bertrand to emerging stars like Benjamin Morrison and Tobias Merriweather, Notre Dame has the potential to boast a well-rounded leadership team that blends experience with youthful energy.

One of Freeman’s greatest strengths as a coach is his ability to identify leaders in unexpected places. Leadership is not just about being vocal or the most talented player on the field; it’s about setting the tone, inspiring others, and leading by example. In 2025, Notre Dame will benefit from a variety of leaders at every level of the team, ensuring that the Fighting Irish are not only talented but also mentally tough and ready to battle for a spot among the nation’s elite programs.

As the season approaches, all eyes will be on how these players step up, not just on game day, but in the locker room, during practice, and in the moments that truly matter. With Freeman leading the charge, Notre Dame’s leadership group will be critical in navigating the challenges of a tough schedule and ultimately positioning the Irish for success.