Marcus Freeman, head football coach at Notre Dame, has been awarded the Dodd Trophy for leading the team to a 12-1 season and a College Football Playoff appearance. The Dodd Trophy, established in 1976, honors FBS coaches who exemplify scholarship, leadership and integrity. Freeman is the second Notre Dame coach to receive the award, following Brian Kelly in 2018.
In his third season, Freeman guided the Irish to a No. 3 ranking in the AP and Coaches Polls and secured a No. 7 seed in the 2024 College Football Playoff. The team, currently on an 11-game win streak, defeated five ranked opponents, including a playoff victory over Indiana, and will face No. 2 Georgia in the Allstate Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1, 2025.
Freeman was also a finalist for the George Munger and Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Awards. Under his leadership, Notre Dame leads the nation in team passing efficiency defense, turnovers gained, and defensive touchdowns, among other top statistical categories. His 12 ranked wins this season are the most by any Notre Dame head coach in their first three years.