Josh Pate, a prominent college football analyst, has recently offered critical insights into Marcus Freeman’s tenure as head coach of Notre Dame Football. Following Notre Dame’s unexpected 16-14 loss to Northern Illinois on September 7, 2024, Pate described the defeat as “one of the worst losses that I can remember,” highlighting concerns about the team’s consistency under Freeman’s leadership.
In the aftermath of the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship, where Notre Dame fell 34-23 to Ohio State, Pate emphasized the challenges of returning to such a stage, stating, “You are never guaranteed to get back there again.” This underscores the urgency for Freeman and his team to capitalize on championship opportunities when they arise.
These analyses reflect Pate’s evolving perspective on Freeman’s impact and the trajectory of Notre Dame Football, balancing recognition of the team’s achievements with cautionary advice about future challenges.