The primary factor that prevented Brian Kelly from securing a national championship at Notre Dame was not a lack of resources or inherent competitive disadvantages. Instead, it was his inability to attract and develop elite quarterbacks. Despite arriving at Notre Dame with a reputation as a quarterback guru, Kelly’s tenure was marked by an ongoing struggle to achieve elite quarterback play.
Marcus Freeman has not yet achieved elite production at the quarterback position, but Saturday’s commitment from 2026 recruit Noah Grubbs signals a significant shift. Freeman has unequivocally elevated the program’s recruiting efforts, enhancing Notre Dame’s prospects of finally securing the elite quarterback play that has eluded the team for decades.