Sloan Jambor ‘26, Copy Editor
From a rocky start with plenty of their fans believing this will just be another tough season, to defeating number two ranked Georgia in the Sugar Bowl and number four ranked Penn State in the Orange Bowl, Notre Dame Football is officially back in business and ready to prove everybody around them wrong. The team is currently on a 13-game winning streak, have a 14-1 record, and demonstrated that they are dominant despite their disappointing loss against Northern Illinois on Sept. 7.
The Irish have been an all around solid team within the program’s recent years; however, this is the year that the team is finally capitalizing on the talent they have. The team just surpassed the Final Four of the College Football Playoffs, and they are simply plowing through their opponents. Though many argue that Notre Dame has not seen a lot of competition within their last few games against highly ranked powerhouses, the Irish have confirmed that statement wrong.
Though the team itself has shown themselves to be talented, they have an abundance of freshmen starting on the team, and the entire team was put to the test at the Orange Bowl. Penn State, ranked sixth in the country, is another dominant team with a strong offense and stronger defense. Notre Dame continued to maintain their strength and resilience that they have demonstrated all season in order to make it to the National Championship throughout the game, and many believe they deserve the chance to prove their strength to the full extent. Junior Nolan O’Keefe said, “I believe their talent will give them a chance to win the National Championship and prove everybody wrong.”
Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame’s head coach has confirmed that he truly is an exceptional coach, and has further shown to be a huge contributing factor to the strength of the fighting Irish. Within his past three seasons as head coach, he has a total record of 33-8, all of which ended in victories at their bowl games, and their current run for the National Championship. Freeman is constantly seen inspiring his players, and he is always looking on the brighter side of things that his team could work on. After the loss to Northern Illinois, he said, “We will be grateful for this loss, and this will be the greatest thing that happened to us if we continue to remember the lessons that this game has taught us.” He knew one loss would not stop their team from reaching greatness, and here they are—in the run for a national title.
Riley Leonard, a quarterback transfer from Duke; Bryce Love, the running back who has scored in almost every game; and their incredible defense are all contributing factors to the resilience and wins that this team brings for their fans to watch and enjoy each week. With their next game being the National Championship, Notre Dame has another chance to prove what they are really capable of and hopefully get a win to highlight their dominance. Nikki Keena, a teacher at SLHS and huge Notre Dame lover, said, “After too many late nights watching football, I am so excited to watch the game. I absolutely want Notre Dame to win, but Ohio State is a tough team to beat. It will be a great game.”
The Irish are having a season that they have not been able to accomplish in years, and if they continue to play their game with the intensity the country knows they have, they have a chance to reach a national title.
Lyon Life 