**Breaking News: After National Championship Appearance, Questions Loom Over Marcus Freeman’s Fighting Irish if Season Starts Slow**
Notre Dame’s return to the national championship conversation under Marcus Freeman was supposed to mark the beginning of a new golden era for the Fighting Irish. After a strong 2023 campaign that saw them reach the College Football Playoff, expectations in South Bend have skyrocketed. But as the 2024 season approaches, whispers of doubt are creeping in. What happens if Freeman’s squad stumbles out of the gate?
The pressure on Freeman is immense. Taking over for Brian Kelly, who left for LSU, Freeman was handed the keys to one of the most storied programs in college football history. His first full season as head coach in 2023 silenced many critics, but now, with a tougher schedule and heightened expectations, the margin for error is razor-thin. If Notre Dame starts slow—say, with an early loss to Texas A&M or Louisville—the narrative around Freeman’s tenure could shift dramatically.
### **High Stakes in 2024**
Last season’s success bought Freeman time and goodwill, but in college football, past achievements mean little if the present isn’t living up to standards. Notre Dame’s fanbase, one of the most passionate in the sport, expects playoff contention every year. Anything less is considered a disappointment. The Irish have the talent to compete, but their schedule presents major challenges.
After opening with a tune-up game against Northern Illinois, Notre Dame faces a pivotal early test at Texas A&M. The Aggies, under new head coach Mike Elko, will be hungry to prove themselves in front of a raucous home crowd. A loss here would immediately put Freeman’s team on the back foot. Then comes a tricky road game against a rising Louisville squad, followed by a home showdown with Miami. If the Irish drop two of these first four contests, the season could spiral before it even gets going.
### **Quarterback Uncertainty**
One of the biggest concerns heading into 2024 is the quarterback situation. Sam Hartman’s departure leaves a gaping hole under center, and whether Duke transfer Riley Leonard can fill it remains to be seen. Leonard showed flashes of brilliance with the Blue Devils but struggled with injuries last season. If he isn’t at full strength—or if the offense sputters early—Notre Dame’s playoff hopes could evaporate quickly.
Freeman’s ability to develop Leonard (or turn to backup Steve Angeli in a crisis) will be critical. The Irish have a strong offensive line and solid weapons at receiver, but without consistent quarterback play, even the best-laid plans can fall apart. If the offense looks sluggish in September, Freeman will face mounting scrutiny.
### **Defensive Questions**
Notre Dame’s defense was a strength in 2023, but key departures—including star linebacker JD Bertrand and safety Xavier Watts—leave holes that must be filled. Al Golden’s unit will need to reload quickly, especially in the secondary, where new faces will be tested early by high-powered offenses like Texas A&M and Florida State.
If the defense takes a step back, Freeman’s team could find itself in shootouts it isn’t built to win. The Irish thrived last year by controlling the tempo and playing suffocating defense. If that identity slips, so too could their chances of another playoff run.
### **The Freeman Factor**
Marcus Freeman is a players’ coach—charismatic, relatable, and a strong recruiter. But the next step in his evolution is proving he can handle in-game adjustments when things go wrong. Last season, Notre Dame largely avoided catastrophic losses, but close calls against Duke and Clemson exposed moments where coaching decisions could have swung the game the other way.
If the Irish start slow in 2024, Freeman’s ability to steady the ship will be tested like never before. Can he make the necessary tweaks to salvage a season? Or will the pressure of leading Notre Dame—a job that has chewed up many before him—start to show?
### **The Recruiting Ripple Effect**
Notre Dame’s recruiting has been strong under Freeman, but a slow start could jeopardize that momentum. Elite high school prospects want to play for winners, and if the Irish look like a team in decline, Freeman’s pitch becomes harder to sell. Rival programs like Ohio State, Georgia, and Michigan would be more than happy to poach recruits who suddenly have doubts about Notre Dame’s trajectory.
### **The Bottom Line**
Marcus Freeman has done an admirable job so far, but the 2024 season could define his tenure. Notre Dame’s schedule is unforgiving, and with a new quarterback and defensive questions, there’s little room for error. If the Irish start slow, the heat on Freeman will intensify—fair or not.
For now, optimism remains high in South Bend. But in college football, fortunes can change in an instant. If September brings more questions than answers, Freeman and the Fighting Irish could find themselves in an uphill battle just to keep their season alive.
