Full Breakdown
Marcus Freeman Advocates for Notre Dame's Place in the College Football Playoff
12/4/2025, 8:17:30 AM
Notre Dame's Strong Finish and CFP Positioning
Following a decisive 49-20 victory over Stanford, Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman emphasized the Fighting Irish's case for inclusion in the College Football Playoff (CFP). The win marked Notre Dame's tenth consecutive victory after an 0-2 start to the season, positioning them at No. 10 in the latest CFP rankings. Freeman argued that the committee should evaluate teams based on their current performance rather than their early-season records. "Who are the best teams now? Not Week 1 — now," he stated, highlighting the team's recent dominance.
The Controversial Ranking Shift
Despite the convincing win, Notre Dame dropped to tenth in the CFP rankings, swapping places with Alabama, which had a narrow victory over Auburn. Freeman expressed confusion and disappointment over the decision, questioning what more his team could have done to warrant a higher ranking. "You’re confused, in terms of what we could have done differently and why we fell when we won 49-20," he remarked. The debate within the selection committee was intense, with chair Hunter Yurachek noting that Alabama's late-game performance played a significant role in their ranking.
Criticism of the Current Playoff System
Freeman has been vocal about the need for an expanded playoff format, arguing that more teams should have the opportunity to compete. He acknowledged that even with expansion, there will always be teams left disappointed. "Every year, you’re going to have a group of three, four teams that are right on the cusp of being in the playoffs or not in the playoffs that are going to be upset," he explained. The ongoing discussions among conference commissioners regarding the size of the playoff field reflect the complexities of the current system.
Official Statements & Responses
Freeman's comments reflect a broader sentiment among Notre Dame supporters who feel the team deserves recognition for its performance. He stated, "We have improved as much as anybody in the country, been playing as well as anybody in the country." The Fighting Irish's strong finish and impressive win streak have sparked debates about their playoff eligibility, especially in light of their head-to-head loss against Miami earlier in the season.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You talk about a team that is probably playing as well as anyone right now, have won 10 straight games in a row, I think all of them by double-digit points, maybe.” — Marcus Freeman, Head Coach, Notre Dame
- “Not Week 1 -- now. It's hard to argue we aren't one of those teams.” — Marcus Freeman, Head Coach, Notre Dame
- “You’re confused, in terms of what we could have done differently and why we fell when we won 49-20,” — Marcus Freeman, Head Coach, Notre Dame
- “the more teams you give an opportunity to play in the playoffs, the better.” — Marcus Freeman, Head Coach, Notre Dame
- “I don’t know if a team did something that much better to jump us.” — Marcus Freeman, Head Coach, Notre Dame
What's Next for Notre Dame?
As the final CFP rankings approach, Notre Dame's fate remains uncertain. The team will await the committee's decision, which will determine whether they secure a playoff spot. Freeman's leadership and the team's resilience will be crucial as they navigate this pivotal moment in their season. The outcome will not only impact the current roster but also shape the future of the program under Freeman's guidance.
