After guiding the Fighting Irish to a stellar 12-1 season and a spot in the College Football Playoff, Marcus Freeman, the Dick Corbett Head Football Coach at Notre Dame, has been awarded the prestigious Dodd Trophy. The honor, which dates to 1976, celebrates an FBS coach who excels in the key areas of Scholarship, Leadership, and Integrity.
Freeman joins an elite group, becoming only the second Notre Dame coach to win the award, following in the footsteps of Brian Kelly (2018).
In his third season at the helm, Freeman has led Notre Dame to a 12-1 record, highlighted by a first-round playoff victory over No. 9 Indiana. Under his leadership, the Irish secured the No. 7 seed in the 2024 College Football Playoff and are currently ranked No. 3 in both the Associated Press (AP) and Coaches Polls. Next up, the Irish face No. 2 Georgia in the Allstate Sugar Bowl on January 1, 2025.
Freeman’s squad has delivered five wins over ranked opponents this season, including victories against No. 20 Texas A&M, No. 15 Louisville, No. 24 Navy, No. 18 Army, and No. 9 Indiana. His 12 ranked wins are the most by any Notre Dame head coach in their first three seasons.
Statistically, Notre Dame ranks among the best in the nation. The Irish lead the country in team passing efficiency defense (96.94), turnovers gained (29), and defensive touchdowns (6), while placing in the top 10 in categories such as scoring defense (13.8 ppg), scoring offense (38.8 ppg), and turnover margin (+1.23). They are also top five in passing yards allowed (162.3), interceptions (18), and fourth-down success rate (.760).
With an 11-game winning streak heading into the Sugar Bowl, Freeman’s Notre Dame squad continues to thrive, setting the stage for another marquee showdown in the College Football Playoff.