Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman has been awarded the Dodd Trophy as college football’s coach of the year. Awarded annually to the coach whose team represents leadership, on-field success, and strong academic performance, the honor has been won by numerous iconic football coaches, including the legendary Nick Saban and, most recently, Florida State Seminoles HC Mike Norvell.
Freeman and the Fighting Irish enjoyed a strong regular-season campaign this year, resulting in a 12-1 overall record and a berth in the College Football Playoff as the No. 7 seed. The Fighting Irish defeated the Indiana Hoosiers 27-17 in the first round and will now play the Georgia Bulldogs in the quarterfinal from the Sugar Bowl.
Marcus Freeman Wins Coach of the Year
The Bobby Dodd Trophy honors the college football coach of the year. As stated in its mission statement, the Dodd Trophy is given annually to the coach whose program embodies scholarship, leadership, and integrity.
The trophy is awarded to the coach whose program is run with such integrity and sees success on the field at the same time. First-year coaches are not eligible to win the trophy as are the coaches who won the previous two awards.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish Upcoming Sugar Bowl Matchup
Despite the Fighting Irish’s phenomenal season, the upcoming Sugar Bowl against the Bulldogs presents a very difficult test. The Bulldogs are the No. 2 seed in the nation after a strong 11-2 regular season and an SEC Championship.
However, the Irish do have stars who are potential game-changers and difference-makers. Running back Jeremiyah Love has had a great campaign for Notre Dame, having accumulated 1,057 rushing yards and 18 total touchdowns so far.
Elsewhere, quarterback Riley Leonard has been a crucial piece in the Fighting Irish’s success this year. Leonard has 2,293 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, and only six interceptions. In addition, he has added 751 rushing yards and another 15 touchdowns on the ground as well.
Meanwhile, in College Football Network’s recent 7-round 2025 Mock Draft, the Fighting Irish have seven players selected by NFL franchises — the highest prospect being cornerback Benjamin Morrison going No. 29 overall to the Buffalo Bills.
The other players selected were safety Xavier Watts, tight end Mitchell Evans, wide receiver Kris Mitchell, EDGE RJ Oben, Leonard, and CB Jordan Clark.
MORE: Simulate the College Football Playoffs with CFN’s College Football Playoff Predictor
As is clear, the Fighting Irish have the talent and the coach to compete and succeed against the Bulldogs and in the remainder of the college football national championship playoffs.
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