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Is It Now Possible to Like Notre Dame Football?

Notre Dame football has been a cultural and historical staple in college sports, known for its legacy, tradition, and devout fan base. But like many legendary programs, it has had its ups and downs, making its relationship with fans—both supporters and detractors—complicated at times.

Historically, Notre Dame’s football program has had to navigate moments of scandal, disappointment, and shifts in team performance, which have prompted critics to question whether it’s still worth investing in. However, despite this, the Irish have also endured as one of the most iconic programs, and in recent years, the narrative around the program is changing in some ways.

1. The Tradition & Prestige of Notre Dame

To understand the question of whether it’s possible to “like” Notre Dame football today, we have to consider what makes the program such a lasting figure in the sport. Established in 1887, the Fighting Irish have accumulated 11 national championships and over 40 bowl game appearances, making them one of college football’s most successful and storied programs. The legacy, coupled with their strong academic reputation, gives Notre Dame a unique cultural status.

In the modern landscape, tradition still carries significant weight, with Notre Dame fans wearing their gold helmets and singing the fight song with pride at every home game. For many, this historical significance can sometimes overshadow the ups and downs the team has faced over the years. Whether fans are recent converts or lifelong supporters, the tradition of Notre Dame football is deeply embedded in American college sports culture.

2. The Recent Turnaround Under Marcus Freeman

In recent years, the team has faced some challenges. Former head coach Brian Kelly’s tenure was marked by consistency, but also by an inability to win a national championship, leading some fans to grow frustrated. Kelly’s departure left the program at a crossroads, but Marcus Freeman’s arrival in 2022 injected new life into the team.

Freeman, a former Notre Dame player and defensive coordinator, brought with him a sense of youthful energy and a fresh outlook. His hiring was met with excitement, signaling a potential for growth. Though his first seasons have seen mixed results on the field, Freeman’s leadership has inspired optimism. His efforts to recruit top-tier talent and restore the defensive prowess of the program have garnered praise. If Freeman can continue to improve Notre Dame’s on-field performance, it could enhance the program’s appeal to a wider audience—both new fans and those who were hesitant due to past disappointments.

3. The Role of Conference Realignment

One of the more controversial elements surrounding Notre Dame is its independent status in an increasingly conference-driven landscape. While the Irish have maintained their independence for over a century, the sport’s shift toward conference consolidation has raised questions about whether that status will continue to be viable in the future.

However, Notre Dame’s ability to secure lucrative TV contracts, particularly with NBC, has enabled it to remain independent while still playing a competitive schedule. As other programs adjust to the evolving college football landscape, Notre Dame’s unique position could make it even more appealing to fans who admire the team’s unyielding commitment to its history, tradition, and independence. The combination of challenging opponents and high-profile matchups adds excitement, which may be particularly enticing to neutral fans who value diversity in scheduling.

4. Off-the-Field Controversies

That being said, Notre Dame football has not been without its controversies. Whether it was the infamous “Manti Te’o girlfriend hoax” scandal or concerns about academic integrity during the 2010s, the program’s reputation has faced serious scrutiny at times. Additionally, issues of race, gender, and inequality in college football have increasingly become a point of discussion surrounding Notre Dame’s social role within the larger sports world.

For some, these controversies have cast a shadow over the otherwise glowing legacy of Notre Dame. But for others, those issues provide a reason to engage more deeply with the program—to challenge it, to seek reform, or simply to keep it accountable.

5. The Modern Fan’s Perspective

In 2025, sports fans are more engaged than ever before with the ethical and political elements surrounding their teams. From NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) to gender equality and player rights, the landscape of college football is changing, and with it, fans’ perspectives.

For younger fans or those newly discovering the program, Notre Dame’s recent embrace of diversity, inclusion, and social justice initiatives could be a positive factor in making the team more palatable. The team has leaned into modern marketing strategies, using social media and media partnerships to engage a new generation of supporters who may not have been drawn to Notre Dame’s traditional appeal.

In this light, some may see the current iteration of Notre Dame football as more progressive and forward-thinking than the Notre Dame of past decades. It’s possible that, for these fans, the combination of tradition, potential, and a commitment to modernizing the team’s image could make liking Notre Dame football not just acceptable but enjoyable.