The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have completed one of the most remarkable turnarounds in recent college football history. After a shocking Week 2 upset loss to Northern Illinois—a game in which they entered as four-touchdown favorites—the Irish faced widespread criticism and calls for head coach Marcus Freeman’s job. Fast forward four months, and Notre Dame is headed to the national championship game after back-to-back victories over college football powerhouses Georgia and Penn State.
“The time you’re tested the most is when you’re at your lowest point,” Freeman said in his postgame press conference. “We lose to Northern Illinois, and you’ve got a decision to make: Do I want to be selfless, or am I going to put individual glory ahead of myself? I hope the nation sees that no matter what the situation was, this team continued to put Notre Dame first.”
Notre Dame’s resilience and team-first mentality were on full display in their 31-24 victory over Penn State in the Orange Bowl, securing their spot in the national title game.
The defense, led by standout performances from linebacker JD Bertrand and defensive back Ben Morrison, came up with crucial stops in the fourth quarter to seal the win. On offense, quarterback Sam Hartman showcased poise under pressure, throwing for 278 yards and three touchdowns.
Kirk Herbstreit Praises the Irish
Reflecting on Notre Dame’s journey, ESPN college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit shared his admiration for the team and their accomplishments.
“Pulling out this morning at 5 a.m. from Miami and heading to Dallas. What a game!” Herbstreit wrote on social media. “Congrats to @NDFootball for punching their ticket to the National Championship! What a team effort last night and all year. And man, @PennStateFball, I know it’s a brutal loss, but so much to be proud of with this team and the year you had—a lot to look forward to!”
Herbstreit’s words captured the sentiment of a national audience that has watched Notre Dame evolve from a team in crisis to a legitimate contender for the national title.
A Long Road to Redemption
Notre Dame’s road to the championship was anything but easy. Following their loss to Northern Illinois, the Irish regrouped, addressing glaring issues on both sides of the ball. Freeman leaned on his veteran leaders, emphasizing accountability and a return to fundamentals. The result was a string of gritty performances that saw the Irish win nine of their next ten games, including statement victories over Clemson and USC.
Their College Football Playoff journey began with a stunning upset of defending champion Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. Notre Dame’s defense forced two turnovers, and running back Audric Estime rushed for 142 yards and a touchdown in the 27-21 win.
Against Penn State, the Irish demonstrated their ability to adjust and persevere. Trailing 17-10 at halftime, Freeman and his coaching staff made key adjustments, particularly on offense, where Hartman and wide receiver Tobias Merriweather connected for two critical touchdowns in the second half.
What’s Next for Notre Dame
The Irish now await the winner of tonight’s Cotton Bowl matchup between Ohio State and Texas. Ohio State, led by Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Kyle McCord, enters the game as the national title favorite after dominant victories over Tennessee and Oregon in the first two rounds of the College Football Playoff.
Texas, under head coach Steve Sarkisian, boasts one of the most balanced rosters in the nation, featuring an explosive offense and a top-tier defense.
Kickoff for Ohio State vs. Texas is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN, with the winner advancing to face Notre Dame in the national championship game.
For Notre Dame, the journey to this point has been a testament to their resilience, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the team. As they prepare for the biggest game of the season, Freeman and his squad know that their work is far from over.
But after overcoming adversity and silencing their doubters, the Irish have proven they belong on college football’s biggest stage.
