Coach Marcus Freeman has guided Notre Dame to a 6-0 record and No. 2 ranking in the US LBM Coaches poll so far.
Freeman’s success this season has led to him being named to the midseason watch list for the Dodd Trophy
, an award that “celebrates the head coach of a team who enjoys success on the gridiron, while also stressing the importance of scholarship, leadership and integrity,” according to a description.The award is named after Bobby Dodd, the legendary college football coach who led Georgia Tech to a national title in 1952 and a combined 165-64-8 record from 1950 to 1976.
Freeman anchors a Notre Dame that leads the country in total defense, which has allowed just 214.2 yards and 11.0 points per game. The Irish offense is averaging 44.0 points a game,
which is good for fourth in the nation.
The Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year award winner will be announced at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl during the College Football Playoff.
The Golden Standard ☘️
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) October 13, 2026
Coach Freeman has been named to the Dodd Trophy Midseason Watch List.#GoIrish☘️ pic.twitter.com/tqf1VbWoqT
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This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: Marcus Freeman named to midseason watch list for top head coach award













