How Marcus Freeman’s Recruiting Blueprint at Notre Dame Channels the Relentless, National Approach of the Lou Holtz Glory Years

When Notre Dame hired Marcus Freeman as head football coach in 2021, many viewed the young, energetic defensive coordinator as the ideal bridge between tradition and modern college football. But nearly four years into his tenure, it’s becoming clear that Freeman’s vision extends far beyond simply connecting eras — he’s actively resurrecting a specific blueprint from the past. His recruiting philosophy, marked by aggressive national outreach, elite standards, and relentless relationship-building, mirrors the same foundation Lou Holtz used to restore Notre Dame to prominence in the late 1980s and early ‘90s.

Holtz arrived in South Bend in 1986 with a clear objective: to rebuild Notre Dame into a national title contender by returning to a national recruiting strategy that had slipped under Gerry Faust’s tenure. Within three seasons, the Irish were undefeated national champions. While the modern landscape differs significantly from the Holtz era — with NIL, transfer portals, and constant media scrutiny — the parallels between Holtz’s aggressive national talent acquisition and Freeman’s recruiting efforts are impossible to ignore.

Freeman, a former Ohio State linebacker known for his energy and recruiting prowess, has emphasized from day one that Notre Dame’s national brand must be its greatest recruiting weapon. And like Holtz, Freeman is showing no hesitation in diving into the most competitive recruiting battles coast to coast.

Lou Holtz understood that Notre Dame’s national status wasn’t just about history and tradition — it was about leveraging those qualities to appeal to elite players from every corner of the country. His 1988 national championship roster featured players from Florida, California, Texas, New Jersey, and the Midwest — a true reflection of Notre Dame’s coast-to-coast reach. Freeman is embracing that same philosophy, as recent classes reveal commitments from Texas to New Jersey, California to Georgia, and everywhere in between.

Consider the Irish’s 2024 and 2025 recruiting cycles. Freeman’s staff has targeted and landed blue-chip recruits in talent-rich states like Texas, Georgia, and Florida — a departure from years when Notre Dame primarily leaned on the Midwest pipeline. Current commitments include skill players from the Southeast, offensive linemen from the West Coast, and defensive backs from football hotbeds like Florida and Texas. It’s reminiscent of Holtz’s era, when national top-100 players regularly picked Notre Dame despite stiff competition from local powerhouses.

But the comparison extends beyond geography. Holtz was known for his relentless focus on player development and building close, personal relationships with recruits and their families. His ability to connect with prospects, combined with Notre Dame’s academic prestige and football tradition, created a compelling formula. Freeman, often described as one of the most personable coaches in the country, has embraced a similarly relationship-driven recruiting strategy. His presence on social media, countless in-home visits, and hands-on approach with recruits harken back to Holtz’s tireless pursuit of talent.

The numbers support this. In Freeman’s first full recruiting cycle (2023), Notre Dame secured a top-10 national class, highlighted by elite defensive linemen, versatile offensive playmakers, and top-tier offensive linemen — reminiscent of the balanced, high-character rosters Holtz assembled. The 2024 class maintained similar momentum, with analysts praising Notre Dame’s ability to close on national prospects who fit both the academic and athletic mold.

It’s worth noting that Notre Dame’s unique academic requirements and cultural standards always present recruiting challenges, much like during Holtz’s tenure. Freeman, however, is turning those perceived obstacles into selling points, much like Holtz did. By framing Notre Dame as an elite, holistic opportunity — offering top-tier education, football on the biggest stages, and personal development — Freeman is effectively reviving Holtz’s recruiting pitch for a modern generation.

Another commonality? Both Holtz and Freeman inherited rosters with talent but lacking depth across key positions, particularly along the defensive front and skill positions. Holtz prioritized building the trenches, and Freeman has followed suit. Under Freeman’s guidance, Notre Dame has aggressively pursued elite defensive linemen and offensive tackles, mirroring Holtz’s strategy that championship football starts up front.

Freeman also understands the importance of quarterback play — another area where Holtz excelled. Whether it was Tony Rice, Rick Mirer, or Ron Powlus, Holtz secured talented quarterbacks capable of leading high-powered offenses. Freeman’s pursuit of blue-chip signal callers, from Kenny Minchey to CJ Carr and beyond, reflects that same understanding that elite quarterback play is non-negotiable for national title contention.

But Freeman’s strategy isn’t a carbon copy of Holtz’s. The realities of 21st-century college football — NIL deals, transfer portal movement, and social media influence — require adaptation. Freeman has embraced those modern tools while keeping the core Holtz principles intact: recruit nationally, build relationships, prioritize player development, and leverage Notre Dame’s unique brand.

An example of Freeman’s modern adaptation with a Holtz-like foundation is Notre Dame’s aggressive transfer portal activity. Holtz, operating in an era before transfers were common, built primarily through high school recruiting. Freeman, recognizing the portal’s impact, has supplemented his rosters with experienced, high-upside transfers to fill immediate needs — all while maintaining roster stability and culture. It’s an evolution Holtz would likely endorse in today’s landscape.

Freeman’s staff composition further reflects his commitment to this model. Much like Holtz assembled elite assistant coaches like Barry Alvarez and Skip Holtz, Freeman has prioritized hiring proven recruiters and developers — from offensive line coach Joe Rudolph to defensive line coach Al Washington. This echoes Holtz’s understanding that building a national contender requires not just one elite recruiter, but an entire staff aligned in philosophy.

Notre Dame’s current recruiting trajectory suggests that Freeman’s approach is working. The Irish are consistently landing top-10 classes, winning national battles for blue-chip prospects, and building depth in critical areas like the defensive front and skill positions. Just as Holtz’s methodical, national recruiting effort built the foundation for a national title in 1988, Freeman’s strategy is positioning Notre Dame for sustained success and potential playoff breakthroughs.

Critics will argue that college football has changed too much for direct comparisons. The SEC’s rise, NIL collectives, and expanded playoff formats present new challenges Holtz never faced. But the essence of building a contender — securing national talent, developing players, fostering relationships, and leveraging Notre Dame’s academic and cultural uniqueness — remains consistent across eras.

Freeman himself has acknowledged Holtz’s influence, often referencing the championship standard of the late ‘80s and early ‘90s as both inspiration and expectation. He understands that matching Holtz’s on-field success requires mirroring his off-field blueprint — a relentless, national recruiting approach combined with elite player development.

For Notre Dame fans, the parallels provide reason for optimism. Holtz took over a proud program that had drifted from national contention, re-established a national recruiting footprint, and produced a championship-caliber roster within three seasons. Freeman, now entering year four, has Notre Dame on a similar path — assembling national talent, enhancing physicality, and reigniting the championship standard in South Bend.

Ultimately, history shows that when Notre Dame recruits nationally, develops players holistically, and leverages its unique brand, championships follow. Holtz proved it. Freeman is building toward it. The blueprint remains unchanged — only the era has evolved. And if Freeman’s relentless recruiting efforts continue to mirror Holtz’s glory years, Notre Dame may once again rise to the summit of college football.