The college football world was sent into a frenzy on Monday as Ohio State University officially announced the hiring of former Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman to lead the Buckeyes into a new era. The move, which had been rumored for weeks, marks a seismic shift in the landscape of college football, as one of the sport’s most prestigious programs secures one of its brightest young coaching minds. Freeman, who spent the past three seasons revitalizing Notre Dame’s program, now takes on the challenge of restoring Ohio State to national championship contention—a task that carries immense pressure but also boundless opportunity.
Freeman’s arrival in Columbus comes at a pivotal moment for the Buckeyes. After a tumultuous season that saw the program fall short of its usual dominance in the Big Ten and miss the College Football Playoff for the second time in three years, Ohio State’s administration made it clear that a change was necessary. The departure of the previous coaching staff left a void that demanded a leader capable of re-energizing the team, reconnecting with recruits, and reestablishing the Buckeyes as the gold standard of college football. In Freeman, they believe they’ve found exactly that.
A Rising Star in the Coaching Ranks
Marcus Freeman’s rapid ascent through the coaching ranks has been nothing short of remarkable. A former standout linebacker at Ohio State’s archrival, Ohio University, Freeman transitioned into coaching shortly after his playing career ended. His reputation as a defensive savant grew during his tenure as Cincinnati’s defensive coordinator, where he transformed the Bearcats into one of the nation’s most formidable units. That success earned him the same role at Notre Dame, where his leadership and strategic brilliance quickly made him a fan favorite.
When Notre Dame’s head coaching position opened unexpectedly in 2022, Freeman was the obvious choice to take over. In his three seasons at the helm, he guided the Fighting Irish to consistent double-digit win seasons, a College Football Playoff appearance, and a reputation for developing NFL-ready talent. His ability to connect with players, both on and off the field, became his trademark, and his recruiting prowess positioned Notre Dame as a perennial contender.
Now, Freeman brings that same energy to Ohio State—a program with even greater resources, higher expectations, and a fanbase that demands excellence. His hiring signals a clear intention from the Buckeyes’ administration: they are not just looking to compete; they are looking to dominate.
The Challenge Ahead
While Freeman’s resume is impressive, the task ahead of him is daunting. Ohio State is not just any program—it is a behemoth with a legacy of championships, Heisman Trophy winners, and NFL superstars. The shadow of former coaches like Woody Hayes, Jim Tressel, and Urban Meyer looms large, and the pressure to deliver immediate results will be intense.
One of Freeman’s first priorities will be stabilizing the roster. The transfer portal and NFL Draft declarations have left some gaps in key positions, particularly on defense, where the Buckeyes struggled at times last season. Freeman’s expertise on that side of the ball should provide a much-needed boost, but he will also need to identify leaders in the locker room who can help instill his culture of discipline and accountability.
Recruiting, however, is where Freeman’s impact could be most immediate. Ohio State has always been a recruiting powerhouse, but in recent years, rivals like Michigan, Georgia, and Alabama have made significant inroads in the Midwest. Freeman’s reputation as a relentless recruiter—coupled with his ties to Ohio high school football—could help the Buckeyes reclaim their status as the premier destination for elite talent. Early reports suggest that several top prospects have already expressed renewed interest in Ohio State since the announcement of Freeman’s hiring.
The X’s and O’s
On the field, Freeman’s coaching philosophy aligns well with Ohio State’s traditional strengths. Defensively, he favors an aggressive, attacking style that prioritizes speed and versatility. His defenses at Notre Dame were known for their ability to generate turnovers and disrupt opposing offenses, something the Buckeyes will need as they face high-powered attacks in the Big Ten and beyond.
Offensively, Freeman is expected to retain much of the system that has made Ohio State a scoring machine in recent years. While he will likely bring in his own offensive coordinator, the Buckeyes’ emphasis on explosive plays and a balanced attack should remain intact. The development of the quarterback position will be critical, especially with the departure of last year’s starter to the NFL. Freeman’s ability to identify and develop a new signal-caller could make or break his first season in Columbus.
The Rivalry Factor
Perhaps the most intriguing storyline surrounding Freeman’s hiring is how it will impact Ohio State’s storied rivalries. The annual showdown with Michigan—a game that has taken on even greater significance in recent years—will now feature Freeman going head-to-head with Jim Harbaugh in what promises to be a battle of two of the sport’s most charismatic leaders. Freeman’s familiarity with Notre Dame’s rivalry games will serve him well in preparing for the intensity of The Game.
Then there’s the matter of Notre Dame itself. Freeman’s departure from South Bend was met with mixed emotions—gratitude for his contributions but also disappointment from a fanbase that had embraced him as one of their own. When Ohio State and Notre Dame next meet (a matchup already scheduled for the 2026 season), the storyline will be irresistible: Freeman facing his former team in what could be one of the most emotionally charged games of his career.
The Fan Reaction
Buckeye Nation has responded to Freeman’s hiring with cautious optimism. While some fans were initially skeptical about bringing in a coach with such strong ties to a rival program, the overwhelming sentiment seems to be excitement about the fresh perspective he brings. Social media has been flooded with messages of support, and ticket sales for next season have already seen a noticeable uptick.
Notre Dame fans, meanwhile, are left to ponder what might have been. Freeman was seen as the future of their program, and his departure leaves a void that won’t be easily filled. Many Irish supporters have expressed gratitude for his contributions but are now bracing for a new chapter under different leadership.
The Road to Glory
For Marcus Freeman, the journey begins now. Spring practices will offer the first glimpse of his vision for the Buckeyes, and every decision—from staff hires to playbook adjustments—will be scrutinized. The 2024 season will present its share of challenges, including a brutal schedule that features early tests against Oregon and Penn State.
But if Freeman’s past is any indication, Ohio State is in good hands. His ability to inspire players, his strategic acumen, and his relentless work ethic have already proven successful at the highest levels of college football. Now, with the resources and tradition of Ohio State behind him, the sky is the limit.
The Buckeyes’ new era is here. And if Marcus Freeman has his way, it will be an era defined by championships, glory, and a return to the top of the college football world.
