One Win Short: My Thoughts on Notre Dame Football and the 2025 Postseason

In the first episode of Season 2 of "Here Come the Irish," Nicole Auerbach— a prominent college sports journalist, football and basketball insider— said, "One of the most interesting story lines from last year is that Notre Dame was likable program. No matter where you live in the country you're aware of them. You've watched them and have probably rooted against them. They became so likable because of Marcus Freeman— he's cool, he's young, and that resonated with a lot of people." Irish fans know exactly what she is talking about.

Being a Notre Dame football fan isn’t easy, though Marcus Freeman has made it easier. It's like Irish fans are required to take a Masterclass in emotional endurance. For example, I began this season convinced it was “our year”; two weeks later, I was licking wounds and clawing my way out of a very dark place. We are fiercely proud of the program—and relentlessly critiqued for it.

Since Sunday, the number of unsolicited opinions that have come my way—about the CFB selection committee’s decision to exclude Notre Dame from the playoffs and the team’s decision not to play in a bowl game—has been staggering. Sports fans are anything but neutral on this topic. 

Being an ND fan is both a blessing and a burden; I think New York Yankees fans might stand in solidarity with me. We balance decades of history and tradition, long-lived loyalty and long-standing disdain. We aren’t called the Fightin’ Irish for nothing.

It’s not easy to take the high road, and many ND fans don’t. But for those who do—like Head Coach Marcus Freeman (HCMF)—I'd like to offer a few responses to the questions most people aren’t asking me. I wish they would; I think they’d be surprised by my answers. Here we go.

"The Spirit of Notre Dame" that first episode of Season 2—begins with the end in mind—or rather, the end of the 2024 football season on the screen. As the scene fades from Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the audience hears: “The Ohio State Buckeyes have won the national championship, and Notre Dame’s season comes up one win short.” Though that moment took place on January 20, 2025, the message proved true once again.

All week, people have debated and dissected the selection committee’s decision. Regardless of how someone feels about Alabama or Miami, James Madison University or Tulane, the reality is that ND came up one game short—again. We needed to win one of the two games we lost during the regular season. Yes, we lost by a combined total of four points, and yes, we won out the rest of the season, but the truth remains: we lost two games and that makes us one win short.

As I was setting up shop in my classroom, one of my students told me—unprompted—that Notre Dame's decision not to play in a bowl game was childish and selfish. I have seen and read similar sentiments all over social media. Yes he knows I am a big fan and yes, he knows that comment will affect his grade (kidding). 

I remained calm. I listened to his thoughts and asked clarification questions to gain a better understanding. I paused and then I launched my retort.

I told him that I am proud what was the teams's decision. According to inside sources, Team 139's six captains met and then spoke with HCMF. I think this is an important component to the story. This decision came from within—not on high. @NDFootball posted what you see above.  I think this was a prudent decision for several reasons.

For one, the 2025 team would not have played in a bowl game; that team played their last game at Stanford Stadium on November 29, 2025. Players who plan to go into the draft to play professionally would sit out for fear of injury. (I can still see Jaylon Smith's go down as he suffered a severe left knee injury, tearing his ACL and MCL and damaging the peroneal nerve, dramatically compromising his selection in the draft). Had the Irish been in contention for a national championship, all of Team 139 would compete. The reality of today's game however means that potential draft players won't. This is not unique to Notre Dame. 

Some say not allowing seniors to play one more game is a significant reason this decision is so misguided. I disagree. The team honored 32 seniors on Saturday, November 22, 2025 on the field, inside of Notre Dame Stadium before the Syracuse game. To me, this is the ideal way to send off a senior—not at a bowl game. Many of those seniors will however play elsewhere next year as graduate students. 

I have been told that Notre Dame is paying the price for not joining a conference. Clearly we play by our own rules. And to me, those rules allow a team to say "no" to a postseason bid. I have long believed that sometimes a "no" is a "yes." Here's how.

Although some will contest this, the players on the Irish squad are still classified as student athletes. This means they have exams in the coming week. Before and during final exams, yes, the team will continue to workout, lift and train but they are not studying game film, practicing plays or learning new ones. I think that opens up some time and space—mental space. They get an actual break from the preparation required of in-season training. Furthermore, not playing in a bowl game means that the players and their coaches s have a real break during the holiday season. They will be able to spend Christmas at home and with their families. I think there is real value in opening up that space for all involved in the program.

Good, bad or otherwise, the Bowl system is in no way what it once was. While I have heard positive reviews of the Pop Tarts bowl, what we once knew is long gone. As a fan, I don't enjoy games that are nearly five hours long due to extended TV timeouts. The ticket prices are not favorable and I'm just not interested in seeing a hybrid crew from the 2025 team playing an opponent that is also be remiss of many of their players, let alone coaches. 

In conclusion,  "Notre Dame's season came up one game short." Immediately following these words, the screen flashes to Marcus Freeman. Holding back tears he said, "It's tough now. There's not a lot of words to say when you lose a national championship. But what you all have done for this university is something special. We love you and we're gonna continue to fight."

I think much of that message applies to how the 2025 ended for Team 139. There aren't a lot of words. I am grateful for all they have done for Notre Dame. Running the table and winning out the last 10 games, all by 15 points or more was special. Coach Freeman—we, your fans, love you. Thank you for helping these young men and others to embody the Spirit of Notre Dame. And for what it's worth, I think we're still likable. Go Irish.

Photos
Bowl Games
ND Letter
HCMF