Marcus Freeman celebrates with quarterback Sam Hartman during Notre Dame’s 42-3 victory over Navy in Dublin to open the 2023 season. (Photo: AJ Houk/Fighting Irish Preview)
Marcus Freeman has seen just about everything in a season opener at Notre Dame. But Marcus Freeman has never opened one of his seasons as head coach at Notre Dame Stadium, and that of course will not change in 2026.
His first opener came against Ohio State in Columbus. The following year, Notre Dame dominated Navy in Ireland. In 2024, the Irish went on the road and beat Texas A&M. Last season, Notre Dame opened at Miami and lost a close game.
Now comes another unique opener.
Notre Dame will face Wisconsin at Lambeau Field on Sunday in the Shamrock Series. But this opener comes with something Freeman’s previous four did not: a Notre Dame team entering the season with legitimate expectations of winning a national championship.
The road to that championship starts at Lambeau. But before the Irish kick off another season Sunday, here’s a look back at how Freeman’s first four openers unfolded — and what they meant for the seasons that followed.
2022: at Ohio State
Freeman’s first season opener as Notre Dame’s head coach was about as difficult as it gets.
The Irish traveled to Columbus to face No. 2 Ohio State — and for a half, Notre Dame looked capable of pulling the upset. The Irish led the Buckeyes 10-7 at halftime and held that lead well into the third quarter before Ohio State eventually took control and won 21-10.
It wasn’t the result Freeman wanted, but Notre Dame showed it could go into one of the most difficult environments in college football and compete with one of the best teams in the country.
2023: Navy (In Dublin)
Notre Dame’s next season started much differently.
The Irish opened against Navy in Dublin, Ireland, and controlled the game from the start. Notre Dame won 42-3 behind an outstanding Irish debut from quarterback Sam Hartman, who completed 19 of 23 passes for 251 yards and four touchdowns.
There wasn’t much doubt about this one. Notre Dame went overseas, took care of business and came home 1-0.
2024: at Texas A&M
Freeman’s third season began with easily the most significant season-opening victory of his Notre Dame career.
The Irish went into College Station to face Texas A&M in one of college football’s most intimidating environments and came away with a 23-13 victory. Notre Dame’s defense controlled the game, and the Irish made the plays it needed down the stretch to secure a huge road win.
It was a major accomplishment for Freeman and his program, and it became even more significant in hindsight. Notre Dame went on to finish 14-2 and reach the national championship game.
2025: at Miami
Last season brought another major test.
Notre Dame opened on the road against Miami and fell behind 14-0 before battling back. The Irish eventually tied the game at 24 in the fourth quarter, but Miami won it 27-24 on a late field goal.
The loss proved costly. Notre Dame finished the regular season 10-2, but losing the opener immediately put the Irish behind in the College Football Playoff race. Miami, meanwhile, went on to reach the national championship game.
It was a reminder of just how little margin for error there can be when championship expectations begin with the first game.
2026: Wisconsin (in green Bay)
This year’s opener presents Freeman with a different kind of opportunity.
Notre Dame faces Wisconsin at Lambeau Field in the Shamrock Series. The Irish enter the game ranked No. 4 in the country and as 20.5-point favorites against a Wisconsin team coming off a 4-8 season.
Notre Dame can make this a statement game.
The Irish have spent the offseason hearing that this roster is talented enough to win a national championship. Sunday is their first opportunity to show those expectations are justified.
Notre Dame isn’t going to prove it can win a national championship in one afternoon at Lambeau Field. But it can look like a team capable of winning one.
Freeman has already seen his teams open with a close loss, a dominant win, a huge road victory and a heartbreaking defeat. Now he gets the opportunity to open 2026 with a statement.
“Leave No Doubt” has been Freeman’s message all offseason. At Lambeau Field, the Irish finally get the chance to put those words on the field.