Podcast Summary

See Ball Get Ball with David Pollack

Bonus Episode: David Pollack Joins Irish Breakdown | Notre Dame Preview
Date: August 16, 2025
Host: David Pollack (guesting with Brian and Trevor from Irish Breakdown)

Overview

This bonus episode features David Pollack—College Football Hall of Famer and acclaimed analyst—joining Brian and Trevor on the Irish Breakdown podcast to provide an in-depth preview of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish entering the 2025 college football season. The conversation covers ND’s evolution under Marcus Freeman, the program’s national perception, roster strengths/weaknesses, and what’s needed to truly join college football’s elite. Pollack brings his trademark directness and blend of player/analyst insight, offering honest takes on the Irish alongside thoughtful anecdotes and predictions.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Notre Dame’s Program Evolution

[03:34] – [06:45]

• Physicality & Toughness: Pollack credits Marcus Freeman for lifting ND’s edge and physicality, noting a clear difference from previous eras in both attitude and depth—"Just that you can see it, man. It’s just on a different level. The strain is on a different level” (Pollack, 03:45).

• Recruiting Trends: Recruiting is "on the rise" and more national, with improved depth across the board.

• Freeman’s Impact: As a defensive-minded former linebacker, Freeman’s personal edge permeates the team.

  “Marcus is… an absolute stud. The human being is just hard not to love. But he’s made of all the right stuff… A defensive minded linebacker. Just grimy, dirty. That’s just what we are. That’s why I love it.”
  — David Pollack [04:11]

• SEC Comparison: Notre Dame’s best in 2012 could go toe-to-toe with Alabama’s, but “6 through 30, mismatch.” That depth gap is shrinking.

2. Roster Analysis: Depth, Running Game, & Quarterback Situation

[06:45] – [13:30]

• Depth Improvements: ND no longer relies solely on their top 5 for elite matchups; depth at positions like corner, running back, and linebacker has improved.
• Running Back Room: Pollack called it the best RB room in America (“Penn State fans were not happy with me, but it’s the truth. He’s [Love] a freak. He’s elite.” – 10:00)
• Quarterback Uncertainty: Riley Leonard’s departure leaves a “big question mark.” The 2025 QB battle between Carr and Minchey could see both play; Pollack expects a package for whichever doesn’t start.
  • The QB run game is significant: gives the offense an advantage, as “you get another guy blocking”—a key to the 2024 offense’s success.

3. Adjustments with New Staff & Returning Talent

[10:42] – [15:44]

• Coaching Transitions: New OC (Denbrock) and DC (Chris Ash) bring NFL and major college experience but introduce new “unknowns.”

• Supporting Cast: O-line, WRs, and RBs are now returning, providing a different dynamic than last year’s mix of inexperienced players.

  “Who’s it going to be? Is it going to be Carr? Is it going to be Minchi? And the styles are going to be dramatically different. And you can’t convince me that we’re not going to see both.”
  — David Pollack [10:20]

• Strategic Flexibility: Whether one or two QBs, utilizing the run game and offensive versatility will be vital due to early-season schedule pressure.

4. Notre Dame’s Path to the Playoff and National Perception

[15:41] – [20:02]

• Impact of Expanded Playoff: Greater forgiveness for early-season losses but still immense importance for marquee matchups (Miami, NC State, Boise).
  • “You got to win one of those two games. Like, win one of those two games.” (Pollack, 17:43)
• ND’s Place in the Elite Tier: Depth, defense, and recruiting enable playoff runs; but following up with consistency is vital.
• Outside Perception: With increased competition, ND must show they can “reload” after star departures (like Ohio State or Georgia), not just have one-off strong seasons.

5. Last Season’s Turning Point & Team Identity

[18:28] – [20:02]

• Defining Moment: Pollack notes the moment ND’s 2024 team “knew who they were”—Riley Leonard and the offense leaning into efficiency and running rather than forcing dropbacks.
  • Freemans’ coaching growth: “Watching Freeman coach and, and the fake punts and like the marbles, right? I loved watching him grow as a coach.” (Pollack, 18:44)
• Adaptation Over the Year: Pollack praises OC Denbrock for evolving the scheme based on personnel: “It ain’t pretty. It don’t have to be pretty… All I need is that run that you had last year. Like, nobody cares about how pretty it is.” (18:54)

6. Offensive “Weapons” and Comparison to National Powers

[20:29] – [22:47]

• Offensive Talent Gap: ND’s top-end talent (Love, Price) is real, but “the difference with some of those [top] teams is the weapons on offense.” Texas’s skill positions and depth highlighted as national gold standard.
• More “Leaning on Running Backs”: 2025 ND could be built more around RBs than the QB-led run game of 2024.

7. Defensive Excellence and Outlook for 2025

[25:47] – [29:45]

• Defense in 2024: Led the nation in interceptions, excelled by “imposing their style” even against the SEC elite.
• System Consistency Under Ash: Will Chris Ash maintain last year’s excellence? Pollack wants to see continued player maximization and competitive fire, especially after losing key contributors.
  • “Every time last year in the playoffs, when you lose your best defensive lineman, all good, not a big deal. Next man up. And here’s what I saw about the next man. The next man was tough. The next man fought. Maybe not as talented, but they make you earn everything.” (Pollack, 26:40–27:02)
• Reloading Benchmark: ND is “building to that point” where they can lose stars and plug in new ones like blue bloods do.

8. The Critical Need for Sustained Success

[31:10] – [37:21]

• Program Consistency: ND has often failed to stack back-to-back top seasons (cf. 2012→2013, 2015→2016); 2025 is pivotal to prove staying power.
• Recruiting Breakthroughs: ND now successfully battles (and beats) the SEC for elite players (Moore, Love, etc.).
• Stars Matter: High-level athletes are the backbone of annual playoff contenders.
  • “There’s no team in the country that is constantly at the top that doesn’t recruit nationally at a high level. …You have to grab a bunch of them every single year. And then how you coach and what your culture is and how you develop will define the rest of it. But if you can’t get those guys, you’re bringing a knife to a gunfight.” (Pollack, 36:42)

9. Memorable Quotes & Anecdotes

On Notre Dame’s Current Standing

“This ain’t this cute little leprechaun team no more. It’s not the cute touchdown Jesus anymore. We’re going to punch you right between the face. We’re going to recruit at a high level … I’m going to be aggressive. That’s my style.”
— David Pollack [29:45]

On Building a True Power

“Notre Dame is building to that point. …Marcus Freeman has now put the world on notice… This isn’t a flash in the pan, like, we’re here to stay. And that’s what Irish fans want. … Competitiveness year after year. They want to be one of the big boys.”
— David Pollack [29:45–31:08]

On Riley Leonard’s 2024 Grit

“I’ll never forget that image of him puking, like basically running the ball every single play on that first drive in the national championship and just puking on the sidelines exhausted … He might have to tote that thing a lot.”
— David Pollack [23:34]

On Stars vs. Player Development

“You don’t have to live on the four and the five stars, but you have to compete with them. You have to grab a bunch of them every single year. … But if you can’t get those guys, you’re bringing a knife to a gunfight.”
— David Pollack [36:42]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Evolution under Freeman / Physicality & Culture Shift:
  [03:34] – [06:45]
• ND’s Improved Depth / Roster Construction:
  [06:45] – [10:42]
• Quarterback Situation & Offensive Adaptation:
  [10:42] – [13:30]
• Coaching Transitions / Early Season Pressure:
  [13:30] – [17:43]
• Playoff Expansion and Its Effects:
  [15:41] – [20:02]
• Identity & Adjustments from 2024 to 2025:
  [18:28] – [20:02]
• Elite Offensive Weapons / Where ND Still Trails:
  [20:29] – [22:47]
• Defensive Confidence, Scheme & Reloading:
  [25:44] – [29:45]
• Recruiting, Stars, and True Elite Status:
  [31:10] – [37:21]

Closing Moments & Personal Sharing

[38:10] – End

• David Pollack’s “Family Goals” Podcast:
  He discusses his second podcast about family life and faith, started with his pastor.

• Personal Update:
  Pollack’s wife is battling brain cancer; he openly shares how football and faith intersect with family priorities.

  • “I love this sport, man. Like, I love college football. There’s nothing better. … My wife can’t say anything. This is my job, ya know?” (Pollack, 39:11)

• Community Support:
  The hosts and Irish Breakdown audience promise to keep Pollack and his family in their prayers.

Summary of Takeaways

• The program under Marcus Freeman is seen as far more physical and deeper than ever—now poised to be consistently competitive with national elites.
• Quarterback and inheriting a new offensive/defensive system are the key unknowns heading into 2025.
• Notre Dame’s recruiting strides, especially for blue-chip talent nationally, are pivotal in closing the gap with programs like Georgia, Ohio State, Texas, and Alabama.
• Sustained, year-over-year success is the last bridge to cross for ND to “arrive” as a modern, blue-blood power; 2025 could be the pivotal year.
• Pollack is both optimistic and demanding: “New normal, baby. Get used to it. It’s gonna be fun.” (40:14), but reiterates ND has to “show me” before being fully anointed at the top.

Recommended Listening Moments

• Physicality & Freeman’s Cultural Impact: [03:34–04:49]
• QB Dilemma Details & the Value of Depth: [09:28–13:30]
• What Winning National Titles Really Takes (recruiting, reloading): [29:45–37:21]
• Personal/Off-Field Segment—Family, Faith, and Perspective: [38:10–39:39]

(All timestamps in MM:SS format. Quotes are attributed with precise timing for easy reference.)