From Underdog to SEC King: Marcus Freeman’s Meteoric Rise at Notre Dame Stuns Rivals as He’s Named Conference’s Best Coach

In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves throughout the college football landscape, Marcus Freeman has been named the Southeastern Conference’s (SEC) Coach of the Year—an extraordinary honor that seemed improbable just a few years ago. Freeman, once an underdog defensive coordinator fighting to prove himself, has now emerged as a leading force in one of the most dominant conferences in the sport. His meteoric rise at Notre Dame, culminating in this recognition, has left rivals in disbelief and has firmly placed him among the elite minds in college football.

The journey began with whispers of doubt and cautious optimism. When Marcus Freeman took over as head coach of Notre Dame in 2021, replacing the established Brian Kelly, the college football world wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Freeman was young, unproven as a head coach, and taking the reins of one of the sport’s most storied programs. His first season was met with growing pains—a mix of thrilling highs and sobering lows. But what stood out from the very beginning was Freeman’s unwavering leadership, his ability to connect with players on a deep level, and a clear vision for what he wanted the program to become.

He didn’t inherit a rebuild. Notre Dame was already a strong program, but Freeman sought something more. He sought greatness built not just on talent, but on discipline, brotherhood, and belief. He instilled a culture that demanded excellence in every facet, from the weight room to the locker room to the classroom. Players bought in quickly, rallying around Freeman’s energy and authenticity. He wasn’t just a coach who barked orders from the sidelines—he was one of them, a former player who understood the grind and the emotion of every snap.

Over the next few seasons, Notre Dame’s identity changed. It wasn’t just a program with a proud history—it was a program with a ferocious defense, a pounding run game, and an aggressive, fearless edge. Recruits began to notice. Elite high school talent from across the country, including from SEC country, started choosing South Bend over Baton Rouge, Athens, or Tuscaloosa. Freeman was winning on the field and on the recruiting trail, chipping away at the SEC’s long-held monopoly on dominance.

The turning point came in the 2024 season. After three years of steady improvement, Freeman’s Notre Dame team broke through with a campaign for the ages. They entered the season ranked outside the top five but quickly established themselves as contenders by knocking off multiple SEC powerhouses, including a dramatic overtime win at Alabama—a game that not only silenced doubters but also put Freeman on every national radar. His team didn’t just win; they dismantled, outcoached, and outworked their competition. And they did it with swagger, resilience, and a coach who never blinked under pressure.

By midseason, Notre Dame had climbed to the No. 1 spot in the polls. They finished the regular season undefeated, boasting a defense that ranked first nationally in points allowed and a rushing attack that punished even the strongest front sevens. Freeman was everywhere—from “College GameDay” interviews to being featured on national talk shows. And yet, amid the fame, he remained grounded, always redirecting credit to his players and staff.

Then came the surprise twist that took Freeman’s legend to a whole new level—Notre Dame officially accepted full membership into the SEC beginning in the 2025 season. The move, years in the making, was a seismic shift for college football. And no one symbolized that shift more than Marcus Freeman. Almost overnight, he became the face of the conference’s next chapter: a coach from a school long considered an outsider now leading the charge from within.

The reaction from traditional SEC powers was mixed—some welcomed the challenge, others bristled at the idea of Notre Dame and Freeman stealing the spotlight. But the results spoke for themselves. In their inaugural SEC season, Freeman and the Fighting Irish didn’t just compete—they dominated. Wins over Georgia, Florida, and LSU highlighted the campaign, while the team’s only real test came in a heart-pounding battle against Texas A&M that Freeman’s squad won with a last-second goal-line stand.

As Notre Dame hoisted the SEC Championship trophy in December 2025, there was no longer any debate. Freeman had transformed the program and earned his place among coaching royalty. When the Coach of the Year award was announced, his name was met with thunderous applause and silent acknowledgment—this was his era now.

It wasn’t just the wins that defined Freeman’s brilliance; it was the way he won. His schemes were innovative but grounded in sound fundamentals. His teams were disciplined, tough, and never out of position. Opposing coaches often remarked that preparing for Notre Dame under Freeman was like preparing for war—nothing came easy, and everything hurt. Yet, his approach off the field was equally important. He built relationships, empowered his players, and created a family-like atmosphere that made South Bend a destination.

Rivals took notice. Some tried to mimic his formula, hiring young, energetic coaches with strong defensive backgrounds. Others doubled down on tradition, hoping their legacies could withstand the Freeman revolution. But with every recruiting cycle, every Saturday win, and every prime-time appearance, it became clearer: Marcus Freeman had changed the game.

Freeman’s impact isn’t limited to Notre Dame or even the SEC—it’s nationwide. He has become a symbol of what’s possible when authenticity meets preparation. He’s shown that you don’t need to be the loudest voice in the room to command respect. You don’t need to be a legacy coach to build a legacy. What you need is vision, heart, and the courage to lead when the odds are stacked against you.

It’s hard to believe that just four years ago, he was a first-time head coach standing in the shadow of his predecessor, answering questions about whether he was ready. Today, he’s not just ready—he’s rewriting the blueprint. Marcus Freeman has ushered Notre Dame into a new golden age, blending its rich past with a thrilling present and a limitless future.

As the 2025 season ends and awards are handed out, one thing is certain: Marcus Freeman’s journey is far from over. The accolades, the headlines, and the trophies are just chapters in a story that continues to evolve. But for now, his rise stands as one of the most remarkable in recent college football memory—a reminder that greatness often starts with doubt and that the best leaders are the ones who inspire others to believe.

From underdog to SEC king, Marcus Freeman has arrived. And college football may never be the same again.