“Marcus Freeman Reflects on 2025 Blue-Gold Game Performance, Leadership, and Expectations in a New Era of Notre Dame Football”
SOUTH BEND, Ind. — The sun beamed down on Notre Dame Stadium as the Fighting Irish faithful filled the stands for the annual Blue-Gold Game on a crisp April afternoon. With the echoes of the band and the buzz of optimism in the air, it wasn’t just about a spring scrimmage—it was about setting the tone for the 2025 season. At the heart of it all stood Marcus Freeman, head coach of the Dick Corbett Head Football Coach Chair at Notre Dame, poised with purpose and passion as he addressed the media following the conclusion of the highly anticipated spring exhibition.
Sponsored this year by Under Armour, a longtime partner of Notre Dame Athletics, the Blue-Gold Game served as a showcase not only of the team’s current strengths but also the trajectory Freeman is crafting as he enters another pivotal year leading the Fighting Irish.
“It Was a Great Day to Be an Irish Fan”
In front of reporters gathered in the postgame press conference area, Freeman opened with gratitude and pride.
“First and foremost, I want to thank all the fans who came out today. What a turnout. It’s April, and to see that energy in the stadium—man, it gives you goosebumps,” Freeman said with a smile. “It was a great day to be an Irish fan.”
The Blue team defeated the Gold team 24-20 in a spirited, competitive scrimmage that featured big plays from both veteran leaders and rising underclassmen. Freeman emphasized that the score wasn’t the focus—it was about effort, execution, and evaluation.
“You want to see guys compete, and I thought both sides brought it today,” he said. “The scoreboard doesn’t matter as much as seeing how our players respond to adversity, how they support each other, and how they execute in game-like situations.”
Quarterback Focus: Portal Addition, Growth, and Competition
All eyes were on the quarterback play, especially after a busy offseason that saw Notre Dame once again active in the transfer portal. While the team is still evaluating long-term answers at the position, Freeman was quick to praise the performance of CJ Carr, the highly-touted freshman who enrolled early and showed poise beyond his years.
“CJ’s been impressive,” Freeman said. “He’s learning the system, and you saw today that he’s got command in the huddle. The arm talent is there, but more than that, he’s a competitor.”
Carr finished the day 12-of-19 for 172 yards and one touchdown, connecting with junior wide receiver Jayden Thomas on a 34-yard fade that electrified the crowd.
Freeman also noted the importance of depth in the quarterback room, referencing the recent portal acquisition of Tyler Van Dyke from Miami, who has taken on a leadership role even as he acclimates to a new offense.
“Tyler brings experience, and he’s been a steady voice in that quarterback room. The competition will continue through fall camp,” Freeman said.
Running Back Room Highlights Depth and Physicality
Freeman took time to highlight the work of the running backs, with sophomore Jeremiyah Love stealing the spotlight. Love rushed for 86 yards on just 9 carries, including a 45-yard touchdown burst that showcased his combination of speed and vision.
“That room is deep,” Freeman said. “Jeremiyah has taken a big step forward, but I also liked what I saw from Gi’Bran Payne and Jadarian Price. They’re physical, they’re smart, and they complement each other.”
Notre Dame fans also caught their first glimpse of early enrollee Kedren Young, whose bruising style earned applause after bulldozing through a tackle for a 12-yard gain.
Defensive Front Shows Promise Under Al Golden
Defensive coordinator Al Golden has returned for another season, and his fingerprints were all over a unit that swarmed to the ball and disrupted the line of scrimmage. The Gold team’s defense notched four sacks and several quarterback hurries.
Junior edge rusher Joshua Burnham turned heads with his relentless motor, recording 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble.
“Josh is having a heck of a spring,” Freeman said. “He’s one of those guys who plays with a chip on his shoulder every snap. That’s contagious.”
Freeman also praised the linebacker unit, particularly Drayk Bowen and Jaylen Sneed, for their ability to cover sideline to sideline and communicate effectively on the field.
“They’re both athletic and instinctual,” Freeman noted. “We ask a lot of them in our scheme, and they’ve risen to the occasion.”
Offensive Line Legacy Continues
Notre Dame has long been known for its offensive line play, and Saturday’s scrimmage did little to disrupt that tradition. With returning anchor Joe Alt now headed for the NFL, the Irish have been reshuffling pieces, and Freeman praised the work of new line coach Matt Luke, formerly of Ole Miss and Georgia.
“Coach Luke brings a lot of experience and energy. He’s a teacher, and our guys have responded,” Freeman said. “This group is developing chemistry. It’ll be a strength again.”
Sophomore Charles Jagusah drew particular attention for his tenacity and footwork, possibly slotting in as the next great Irish tackle.
Young Stars on the Rise
Freeman made it clear that this spring wasn’t just about the upperclassmen—it was about the future. And the future looks promising.
Freshman wideout Micah Gilbert made several contested catches and displayed an impressive catch radius. Defensive back Leonard Moore, another early enrollee, showed off his ball skills with a diving interception near the sideline.
“You see those flashes,” Freeman said. “We’re going to have some freshmen who play real roles for us this fall. That’s exciting.”
Special Teams a Point of Emphasis
While often overlooked in spring games, special teams had Freeman’s full attention. The competition at kicker and punter remains wide open, but Freeman was pleased with the overall execution.
“We’ve made special teams a priority,” he said. “You win close games by being sound in that phase. I thought our kick coverage was solid today, and we’ve got two punters who can flip the field.”
Culture and Leadership
Throughout the presser, Freeman returned often to one word: culture. It’s become the hallmark of his tenure—building a team that holds each other accountable and embraces the expectations of Notre Dame Football.
“Culture is everything,” Freeman emphasized. “You can have talent, but if you don’t have leadership, if you don’t have guys who care about each other, you won’t get where you want to go.”
He credited a leadership council of 12 players who’ve met regularly throughout the spring to provide feedback and maintain standards.
“These guys don’t want to be good—they want to be great,” he said. “They’re hungry.”
Looking Ahead: Expectations for 2025
With a challenging schedule on the horizon, including matchups against Texas A&M, Clemson, and USC, Freeman knows the team must continue to grow through the summer.
“We’ve got a lot of work to do, but the foundation is being laid,” he said. “We want to play championship-caliber football, and that means being relentless in how we prepare.”
He also acknowledged the broader changes across college football, from NIL to the expanded College Football Playoff.
“It’s a new era, and you have to adapt while still protecting what makes Notre Dame special,” Freeman said. “Our mission hasn’t changed—graduate champions.”
A Message to the Fans
Before leaving the podium, Freeman had one final message—for the students, alumni, and fans who bleed blue and gold.
“Thank you. We feel your support every single day,” he said. “We’re building something special here, and we’re doing it together. This isn’t just our team—it’s your team.”
As Marcus Freeman walked away from the mic, the passion in his voice lingered. The Blue-Gold Game had ended, but for Notre Dame football, the journey was just beginning. Spring had offered a glimpse. Fall will deliver the verdict.