Marcus Freeman Reflects on Notre Dame’s Inaugural College Football Playoff First-Round Game Against Indiana: A December 20 Press Conference Recap
On December 20, 2025, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish took the field in one of the most historic moments in college football history. In a thrilling, first-ever College Football Playoff (CFP) first-round game, the Irish, seeded seventh, faced off against the ten-seed Indiana Hoosiers. This game marked the beginning of a new era for college football, one where the playoff expanded to include not only the top four teams but a thrilling new bracket featuring the top twelve teams in the nation.
As expected, the build-up to the game was electric, with both teams boasting strong seasons and hungry for a spot in the playoff semifinals. The clash between the Fighting Irish and Hoosiers was one that captivated the sports world, and in the aftermath of the game, head coach Marcus Freeman took to the podium to address the media at a press conference.
Freeman’s words echoed the intensity of the moment, touching on everything from the team’s performance on the field to the broader implications of Notre Dame’s participation in the first-ever expanded College Football Playoff. The press conference was an insightful look into Freeman’s leadership, his vision for the future of Notre Dame football, and his personal reflections on a milestone moment for the program.
Opening Remarks: Setting the Stage for the Game
As Freeman took the podium, he immediately acknowledged the significance of the moment. It was not lost on him that his Fighting Irish were part of college football history.
“First and foremost, this is an exciting time for our program, our fans, and college football as a whole,” Freeman began. “To be a part of the inaugural College Football Playoff First-Round Game is something that will be remembered for a long time. The expansion of the playoff to twelve teams changes the landscape of college football, and I’m proud that Notre Dame is right at the forefront of it.”
Freeman, ever the professional, didn’t take the opportunity to simply bask in the historical moment. Instead, he quickly focused on the game itself, which had been a highly anticipated clash between two teams that had overcome significant challenges throughout the season.
The Game Itself: Key Moments and Takeaways
When asked about the team’s performance during the game, Freeman spoke candidly. Notre Dame’s win over Indiana was a hard-fought battle, and Freeman detailed both the successes and the areas where his team could improve.
“We knew this game was going to be a challenge,” Freeman remarked. “Indiana is a tough team. They’ve had a solid year and they came into this game with a lot of confidence. I give a lot of credit to them for the way they fought. They weren’t going to just roll over.”
Freeman went on to analyze the key moments that determined the outcome of the game, noting how the Irish took control early but struggled at times to maintain that momentum. A defensive breakdown in the second quarter allowed Indiana to score a quick touchdown, which briefly cut Notre Dame’s lead. However, the Irish defense bounced back, with standout performances from players like linebacker Jack Kiser, who made key stops and forced turnovers.
“We had some moments in that game where we had to dig deep and remind ourselves of who we are. Our defense showed resilience,” Freeman said, his pride in the defensive unit evident in his voice. “Jack Kiser was all over the field, and that’s the kind of leadership we need in these high-stakes games.”
Freeman’s respect for the Hoosiers’ defense was equally apparent. “We knew they would bring pressure,” he said. “Their defensive front was as good as advertised. We had to adjust and keep moving the ball, and I think our offensive line did a great job of protecting our quarterback.”
Quarterback Sam Hartman, who had been a pivotal figure for the Irish throughout the season, also received praise. Freeman called Hartman’s performance “steady” and acknowledged that the veteran quarterback’s experience was invaluable in a playoff atmosphere.
“Sam is a leader. He understands the big moments and knows how to control the game,” Freeman commented. “That poise he showed in the second half, when things were tightening up, is why we brought him in. He’s been a big part of this team’s success all year.”
The Players: A Spotlight on Key Performances
While Freeman emphasized the collective effort of the team, he did take time to spotlight a few individual players whose performances stood out in the victory over Indiana.
“One player I really want to highlight is Jack Kiser,” Freeman said. “His ability to make plays in critical situations was phenomenal. He’s a guy who just knows where to be and when to be there. He’s a leader in the locker room, and he plays with a chip on his shoulder. He set the tone for the defense.”
Freeman also touched on the performance of running back Audric Estimé, who had been a workhorse for the Irish all season long. “Audric did what he’s been doing all year. He ran with purpose, and he wasn’t going to be denied. When you can control the line of scrimmage and keep the chains moving with a back like him, it opens up so much for the rest of the offense.”
Another player who earned Freeman’s admiration was wide receiver Tobias Merriweather, who had a crucial touchdown catch during the game. Freeman explained that Merriweather’s growth throughout the season had been impressive and he was beginning to come into his own as a top-tier receiver for the Irish.
“Tobias has been working hard behind the scenes, and it’s great to see him making plays on the big stage,” Freeman said. “He has the ability to stretch the field, and that’s something we’re going to need as we continue this playoff run.”
Looking Ahead: The Road to the College Football Playoff Semifinals
Freeman was quick to turn his attention to what lay ahead for Notre Dame. While the win against Indiana was important, he knew that the road to the College Football Playoff semifinals would only get tougher from here.
“We’ve accomplished one goal, and that’s getting past Indiana. But we know the next challenge will be even greater. The teams left in this playoff bracket are all incredibly talented,” Freeman said. “Our focus now is on improving, taking each game one at a time, and continuing to grow as a team.”
Freeman’s leadership style was on full display as he underscored the need for focus and discipline in the coming weeks. “It’s all about staying true to what got us here,” he said. “We need to stick to our fundamentals, stay healthy, and not get caught up in the hype. There’s a lot of football left to be played.”
The Bigger Picture: The Impact of the College Football Playoff Expansion
One of the most significant moments of the press conference came when Freeman was asked about the broader impact of the expanded College Football Playoff format. As one of the voices of the new era of college football, Freeman had a clear perspective on what the change meant for teams, players, and fans alike.
“This expansion is a game-changer,” Freeman said emphatically. “It opens the door for more teams to compete for a national championship. It gives programs like ours—teams that may not always have the same resources as the blue bloods—a chance to show what they can do. That’s something I’m really excited about. The College Football Playoff is no longer an exclusive club for just a handful of teams. It’s a bigger, more inclusive system now.”
Freeman also noted the impact that this expansion has on recruiting, a topic that has been a hot-button issue for several years. “We’re seeing more and more players want to come to Notre Dame because they know they can play in big games like this,” he said. “The exposure that comes with being part of the playoff is huge, and it’s only going to grow as the years go on.”
At the same time, Freeman was cautious about the inevitable challenges that come with such an expansion. “It’s important for us to stay grounded,” he said. “While the format is exciting, we can’t lose sight of what makes college football great. It’s about the student-athletes, the traditions, and the history of the game. We need to make sure we don’t let the business side of things overshadow what truly matters.”
A Bright Future for Notre Dame Football
As Freeman wrapped up his press conference, it was clear that he had a long-term vision for Notre Dame football, one that transcended the immediate challenges of the inaugural College Football Playoff first-round game. The Fighting Irish, led by Freeman’s steady leadership, were poised to become regular contenders in the new playoff format.
“We’ve come a long way this season, and I’m proud of how this team has responded to adversity,” Freeman concluded. “This is just the beginning. We have a bright future ahead, and we’re going to continue building on what we’ve started.”
With that, Freeman left the media room, his confidence and determination echoing in the minds of Fighting Irish fans everywhere. The team had just taken its first step into a new chapter of college football, and under Freeman’s leadership, the possibilities seemed endless.
For Notre Dame, the journey was just beginning.