Marcus Freeman isn’t just staring down other questions that may or may not get answered in those 14 practices plus the Blue-Gold game. Notre Dame is set to kick off spring practice in six days, and instead of refining a team that was one step away from a College Football Playoff title last season, Freeman finds himself wrestling with a roster full of unresolved questions. Quarterback uncertainty? Check. Recruiting struggles? Check. A void left by one of the top recruiters in the country, Chad Bowden? Check. The Fighting Irish might still have the foundation to compete, but right now, they’re looking more like a house in need of serious renovations.
The most glaring issue is the recruiting momentum—or lack thereof. Irish had grown accustomed to Chad Bowden’s aggressive, fast-paced style of locking in commits early, setting the Irish up with top-tier classes before other programs could even get their footing. But with Bowden gone to USC Trojans, the 2026 class has been moving at a different pace.
Blue & Gold recruiting insiders Mike Singer and Kyle Kelly broke it down, saying, “The MO during the Chad Bowden era was to load up fast and, you know, try to keep those guys committed and get a fast start. Chad Bowden likes the number one class this time of year.” That’s not happening right now, and fans have noticed. Last year, Notre Dame had 19 commits by mid-March, their fastest start ever, but the problem? They lost seven of them. Now, Marcus Freeman and his staff are taking a different approach, being more selective and trying to avoid another exodus of early decommits.
There’s logic behind the shift, but it also comes with risks. The independent ND Football isn’t operating in a vacuum. While Marcus Freeman is waiting to secure firm commitments, Bowden has wasted no time helping Lincoln Riley turn USC’s 2026 class into the No. 1 group in the nation. “Chad Bowden wanted to start Notre Dame’s 2026 class a little bit slower. Not necessarily Chad Bowden, but that was just our understanding of the collective approach that Notre Dame was taking in the 2026 cycle,” the insiders explained. It’s a strategy that could pay off long-term, but in the short term, it looks like Notre Dame is playing catch-up while Trojans and other programs surge ahead. Notre Dame still has its top targets lined up for summer official visits, but in an era where top recruits expect immediate results, waiting too long could mean missing out.
Oct 14, 2023; South Bend, Indiana, USA; USC Trojans center Justin Dedich (57) prepares to snap as Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Howard Cross III (56) defends in the second quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
As if the recruiting uncertainty wasn’t enough, Freeman and QB coach Gino Guidugli still haven’t named a starting quarterback. That might be fine if there were a clear-cut frontrunner, but instead, the Irish have a full-fledged QB war on their hands. Steve Angeli, Kenny Minchey, and CJ Carr are all vying for the top spot, and with less than a week until practices begin, Freeman still doesn’t have an answer.
That’s not exactly the stability you want heading into a critical season. Quarterback battles are normal, but in a post-Riley Leonard world, Notre Dame needs a leader, and quick. And that offense still has other voids to fill. Notre Dame has long been known as “O-Line U,” but last year, injuries and inexperience turned one of their biggest strengths into a weakness.
With so much turnover up front, the Irish need their young linemen to step up fast. Although they have options at WR—ND hasn’t settled on a WR1, leaving another key position in limbo.
Experience returns, but an elite recruit still missing
As Marcus Freeman and the Fighting Irish gear up for the 2025 season, one thing is clear—Notre Dame’s O-line will have experience, but it’s missing a top-tier recruit.
Aamil Wagner returns to anchor the right tackle spot after a solid first year as a starter in 2024. Meanwhile, Billy Schrauth will be back to solidify the interior, though his exact spot remains fluid. Schrauth began last season at right guard before an injury sidelined him. Upon his return, he shifted to left guard due to Rocco Spindler’s strong play at right guard—but with Spindler now heading to Nebraska, Schrauth could end up at either position.
Now, what does all of this mean for Notre Dame’s downfield passing game in 2025? Jaden Greathouse flashed serious potential late in the season, especially with strong showings in both the Orange Bowl and the National game. However, he’ll be on an individualized workout plan this spring, limiting his reps in team practices. Meanwhile, Jordan Faison—the walk-on-turned-football-star—will be focused on his other sport, as he continues to shine for Notre Dame’s powerhouse lacrosse team.
With those two limited, all eyes turn to Cam Williams, a five-star recruit from last year who didn’t see the field in 2024. Similarly, Micah Gilbert, a rising sophomore, and KK Smith, who saw limited action in six games last fall, will be closely watched. More questions than answers, it seems.
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