The Notre Dame Fighting Irish gathered one last time as a team to honor a season filled with grit, growth, and unforgettable moments. The 2024-25 campaign may be etched in the record books, but it was the behind-the-scenes camaraderie and leadership that truly defined the Irish this year—and that spirit was celebrated during the team’s annual awards banquet.
Held at the Morris Inn on Notre Dame’s campus, the evening served as both a tribute to the team’s accomplishments and a heartfelt sendoff for the departing seniors. Players, coaches, families, and supporters packed the banquet hall as head coach Marcus Freeman led the proceedings with heartfelt words, poignant memories, and a vision of gratitude for the foundation laid by this year’s group.
The 2024-25 team may not have brought home a national title, but it left an indelible impact on the program. With a 10-3 final record and a hard-fought bowl win, the Irish proved their mettle on the national stage. They took down several ranked opponents, weathered injuries to key players, and continued building a culture of resilience and unity that Freeman has emphasized since taking over. And nowhere was that culture more evident than in the list of award recipients announced throughout the evening.
The team’s highest honor, the Notre Dame Most Valuable Player Award, went to senior linebacker JD Bertrand, who capped off his collegiate career with one of the finest seasons in recent Irish defensive history. Bertrand was a model of consistency and leadership throughout the year, leading the team in tackles while serving as the emotional anchor of the defense. He became known not only for his ability to diagnose plays and deliver punishing hits, but also for his steady presence in the locker room. As Freeman described, “JD played every down like it was his last and led every meeting like it was the first. He was the heartbeat of this team.”
On the offensive side, quarterback Sam Hartman received the Leadership Award, recognizing his ability to seamlessly transition into the program and earn the respect of his teammates in a matter of months. The Wake Forest transfer finished his collegiate career with over 15,000 passing yards, but it wasn’t just the numbers that made his impact at Notre Dame so memorable—it was the poise, confidence, and humility he brought into the huddle. Hartman, who started every game for the Irish, played through adversity and never wavered in his commitment to the team’s goals. His mentorship of younger quarterbacks like Kenny Minchey and CJ Carr was highlighted as another example of his selflessness and professionalism.
Running back Audric Estimé, who declared for the NFL Draft following the season, was named Offensive Player of the Year. Estimé bulldozed his way through opposing defenses, rushing for over 1,200 yards and 14 touchdowns. Known for his physicality and relentless work ethic, Estimé also earned praise for his vocal leadership and team-first mentality. Offensive line coach Joe Rudolph spoke glowingly about Estimé’s toughness: “He ran like every carry mattered because to him, it did. And he made everyone around him believe in something bigger than themselves.”
On defense, the Defensive Player of the Year Award went to Benjamin Morrison, the standout cornerback whose lockdown coverage frustrated some of the nation’s best wideouts. Morrison’s instincts, ball skills, and advanced understanding of the game made him a true game-changer. He finished the season with five interceptions and ten pass breakups and played a key role in Notre Dame’s win over USC, where he held reigning Biletnikoff Award winner Tahj Washington without a touchdown. The coaching staff lauded Morrison’s quiet intensity and film room habits as the kind of traits that elevate a good player into a great one.
The Special Teams Player of the Year Award went to kicker Spencer Shrader, who nailed a program-record 61-yard field goal and converted 93% of his kicks throughout the season. Shrader’s consistency was crucial in close games, including the Irish’s double-overtime win against Louisville, in which he drilled the game-winner from 47 yards out. Shrader, a transfer from South Florida, embraced his final season of college football with gratitude and delivered clutch performances when it mattered most.
No awards night would be complete without recognizing the next generation of Irish stars, and the Newcomer of the Year honor went to wide receiver Jaden Greathouse. The freshman exploded onto the scene in Week 1 with a two-touchdown performance and continued to develop into a reliable target throughout the season. His combination of size, route-running precision, and competitive edge has coaches and fans alike excited for what lies ahead. Greathouse credited Hartman and the veteran receivers for helping him transition from high school to the college game. “They welcomed me in like I was one of them from day one,” Greathouse said. “That gave me the confidence to just go out there and play.”
Linebacker Drayk Bowen earned the Scout Team Player of the Year Award, showcasing his hunger and drive behind the scenes. Coaches praised Bowen for treating every practice like game day, often going toe-to-toe with the starting offense and pushing teammates to stay sharp. His name drew loud applause from players and fans alike, as many insiders see him as a breakout candidate for the 2025 season.
Another deeply meaningful award, the Father Lange Iron Cross Award, was given to senior offensive lineman Zeke Correll. The honor goes to a player who exemplifies courage, loyalty, and determination, and Correll fit the bill perfectly. After suffering multiple injuries throughout his career, Correll returned for his final season and started every game at center. His perseverance, character, and commitment to his teammates made him a locker room favorite and a coach’s dream.
Perhaps the most emotional moment of the night came when the Moose Krause Lineman of the Year Award was presented posthumously to junior defensive lineman Aiden Gobaira, who passed away in a tragic accident in early March. His family accepted the award on his behalf, and the room fell silent as Coach Freeman paid tribute to the player he called “a light in our lives and a fighter until the very end.” Gobaira’s impact on the team extended far beyond the stat sheet. He was known for his infectious smile, unwavering positivity, and deep faith. The Irish plan to honor him throughout the 2025 season with a helmet decal and team patch.
The final presentation of the evening went to the senior class, recognized collectively for their dedication, leadership, and legacy. While not every senior was a starter, each contributed in ways that helped shape the identity of the program. From walk-ons who gave their all on scout team to captains who led in front of national audiences, the class of 2025 left a lasting impression. As Freeman put it, “They showed us what it means to buy in, to believe, and to build something that lasts longer than four quarters.”
As the night came to a close, there were tears, laughter, hugs, and a quiet understanding that this chapter—though ending—would never be forgotten. The returning players left the banquet hall knowing the standard has been set, and the foundation has been laid. The seniors left knowing they’ve helped shape a culture that will continue to define Notre Dame Football for years to come.
For Marcus Freeman, the banquet wasn’t just about celebrating achievements; it was about honoring a journey. One built on trust, forged in adversity, and bound together by a love for the game and for each other. The 2024-25 Irish may not have had a perfect season, but they had one worth remembering—and this awards night ensured their story will echo through the halls of Notre Dame forever.