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.
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— 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