It’s always fun to try and predict the future, especially when Notre Dame has just hired Marcus Freeman and there seems to be a massive change in the program. The former defensive coordinator should see his previous side of the ball continue to excel, but offensively there is still a big question mark.
When Brian Kelly left for LSU, he tried to bring Tommy Rees along with him, but the offensive coordinator chose to stay with his alma mater and Freeman. Although Notre Dame once again lost a senior quarterback for the second consecutive season, first Ian Book and now Jack Coan, ESPN is still high (insider) on the Irish’s future on that side of the ball.
Adam Rittenberg guessed at which offenses would be inside the top-25 from this season through 2024 and placed the Irish fifteenth overall. It was just one spot lower than last years ranking but he says “the overall outlook remains strong” despite the loss of Coan, running back Kyren Williams and wide receiver Kevin Austin Jr. Rittenberg names Michael Mayer “arguably the nation’s best tight end” while keying in on the development of “more options at receiver.”
As for the offensive line, Rittenberg notes that the “best offenses have been elite up front, and the 2022 line projects very well under coach Harry Hiestand.” Naming the potential of the starting five immense, with Blake Fisher, Joe Alt and Rocco Spindler each having multiple years remaining in Blue and Gold.
I have long believed that the next step for the Irish program is to get to be an elite offensive team. The defense has always been there and if the offense can catch up, Marcus Freeman has a sleeping giant on his hands.
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