Playoff Rankings Shakeup: Freeman Responds to Controversy

Advertisement

The College Football Playoff selection process has always been a magnet for debate, and 2025 is no exception. Notre Dame’s head coach Marcus Freeman found himself at the center of the storm this week after the Fighting Irish slid from ninth to tenth in the latest College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings.

Despite Notre Dame’s convincing 49-20 win over Stanford, the committee chose Alabama to leapfrog them, following the Crimson Tide’s fourth-quarter rally against Auburn.

Freeman addressed the rankings with NBC News, acknowledging the frustration felt by fans and himself. “We’re never always going to agree, especially when your program is the one that’s getting dropped after winning by 20-something points,” he remarked. The decision sparked fierce debate within the committee, with chair Hunter Yurachek highlighting Alabama’s late-game heroics as the deciding factor.

For Freeman, these moments underscore the emotional rollercoaster of college football. “There are as many Notre Dame fans that are upset, including myself, as there’s going to be Alabama fans that are happy,” he noted. The shifting rankings leave Notre Dame precariously positioned ahead of Miami—a team that beat them in Week 1—and raise tough questions about the value of head-to-head wins versus overall season résumé.

The Playoff Format: Is Expansion the Answer?

The controversy brings renewed scrutiny to the playoff system itself. This season marks the second year of the 12-team format, but Freeman believes even expansion won’t eliminate disappointment. “Every year, you’re going to have a group of three, four teams that are right on the cusp of being in the playoffs or not in the playoffs that are going to be upset,” he said. Freeman supports broadening the playoff field, arguing, “the more teams you give an opportunity to play in the playoffs, the better.”

No consensus exists on the size of next year’s playoff, with a key decision looming in January. Conference commissioners remain divided over how many teams should earn automatic bids, and the debate reflects ongoing tensions between tradition, fairness, and the evolving landscape of college football.

Freeman also touched on scheduling strategy, especially for Notre Dame, which operates outside of a conference. Unlike Texas coach Steve Sarkisian, who suggested adjusting nonconference games to avoid playoff penalties, Freeman stands firm: “We have to make sure our strength of schedule is challenging enough so if you do happen to lose a game or two, you can still make the playoffs. For me, being a competitor, I want to play teams that are going to challenge us.”

Freeman’s Track Record: Success and Stability

Since taking over in late 2021, Marcus Freeman has amassed an impressive 43-12 record, including a national championship game appearance last year. His tenure began when Brian Kelly departed for LSU, echoing recent moves like Lane Kiffin’s midseason exit from Ole Miss. Such transitions have led to criticism and calls for a more coherent college football calendar.

Freeman, however, refuses to be drawn into judging other coaches’ decisions. “Everybody has to make a decision that’s best for themselves and our family. For me, my sympathy always goes to the student-athlete,” he explained. He advocates for reforms that prioritize the well-being of young players above all.

Eyes on the NFL: Giants Interest and Freeman’s Philosophy

As Notre Dame’s profile has grown, so has Freeman’s visibility on the national stage. Recently, he’s become a hot commodity in NFL coaching circles, with the New York Giants reportedly holding him “in high regard,” according to insider Paul Schwartz of the New York Post. Yet, Freeman’s response to these rumors is measured and grounded.

In an interview with the New York Post, Freeman expressed gratitude rather than ambition: “The gratitude you have, for one, even being mentioned by an organization like that. I got a lot of respect for all NFL teams, but the history of the Giants is tremendous.” He sees the interest as an affirmation of his success at Notre Dame, not as a distraction.

Freeman’s humility shines through. “It’s humbling, but I always use it as a reminder to be grateful for what I have because if you’re not grateful for it, I often say you’re gonna lose it.” At present, there’s no indication Freeman intends to leave South Bend for the NFL. For now, he remains focused on guiding the Fighting Irish through playoff uncertainty.

The Road Ahead: Freeman’s Leadership Under the Spotlight

As the season’s final CFP bracket approaches, Freeman faces a crossroads defined by both opportunity and challenge. The playoff bubble is unforgiving, and the allure of the NFL adds another layer of intrigue. Yet, Freeman’s approach is clear-eyed and consistent. He favors tough competition, values gratitude, and places the welfare of student-athletes above personal ambition.

The next few weeks will test Notre Dame’s playoff hopes and perhaps Freeman’s resolve. Whether the Irish secure a playoff berth or not, Freeman’s leadership—marked by candor, competitiveness, and humility—continues to set an example in a sport often defined by controversy and change.

In the swirling debate over rankings and coaching futures, Marcus Freeman’s steadfast focus on gratitude and team-first values stands out. His approach offers a stabilizing force for Notre Dame and a model of leadership for college football at large, reminding us that success is as much about character as it is about wins and losses.