SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Nine final thoughts on Notre Dame going out (almost) on top after its 34-23 loss to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.

Kirk Herbstreit joined Pat McAfee and discussed Notre Dame's staying power as a college football force after national championship game defeat.

How did Notre Dame football coach Marcus Freeman size up the other teams in the country in his final US LBM Coaches Poll?

Notre Dame finished the 2024 season ranked No. 2 in the both major polls, with the Coaches Poll also wrapping up with the Irish in the second spot. It marks the highest final coaches ranking for Notre Dame since it finished in the No. 2 spot following the 1993 season.

Marcus Freeman and Notre Dame ended the season without the ultimate prize in their possession, but the Fighting Irish head coach has been recognized for the job he has done in South Bend

Notre Dame football head coach Marcus Freeman was given a significant award a few days after the college football season ended. The third-year head coach led the Fighting Irish to the National Championship game this season,

Marcus Freeman helped turn around the Notre Dame Fighting Irish after a disappointing loss to Northern Illinois and earned himself a prestigious honor as a result.