Notre Dame's standard remains the same under Marcus Freeman in 2023

The standard at Notre Dame didn’t change from last year to this year under Marcus Freeman, according to On3’s J.D. PicKell.

Freeman was ready to keep the ship steady going into Year 2, but sought to add some big time talent. Enter new quarterback Sam Hartman, who came in from Wake Forest.

PicKell broke down what’s to come for Freeman and Notre Dame on The Hard Count.

“But I just want to make sure that there’s an understanding of what Notre Dame has been in the past,” PicKell said. “And Marcus Freeman steps into that and says no, no, just because we haven’t been there super recently, that’s still the standard here at Notre Dame. I don’t care about how difficult it is to get into school here and the ways that we’re hamstrung by being in South Bend, Indiana like we’re still one of those teams that is going to compete for everything that everyone else is competing for nationally.

“Like they’re looking to make it very, very clear they’re going to abide by the standard that has been set historically from Notre Dame.”

Notre Dame and Freeman will go about their business as they always do.

“They’re not worried about not being in a conference,” PicKell said. “If you don’t believe me, look at Marcus Freeman and what he did going out grabbing Sam Hartman, a sentiment we have talked about many times on this show. Nobody forced Marcus Freeman to go get Sam Hartman, he had his starting quarterback from a year ago coming back. Nobody would have batted an eye if they came into week one with Tyler Buchner as the starting quarterback. 

“But even so, he says, no, no, I think we can get better. I think we have a guy that we can bring in and can compete and help us elevate our game. (Freeman) goes out and grabs the best transfer portal quarterback available and the ACC’s all-time touchdown pass leader and (he’s) going to elevate them.”

On paper, Notre Dame might be better than last season. But games are won on the field, not in the offseason.

“Now a big part of them making the statement that the standard isn’t changed, but they’re still trying to achieve what they’ve achieved historically, is going to be having an alpha playmaker on the outside, step up, things that’s gonna be a big piece of it,” PicKell said.

“But even so, credit Marcus Freeman and company for doing what they have said they were going to do and challenging everything and recruiting at a top 10 level. They’re pushing the envelope here and I respect the heck out of Marcus Freeman … so keep an eye on Notre Dame.”