Game day experience and scenes during the College Football Playoff (CFP) game against Tennessee at Ohio Stadium. The game, with temperatures in the low 20’s, was the first of its kind to be held at the stadium. The Buckeyes won 42-17. Brutus with the football team players singing Carmen Ohio after the victory.
Marcus Freeman Starred at Ohio State. Now Notre Dame’s Coach is Its Biggest Foe
As one of the most storied programs in college football history, Ohio State has produced some of the game’s greatest players. Among the many standout athletes who have donned the Scarlet and Gray, Marcus Freeman is a name that resonates with Buckeye fans for his hard-hitting presence on the field. Freeman, who starred as a linebacker for Ohio State in the early 2000s, helped solidify the team’s defense with his tenacious style of play. Fast-forward to today, and Freeman is no longer representing Ohio State, but rather is leading Notre Dame as the head coach, making him one of Ohio State’s biggest foes.
Freeman’s journey from a standout linebacker at Ohio State to the head coach at Notre Dame is a remarkable one, full of twists and turns. It’s a story that’s as much about personal growth and determination as it is about rivalries, competition, and the love of the game. Today, as Freeman prepares his Notre Dame Fighting Irish to face off against his alma mater, the stakes couldn’t be higher. For Ohio State, Freeman has become one of their most formidable foes on the sideline, someone who understands the program from the inside out and is now seeking to dismantle it from the outside.
Marcus Freeman: The Ohio State Legacy
Freeman’s connection to Ohio State dates back to his high school days. A star athlete at Centerville High School in Ohio, Freeman’s potential as a linebacker was evident from the start. His size, speed, and ability to read offenses made him one of the top recruits in the country, and naturally, Ohio State was one of the first schools to offer him a scholarship. Freeman’s decision to commit to the Buckeyes was a no-brainer, given the program’s success and the opportunity to play under legendary head coach Jim Tressel.
As a player at Ohio State from 2004 to 2008, Freeman was known for his intensity and work ethic. Playing alongside some of the best defensive players in the nation, Freeman helped solidify the Buckeyes’ defense as one of the best in college football. He was the backbone of the defense, known for his sideline-to-sideline range, ability to make crucial tackles, and leadership on the field. Freeman’s aggressive playing style made him a fan favorite, and he quickly became a key figure on the team.
During his time at Ohio State, Freeman played in two BCS National Championship Games (2007 and 2008), though the Buckeyes fell short in both appearances. Despite the losses, Freeman’s impact on the program was undeniable. He was a key contributor to one of the most successful periods in Ohio State football history, and his performance helped elevate the program’s defense to elite status. Freeman’s contributions earned him recognition as one of the top linebackers in the nation and set the stage for his future success in coaching.
Freeman’s Transition to Coaching
After his playing career at Ohio State, Freeman briefly played in the NFL with the Chicago Bears, but his professional football career was short-lived. It didn’t take long for Freeman to realize that his true calling was in coaching. Freeman’s passion for football and his deep understanding of the game made him a natural fit for a coaching career. He quickly transitioned from player to coach, taking on various positions at the collegiate level.
His first significant coaching opportunity came at Kent State, where he served as linebackers coach and quickly gained recognition for his work with the team’s defense. Freeman’s ability to teach and motivate players, combined with his vast knowledge of the game, helped him rise through the coaching ranks. From Kent State, Freeman moved on to positions at Purdue, Cincinnati, and eventually, Notre Dame. Each stop along the way helped hone his skills as a coach, with Freeman building a reputation as one of the brightest defensive minds in college football.
Freeman’s big break came in 2021 when he was named defensive coordinator at Notre Dame. Under his leadership, the Fighting Irish defense quickly became one of the best in the country, earning praise for its aggressive style of play, disciplined approach, and ability to shut down high-powered offenses. Freeman’s success as a defensive coordinator was a key factor in his eventual rise to head coach.
In December 2021, Freeman was named the head coach of Notre Dame, taking over for the legendary Brian Kelly, who departed for the LSU job. It was a momentous occasion for Freeman, who had the opportunity to lead a program with a rich history and a passionate fanbase. But for Freeman, the most significant part of his promotion was the chance to face his alma mater, Ohio State, as a head coach—something that would undoubtedly come with a mix of emotions.
The Rivalry: Freeman vs. Ohio State
The story of Marcus Freeman’s rise to head coach at Notre Dame is undoubtedly a remarkable one, but it’s his newfound role as the head of Notre Dame’s football program that has made him a direct rival to Ohio State. As Freeman prepares to face the Buckeyes in a high-profile matchup, the stakes are incredibly high for both him and the teams involved.
For Ohio State fans, seeing Freeman on the opposite sideline represents an emotional conflict. On one hand, Freeman is a beloved figure who starred for the Buckeyes and contributed to the program’s success in the early 2000s. His hard work and leadership on the field earned him a place in Ohio State history. On the other hand, Freeman is now leading one of the most prominent programs in college football and standing in the way of Ohio State’s pursuit of championships. For many, Freeman’s transition from Ohio State hero to Notre Dame rival is a surreal reality.
But Freeman’s position at Notre Dame offers him the opportunity to put his own stamp on one of the most prestigious programs in college football. No longer a player trying to earn his way onto the field, Freeman is now a coach tasked with leading his team to victory against the program that once helped shape his career. And while Freeman has a deep respect for Ohio State and its football culture, he is no longer part of the team; he is a competitor, and Notre Dame’s success will be his ultimate priority.
As head coach of Notre Dame, Freeman faces one of the toughest jobs in college football. The expectations are high, and the rivalry with Ohio State, one of the most storied programs in the country, only adds to the pressure. For Freeman, leading Notre Dame against his alma mater is a challenge unlike any other, and he understands the importance of the matchup—not only for his team but for his own legacy as a coach.
What Makes Freeman a Threat to Ohio State?
Marcus Freeman’s rise to head coach at Notre Dame is not just a feel-good story—it’s a story of a coach who is building a powerful, competitive team. While Freeman is still relatively new to the head coaching ranks, his experience as a defensive coordinator has already helped shape Notre Dame into a formidable program. In just a short time, Freeman has proven to be an astute strategist with a deep understanding of how to win big games.
What makes Freeman particularly dangerous to Ohio State is his familiarity with the Buckeyes’ system and his knowledge of their strengths and weaknesses. As a former player and coach at Ohio State, Freeman has a unique insight into what makes the Buckeyes tick. He knows how to exploit their vulnerabilities, how to counter their offensive attack, and how to get his team to play at the highest level. Freeman has the tools to not only compete with Ohio State but to beat them at their own game.
Furthermore, Freeman’s leadership style is a perfect fit for the intense, high-stakes world of college football. His passion for the game, his ability to motivate players, and his tactical acumen have already earned him respect among players and coaches alike. With Freeman at the helm, Notre Dame is a team that cannot be taken lightly, and the Buckeyes will have to be at their best to take down a team coached by one of their own.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the Rivalry
As Freeman and Ohio State’s football programs continue to evolve, their rivalry is only expected to intensify. Freeman’s connection to Ohio State adds a unique layer of personal motivation to the matchup, making it more than just another game on the schedule. For Freeman, every win against Ohio State is a chance to prove himself as a successful coach in his own right, and every loss adds fuel to the fire of what’s sure to be a long and competitive rivalry.
For Ohio State, Freeman represents a new challenge. He’s no longer just a former player who wore the Scarlet and Gray; he’s a coach with the skills and knowledge to bring Notre Dame to the forefront of college football. As the stakes continue to rise in this rivalry, expect to see more intense battles on the field, and expect Freeman’s presence at Notre Dame to make him one of the Buckeyes’ toughest foes for years to come.
In the end, the story of Marcus Freeman is a testament to the cyclical nature of college football rivalries. Once a beloved Buckeye, Freeman is now on the other side of the field, seeking to lead Notre Dame to glory and add another chapter to one of college football’s most exciting rivalries. Ohio State vs. Notre Dame is now more than just a matchup—it’s a battle between past and present, legacy and future, making Freeman the program’s most personal and intense foe.
