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Notre Dame Fighting Irish football coach Marcus Freeman made the case for his team to reach the College Football Playoff after their 49-20 victory Saturday night against the Stanford Cardinal.
The Fighting Irish came into the game ranked No. 9 in the College Football Playoff standings with much debate as to whether they deserved to be placed higher than the Miami Hurricanes at No. 12.
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Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman reacts on the sideline during the Stanford game, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, in Stanford, California. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Freeman said the Fighting Irish’s growth throughout the season showed they should be considered.
“We’ve improved as much as anyone in the country, we’ve played as well as anyone in the country and, in my opinion, we have the best player in the country,” Freeman said. “That’s what you want. You want the best teams in the country right now. Who are the best teams for the playoffs right now? I really think we’re one.”
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Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love is tackled by Stanford safety Charlie Eckhardt on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, in Stanford, California. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Notre Dame doesn’t have a conference championship to play for because they are independent. The only team ahead that lost over the holiday weekend was No. 3 Texas A&M. It is unclear if victory over the Cardinal would be enough for promotion.
The Fighting Irish moved to 9-2 on the season.
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love rushed for 66 yards and scored his 21st touchdown of the season, breaking Jerome Bettis’ record for overall touchdowns and tying Audric Estime’s record of 18 rushing touchdowns in a season.
Love had an injury scare that caused him to leave the game for a while. He said he suffered a bruise.
Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman gestures from the sideline during the game against Stanford, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, in Stanford, California. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
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The final College Football Playoff standings will be released next week.
