Paul Finebaum, a highly regarded sports commentator and analyst, has long been a prominent voice in college football media. His insights into various teams and conferences are often highly influential, shaping fan opinions and expectations around the country. One of the teams Finebaum has been particularly vocal about in recent years is the University of Notre Dame football team. With its storied history and passionate fanbase, Notre Dame football has always been a topic of great interest in the college football landscape. But recently, Finebaum has expressed optimism for the team’s future, particularly in 2025.
This piece will explore why Paul Finebaum believes that Notre Dame football will have a bright future in 2025, taking into account the team’s current trajectory, its leadership, and the evolving landscape of college football. We’ll delve into key aspects such as recruiting, coaching, schedule strength, and the broader context of college football that might play a role in shaping Notre Dame’s success in the coming years. 
A Historic Program with a Legacy of Excellence
Notre Dame football is one of the most iconic programs in the history of college football. With 11 national championships, numerous Heisman Trophy winners, and a rich tradition dating back over a century, the Fighting Irish have always been considered one of the sport’s powerhouses. Despite some down years in recent decades, Notre Dame’s legacy remains intact, and it continues to hold a special place in the hearts of college football fans across the nation.
In recent years, however, Notre Dame has faced increasing competition as college football has evolved. The rise of conference powerhouses such as Alabama, Clemson, and Ohio State has put pressure on the Fighting Irish to keep pace. Despite being an independent program, Notre Dame has managed to remain competitive on the national stage, reaching the College Football Playoff in 2018 and 2020. Yet, the program has struggled to break through and win a national championship in the modern era. Finebaum, however, believes that Notre Dame’s future is still bright, particularly with the emergence of promising recruits, strong leadership, and a solid coaching staff.
Recruiting: Building for the Future
One of the most important factors in the future success of any college football program is recruiting. Finebaum has pointed out that Notre Dame’s ability to recruit at a high level will play a crucial role in determining its success over the next several seasons. While the program has traditionally recruited well, there is a sense that Notre Dame has the potential to take things to the next level.
In recent years, head coach Marcus Freeman has been instrumental in revitalizing Notre Dame’s recruiting efforts. Freeman, who took over as the head coach in 2022, has quickly established himself as a dynamic leader with a strong connection to players, both on and off the field. His approach to recruiting has emphasized building relationships with top-tier high school prospects and offering them a unique opportunity to succeed at a prestigious institution like Notre Dame.
One area where Freeman has made significant strides is in securing commitments from top recruits who would have previously been more inclined to attend schools in major conferences like the SEC or Big Ten. Notre Dame’s traditional reputation as an academic powerhouse has always been a selling point, but Freeman has made sure to sell recruits on the program’s football culture as well. As a result, the Fighting Irish have been able to land highly coveted players, particularly on defense, which has long been a strength of the program.
As the 2025 season approaches, Finebaum expects that Notre Dame will continue to bring in high-caliber talent. The 2024 and 2025 recruiting classes are expected to be among the program’s best in recent memory, with several top-tier recruits committing to the Fighting Irish. Finebaum believes that this influx of talent will give Notre Dame a strong foundation for the future, allowing the program to compete with the elite programs in college football.
Coaching Stability: Marcus Freeman’s Vision
Coaching stability is another key factor in determining a program’s future success, and Finebaum believes that Marcus Freeman is the right man to lead Notre Dame moving forward. Freeman, who played linebacker at Ohio State and later served as a defensive coordinator at both Cincinnati and Notre Dame, brings a fresh perspective to the team. He’s also known for his ability to develop players and motivate them to perform at their highest level.
Since Freeman took over as head coach, he’s made a concerted effort to modernize Notre Dame’s offense while maintaining the program’s strong defensive identity. Freeman’s coaching style is one that emphasizes player development, discipline, and accountability, which are all qualities that resonate well with recruits and fans alike. As he continues to build his program and instill his culture, Finebaum believes that Freeman’s leadership will pay dividends in 2025 and beyond.
Freeman’s success in recruiting top talent is one indicator of his potential to lead Notre Dame to greater heights. But his coaching philosophy and ability to adapt to changing trends in college football are what set him apart. Freeman understands the importance of adapting to the increasing prominence of the spread offense and high-powered attacks seen in modern college football. He’s worked to develop an offense that can compete with the likes of SEC and Big Ten teams while still playing to Notre Dame’s strengths.
In addition to Freeman’s coaching ability, his leadership style has garnered praise from both players and former coaches. His ability to relate to his players and create a positive, family-like atmosphere within the program has been one of the standout aspects of his tenure. Finebaum believes that Freeman’s vision for the program is one that will lead to sustained success, particularly as he continues to recruit top-tier players and develop them into NFL-caliber prospects.
Notre Dame’s Schedule: Navigating a Tough Road
While recruiting and coaching are critical to Notre Dame’s future, the team’s schedule will also play a significant role in shaping its prospects in 2025. Notre Dame’s independent status means that it doesn’t have to play within a conference structure, allowing the program to schedule some of the most prestigious and challenging teams in the country. Finebaum believes that this scheduling strategy, while challenging, is ultimately beneficial for the Fighting Irish.
Notre Dame’s schedule in 2025 will feature a mix of traditional rivals, such as USC and Michigan, as well as top-tier teams from other conferences. Playing in a variety of high-profile games will provide the team with the necessary experience to compete at the highest level. However, it will also place pressure on Notre Dame to perform at its best each week.
Finebaum has emphasized that Notre Dame’s schedule is a double-edged sword. While it provides the opportunity for the Fighting Irish to prove themselves against elite competition, it also means that they can’t afford to slip up. One or two losses against top-tier teams could significantly impact Notre Dame’s chances of making the College Football Playoff. Nevertheless, Finebaum believes that with the talent and leadership in place, Notre Dame will be able to rise to the occasion and compete at the highest level in 2025.
The Broader College Football Landscape
As the college football landscape continues to evolve, several factors will influence the future of programs like Notre Dame. One of the biggest changes in recent years has been the growing influence of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the Big Ten. With the addition of teams like Texas and Oklahoma to the SEC, as well as the expansion of the Big Ten to include USC and UCLA, the power dynamics of college football are shifting. Finebaum has noted that while these moves have strengthened the position of the SEC and Big Ten, they also present an opportunity for programs like Notre Dame to capitalize on their independence.
As college football becomes more conference-oriented, Notre Dame’s status as an independent program gives it a unique advantage. The Fighting Irish are not bound by conference championship requirements, meaning that they have the flexibility to schedule tough opponents without worrying about being forced into a conference championship game. This gives Notre Dame a chance to differentiate itself from other teams and showcase its abilities on the national stage.
Moreover, the College Football Playoff (CFP) expansion in 2024 will also benefit Notre Dame. With more teams earning a spot in the CFP, the Fighting Irish will have an increased opportunity to compete for a national championship, even if they don’t win their conference. Finebaum believes that the expansion will allow Notre Dame to slip into the playoff more easily in the future, providing them with a clear path to the championship.
A Bright Future Ahead
In conclusion, Paul Finebaum’s optimism regarding the future of Notre Dame football in 2025 is well-founded. With strong leadership from Marcus Freeman, an improving recruiting effort, and a challenging but advantageous schedule, Notre Dame is positioned to be a major player in college football. While the road ahead won’t be easy, Finebaum believes that the Fighting Irish have the pieces in place to not only compete at a high level but also to challenge for a national championship.
As college football continues to evolve, Notre Dame’s unique position as an independent team gives it the flexibility and freedom to navigate the changing landscape. Finebaum’s faith in the program is a reflection of the team’s potential to rise to the occasion, and the 2025 season could very well be a turning point in the program’s storied history. With a talented roster, a rising star in Marcus Freeman, and the drive to reclaim its place among the elite, Notre Dame football has a bright future ahead.
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