New York, November 30, 2025
Marcus Freeman, head coach of the 2025 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team, is actively making the case for Notre Dame as one of the top college football programs nationally, citing their strong 9–2 record and No. 9 ranking in late November 2025 as evidence of their elite status.
Notable Rankings and Team Performance
Notre Dame currently holds a position at No. 9 in major national college football polls, including those by ESPN and CBS Sports. The Fighting Irish have compiled a commendable 9-2 win-loss record this season. This places them within a competitive tier behind teams such as Ohio State, Georgia, Texas A&M, Oregon, and Indiana. Notre Dame’s stable ranking in the top 10 underscores their consistent performance through the 2025 season.
Leadership Under Marcus Freeman
Freeman, in his fourth year as head coach, continues to lead the Fighting Irish with a focus on elevating the program’s national standing. His public emphasis on Notre Dame’s present achievements highlights the program’s aim to be recognized alongside the country’s elite football teams. The leadership demonstrated by Freeman has been instrumental in moving Notre Dame into postseason conversations.
Competitive Landscape and Strategic Positioning
The 2025 college football landscape is highly competitive, with several strong teams vying for top postseason honors. Notre Dame, as an independent program, does not participate in a conference but maintains a rigorous schedule that bolsters their case for playoff consideration. Sanders’ comments draw attention to the team’s capacity to compete effectively against top-ranked opponents despite the challenges of an independent schedule.
Being ranked ninth and maintaining a 9–2 record situates Notre Dame well within playoff contention, and Freeman’s advocacy reflects the program’s aspirations for inclusion in postseason opportunities and potential national title contention.
Implications for Postseason Recognition
As the regular season nears conclusion, Notre Dame’s sustained success under Freeman positions them favorably in the eyes of playoff selection committees and college football analysts. The Fighting Irish’s performance this season could have significant implications for their postseason trajectory and long-term program prestige.
Freeman’s stance signals Notre Dame’s ambition to be viewed not only as a strong team in 2025 but as a continuing force in college football’s upper echelon.