Notre Dame Fans were saddened to watch as the comeback fairytale season for the Irish came to a dismal ending. Fans everywhere watched as Alabama beat up on what seemed to be a middle school team. Unfortunately, the Fighting Irish had more to deal with when the Notre Dame Football star Manti Te’o was the subject of one of the strangest stories of the year. Defeat and shame are the themes of the final chapter of the great story of the 2012 Notre Dame football team. 

But maybe the echos have woken. Maybe a spot in the Top 25 can be expected instead of hoped for. Maybe the once dominant football program is back.  

Notre Dame surely has the right coach in place, Brian Kelly inspires excellence and attracts talent. He recently interviewed with, and turned down the Philadelphia Eagles about their vacant coach position. Former Oregon head coach, Chip Kelly, has since filled that position. 

The future looks bright for Notre Dame football and it seems young football prospects have taken notice. 

The 2013 Notre Dame football recruiting class is ranked in the top four in multiple class rankings.  The class includes two five-star recruits and eighteen four-star recruits.

Notre Dame picked up two defensive studs with Eddie Vanderdoes and Jaylon Smith.  Both five star recruits and in the top ten of ESPN’s 150 recruits.  The two will join Notre Dame’s strong defense that was ranked 7th in total defense for 2012.  The defense will look to recapture their mighty reputation after Teo’s ungraceful exit. 

Notre Dame also strengthened the offensive by picking up quarterback Malik Zaire , running back Greg Bryant, and athlete Max Redfield.  All very sought after prospects chose to buy into Kelly’s offense and join the golden domers.  Their speed and talent will further Notre Dame’s chances for another National Championship appearance. 

Notre Dame’s 2012 season will be remembered for many reasons but hopefully most as the rebirth of one of college footballs finest programs.