Marcus Freeman and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish are coming off a close 28-24 loss to Kalani Sitake and the BYU Cougars on Saturday. BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier completed 23 of 36 passes for 224 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception while also adding 13 carries for 45 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr threw for 261 passing yards, with wide receiver Jaden Greathouse finishing with a game-high eight catches for 125 receiving yards, while wide receiver Jordan Faison contributed six catches for 64 yards. Fighting Irish running back Nolan James Jr. rushed for 77 yards on 16 carries and scored a touchdown.
Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
The unfortunate news from the game was not only that it marked Notre Dame’s first loss of the season, but also that it was the team’s first loss since the 2025 college football regular season, when Notre Dame fell short against the Texas A&M Aggies, 41-40. The loss not only snapped the winning streak but also ended the streak of double-digit wins.
On Wednesday, following the loss, Notre Dame took to social media to make an announcement about head coach Freeman. It appears the Fighting Irish are standing behind their head coach, as Notre Dame announced on Instagram that Freeman had been added to the Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year watch list.
The award is given annually to the college football coach who embodies the leadership, dedication and excellence exemplified by legendary Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Paul “Bear” Bryant.
Freeman won the award in 2024, along with the George Munger Award and the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Award.
“Notre Dame man ☘️,” Notre Dame wrote in the Instagram caption. “Coach Freeman has been named to the Paul ‘Bear’ Bryant Coach of the Year Watch List. #GoIrish☘️”
Freeman now has his Fighting Irish ranked No. 4 in the AP Poll, as the team is on a bye before facing the Navy Midshipmen at Gillette Stadium on Oct. 31 at noon ET.
