Marcus Freeman emphasizes importance of strong start for Notre Dame in 2026
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 28, 2026, 1:39 AM
Last updated Jul 28, 2026
Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman stressed the need to avoid a poor start in the 2026 season during a recent interview. After beginning the previous season with two losses, the team rebounded to finish 10-2 but missed the College Football Playoff. Freeman noted that the Irish will focus on enhancing their preparation ahead of their first games against Wisconsin and Rice. He emphasized that starting strong is crucial given the absence of a conference championship game to bolster their postseason resume.
- •Notre Dame started the 2025 season 0-2 but finished 10-2.
- •Marcus Freeman reflected on improving preparation from January to August.
- •Irish face Wisconsin and Rice in their opening games.
- •Without a conference championship, early wins are critical for playoff eligibility.
- •Freeman emphasizes a focused approach to avoid past mistakes.
- 1:39 AMYahoo Sports — “We Can’t…”: Marcus Freeman Condemns Fatal Mistake Notre Dame Cannot Afford to Repeat in 2026
"The damage came early for Notre Dame, which dropped its first two games, then spent the next three months trying to erase them. Ten straight wins followed as the Irish finished 10-2.
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