Urban Meyer Sends Strong Message to Marcus Freeman After CFP Snub

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Urban Meyer Sends Strong Message to Marcus Freeman After CFP Snub

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish became involved in a major controversy during the 2025 college football season after being excluded from the College Football Playoff.

The Fighting Irish were originally in the playoff field heading into conference championship weekend, but fell behind the Miami Hurricanes in the standings, despite neither team playing. This change likely occurred because the BYU Cougars lost 34-7 to the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the Big 12 Championship Game.

BYU had been ranked just behind Notre Dame but ahead of Miami. With their loss, the standings placed Notre Dame and Miami next to each other. Consequently, the committee decided to honor Miami’s head-to-head victory over Notre Dame from their season opener.

During an episode of “The Herd with Colin Cowherd,” Fox Sports college football analyst Urban Meyer was asked whether he believed that something like this could lead head coach Marcus Freeman to the NFL. Meyer, however, dismissed the notion.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman reacts.© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

“I would tell him, you stay in college 100%,” Meyer said. “You have controllables in college as a head coach. In the NFL, there are so many uncontrollables that you don’t have. Whether it’s the GM, you have an owner. In college, it’s just you.”

Freeman has done an outstanding job since his promotion to head coach from defensive coordinator prior to the 2022 season, when Brian Kelly left to become the head coach of the LSU Tigers. In his five seasons at the helm, Freeman has achieved a record of 43-12.

Last season, the Fighting Irish finished 14-2 and made the College Football Playoff. They won three games before ultimately losing in the championship game to the Ohio State Buckeyes.

As Notre Dame moves forward, the frustration of falling short won’t erase what Freeman has built or the belief that the program remains firmly on championship footing. With stability, a proven head coach and a roster built to contend, the Fighting Irish now channel their disappointment into another push toward the postseason.

Related: Notre Dame Makes Bowl Game Decision After College Football Playoff Snub

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 9, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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