Jerome Bettis discussed Notre Dame’s playoff snub, his son’s college career, and the Pittsburgh Steelers’ recent moves in an interview ahead of his participation in the 2026 American Century Championship.
The Notre Dame legend will join over 90 celebrities at the annual NBC golf tournament July 8-12 at Edgewood Tahoe Resort in Stateline, Nevada.
Bettis Jr. currently plays for the Fighting Irish, giving the Hall of Famer a personal connection to the team’s recent College Football Playoff exclusion.
Notre Dame’s Playoff Exclusion
The former running back believes the selection committee made a business decision favoring Alabama and the SEC.
“I think the voters knew…there was some movement that they were trying to create to make sure Alabama got in because it wasn’t going to be a good outing in the SEC championship against Georgia. They were trying to support the SEC in that.”
Bettis pointed out Alabama moved up in rankings without playing games. He also noted BYU got overlooked despite losing twice to the fifth-ranked team in the country.
“Notre Dame got a rough draw, if you will. They didn’t control their destiny. They lost to Miami the first game of the year and, unfortunately, it came back to hurt them.”
Freeman’s Future in South Bend
Marcus Freeman faces speculation about potential NFL opportunities or a return to Ohio State, where he previously coached.
Bettis acknowledges the possibility but hopes Freeman stays at Notre Dame.
“He’s a dynamic young coach that players love to follow, and I think that’s the recipe for success on any level, college or the NFL. So I think he’s going to be a commodity that everybody wants to look at.”
The NFL presents the most realistic threat to Notre Dame keeping Freeman long-term.
“I don’t think he goes for just any other job. I think it has to be, maybe Ohio State, that’s calling him to come home.”
Freeman’s championship aspirations at Notre Dame could cement his legacy among the program’s greatest coaches.
Brian Kelly’s Coaching Future
Despite his firing from LSU in October, Brian Kelly will return to coaching according to Bettis.
Kelly remains Notre Dame’s winningest coach and developed Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels at LSU.
“His track record is impeccable. So 100% he’ll be coaching in the future.”
The former coach won championships at Grand Valley State in Division II and elevated Cincinnati’s program before his Notre Dame tenure.
Steelers’ 2026 Championship Hopes
Bettis praised Pittsburgh’s offseason moves, including hiring Mike McCarthy as head coach and re-signing Aaron Rodgers.
The organization addressed talent deficiencies that plagued recent seasons.
“You’re asking Aaron Rodgers to do all these things, but he doesn’t have much to do it with. You want him to paint a Picasso, but you’re not giving him a brush.”
He believes the Steelers should continue upgrading the roster for Rodgers’ final season.
“They should definitely be trying to upgrade and give Aaron the best chance of winning the championship in his last year.”
Golf Tournament Predictions
Bettis is pulling for John Smoltz to finally win the celebrity golf championship after multiple near-misses.
“He’s been second a couple of times and then third. He’s come very, very close, but he hasn’t had the sweet taste of victory.”
Steph Curry also drew mention as a contender after his extended break from basketball.
The extended layoff since the NBA season ended could benefit Curry’s golf preparation for the tournament.
