USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect College football has returned. In an offseason filled with turmoil and questions, a return to the gridiron will be a welcome change. With that comes the return of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in a season filled with legitimate National Championship aspirations. The journey back to the playoff begins with a battle under the lights at the “Frozen Tundra” (or as frozen as a tundra can be on Labor Day weekend) of Lambeau Field (home of the NFL Green Bay Packers), as the Irish take on the Wisconsin Badgers. This is a part of the Shamrock Series and, despite playing in the Badgers' home state, is a home game for the Irish. Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! Last season was one to forget for Wisconsin. They finished 4-8 overall and 2-7 in the Big Ten. The Achilles' heel was the offense, which ranked as one of the worst in College Football, averaging only 12.8 points per game (PPG). The defense was a bright spot, keeping them in many games by only allowing an average of 21.6 PPG. To address this, Wisconsin nabbed two prime offensive players from the transfer portal. First is Old Dominion Quarterback Colton Joseph; last season, Joseph passed for over 2100 yards and 21 touchdowns. They also added former Iowa State Running Back Abu Sama III, who rushed for 732 yards and five touchdowns. For the Irish, they return major production from last year's 10-2 season. Leading the way is Quarterback and Heisman hopeful CJ Carr. In his first season as a starter, Carr passed for 2,741 yards and 24 touchdowns. He did this while only throwing six interceptions. On the other side of the ball, shutdown Cornerback Leonard Moore returns along with Linebacker Drayk Bowen. The Irish added powerhouse Defensive Tackle Francis Brewu from the transfer portal as well. Survive the Jitters Notre Dame will be the fourth-ranked team in the country coming into this game. They also will be the lone game on prime-time Sunday night, playing in an NFL stadium. Safe to say there is a lot of pressure in this situation. To get through this, the Irish must survive any early game lulls. Last season, the Irish notoriously started slow offensively and would many times rely on a big play from Running Back Jeremiyah Love to get the offense going. Love has departed for the NFL, so it needs to fall on Carr to manage the game. Look for Offensive Coordinator Mike Denbrock to have some short, quick throws to keep the potent Badger defense on their heels. This will also allow first-time starting Running Back Aneyas Williams to get into a rhythm without shouldering the load. Complementary Football Another way to survive the early game jitters is to rely on your defense. As luck (or luck of the Irish) would have it, Notre Dame fields one of the best in the country. One question will be how Wisconsin will utilize Sama III and Joseph. While there is tape on both, Wisconsin can throw some wrinkles at the Irish defense that they would not expect. However, with such an experience-laden group, those wrinkles will not last long. The Irish defense will be key in not allowing the Badgers to gain any momentum if the offense starts slow. A major advantage Notre Dame has is that Joseph has not seen a secondary like what he will see Sunday night. Led by Moore, Christian Gray, Brauntae Johnson and Adon Shuler can make openings disappear. Despite Wisconsin Head Coach Luke Fickell saying they would “test” Moore, that would be a foolhardy endeavor, at least consistently. Count on the secondary forcing Joseph into some mistakes that will give the offense a short field and allow them to find their footing rather quickly. Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle Leave No Doubt This has been Notre Dame's mantra since missing out on the College Football Playoff last season. This is a prime opportunity for them to showcase that they are worthy of their ranking in a primetime matchup against a Power Four opponent. It’s an opportunity they do not want to let go by the wayside. Wisconsin’s stingy defense will keep this game close for most of the first half. But I expect Carr to get a score late in the half that will give the Irish momentum going into the locker room; then I expect Notre Dame to take off. The offense will find rhythm, and despite the additions, the Badgers do not have the firepower or experience to keep up. The defense will harass Joseph into mistakes and won’t let Sama get going. This will allow the Irish to run away in the second half. I will take the Irish to win 31-13 to begin this promising season 1-0. Want the latest intel on Notre Dame football? Subscribe to Tribune+ and get access to recruiting and team intel from The Irish Tribune team, as well as access to our intel community, exclusive app, and more Notre Dame content: Subscribe here to support our independent journalism. Follow The Irish Tribune on social media: Facebook / Instagram / X / Threads / TikTok Liked this story? Subscribe to our mailing list and get every story in your inbox. Check out our Irish partners: TMPR Sports - Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle here! Legion of the Leprechaun - Join the #1 Notre Dame fan community on Facebook today!

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect Following the longest offseason for Notre Dame Football since 2016, a new season is finally upon the Irish Faithful. This season is full of high expectations, with many members of the national media picking the Irish to win their first National Championship since 1988. To see how this season might play out, the Irish Tribune simulated the upcoming season on College Football 27. Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! The following was simulated on EA Sports College Football 2027 on PlayStation 5. The games used 15-minute quarters on Heisman difficulty to try to get the most realistic results. One argument against the Irish is that many deem their schedule easy. However, the final win-loss record of the Irish opponents ended up being 116-79, and Notre Dame played five bowl-eligible teams in the regular season. The game had the Irish finishing at 9-3. The season started strong with a 6-0 start; this included victories over rivals Michigan State (47-28), Purdue (26-21), and Stanford (41-28). This led to the much-anticipated showdown in Provo versus the BYU Cougars. BYU raced out to a 24-7 halftime lead, and the Irish could not find any offensive rhythm. They were held to a paltry 269 yards of total offense and went 0-2 in the red zone. On the other side, the Cougars controlled time of possession, holding the ball for nearly 35 minutes, and quarterback Bear Bachmeier had a perfect QB rating while throwing for 352 yards and a touchdown. Star Running Back L.J. Martin only toted the rock for 12 carries but made them count, racking up 109 yards and two touchdowns. Following the bye after the BYU game, the Irish would rebound to win a hard-fought battle against Navy 26-21. This would set up a showdown with Miami, who would be the number one team in the land heading into the showdown in South Bend. The Irish proved the BYU game was an aberration by going toe-to-toe with the 'Canes. Notre Dame rebounded from a 14-point halftime deficit to force overtime. It was there the 'Canes prevailed, winning the instant classic 37-34, saddling Notre Dame with their second defeat of the season. Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle The Golden Domers would dominate the next two opponents, Boston College and top-25 SMU. This would set up a road finale against a much-improved Syracuse Orange team. Fighting for their playoff lives, the Irish would allow 23 second-quarter points en route to a stunning 41-31 loss. CJ Carr's Heisman Trophy hopes took a major hit in this game despite his 292 yards and three touchdowns. His three interceptions all led to Syracuse scores, and it looked like Notre Dame would once again be on the outside looking in for the College Football Playoff (CFP). How EA CFB 27 has Notre Dame finishing the regular season Looks can be deceiving, however; Notre Dame finished ranked 10th and had a first-round matchup against Ohio State in Columbus. The Irish took advantage of this second chance and won a nail-biter, scoring 28 second-half points to win 35-31. While doing so, they racked up 505 yards of total offense, led by Carr torching the Buckeyes through the air with 394 yards and five touchdowns. Next up was a battle against number two Duke in the Peach Bowl. The game was tied 14-all at the half, but showing resilience, the Irish scored a last-second touchdown to edge the Blue Devils 24-20. Running Back Anyeas Williams (returning to form following a midseason injury) rushed for 97 yards, and the defense forced five turnovers. This set up a rematch in the CFP Semifinal against Miami in the Sugar Bowl. The revenge-minded Fighting Irish carried a six-point lead into the half. Miami would then score 21 unanswered points to take a 28-13 lead. Two Hurricane mistakes, a pick-six by Brauntae Johnson, and a muffed punt would tie the game. Miami Quarterback Darian Mensah would then lead the 'Canes on a drive to give them the lead for good. A late safety brought the Irish to within five, but time would run out and end the season with a final score of 35-30. Notre Dame ended the season with an 11-4 record. Carr finished the season with a 64 percent completion percentage. Throwing for 3,925 yards while setting a new Notre Dame single-season record. He also had 38 total touchdowns (31 passing and seven rushing). His primary target was Jaden Greathouse, who finished with 68 catches, 909 yards, and six touchdowns. Jordan Fasion and Tight End Ian Premer led all receivers with nine touchdowns receiving each. EA CFB 27 CFP Prediction Defensively, Linebacker Drayk Bowen anchored a strong defensive unit. Leading the team in tackles with 95. Transfer Defensive Tackle Francis Brewu led the team with 16 sacks and 27 tackles for a loss. The secondary, long thought to be the best in the country, held up their end of the deal, nabbing 25 total interceptions. Johnson led the way with six of them, with four being returned for touchdowns. Awards season saw Defensive Coordinator Chris Ash take home the Broyles Award as the nation's top assistant coach. Brewu finished second for the Lombardi Award (nation's top Defensive Lineman); Anthonie Knapp finished fourth for the Outland Trophy (nation's top Interior Lineman). The Irish earned two First Team All-Americans in Brewu and Johnson. Knapp joined them on the second team, and Premer was named to the All-Freshman team as a Tight End. Want the latest intel on Notre Dame football? Subscribe to Tribune+ and get access to recruiting and team intel from The Irish Tribune team, as well as access to our intel community, exclusive app, and more Notre Dame content: Subscribe here to support our independent journalism. Follow The Irish Tribune on social media: Facebook / Instagram / X / Threads / TikTok Liked this story? Subscribe to our mailing list and get every story in your inbox. Check out our Irish partners: TMPR Sports - Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle here! Legion of the Leprechaun - Join the #1 Notre Dame fan community on Facebook today!

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect The Irish take on Wisconsin this Sunday, September 6th, in the season opener at the legendary Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Following the Shamrock Series, Notre Dame will play Rice in the home opener, then Michigan State at home before the Irish travel southwest to challenge in-state rival Purdue. The natural inclination is that this three-game stretch features three "easy wins". However, Freeman knows better than anybody that Notre Dame shouldn't underestimate early season opponents. Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! September 12th vs Rice 2025 Record - (4-8) No. of Returning Offensive Starters - 3 No. of Returning Defensive Starters - 2 Rice is coming off a 4-8 bowl berth in 2025, with Scott Abell finishing his first year at the helm. Abell returns only three offensive and two defensive starters as the Owls prepare for the 2026/27 season. Rice’s offensive attack was led by QB Chase Jenkins, who transferred to Kansas in the offseason. Now, the Owls offense will be led by Senior RB Quinton Johnson and transfer QB Jaccuri Brown. Brown was the backup to Carson Beck on the 2026 runner-up Miami Hurricanes. The Owls' defensive attack was led by LB Andrew Awe, who graduated from Rice last spring. The Rice defense will be the determinant for how the team fares this season, considering the change of personnel over the offseason. September 19th vs Michigan State 2025 Record - (4-8) No. of Returning Offensive Starters - 2 No. of Returning Defensive Starters - 3 Although Notre Dame has a more storied connection to the Spartans’ in-state rival, the renewal of the Notre Dame/Michigan State rivalry will certainly be welcomed in South Bend. Michigan State rattled off three straight wins to kick off last season, before dropping seven in a row with a final win to finish 4-8. Now, with new Head Coach Pat Fitzgerald (the winningest coach in Northwestern football history) at the helm, the Spartan faithful are hungry for an upset against the storied Irish football program. Michigan State only returns five starters from last season. Redshirt freshman Charles Taplin reportedly had an excellent offseason and will be looked at as the primary target within the receiver room. Another redshirt freshman, Jayden Savoury, also dominated over the offseason, as the TE reportedly added 13lbs to his frame. The Spartan defensive unit retains a key component, with the leading tackler, LB Jordan Hall, returning. However, potentially more eyes will be set on redshirt sophomore CB Tyran Chappell. Chappell transferred from Sam Houston this offseason and is highly regarded as a potential breakout secondary defender in FBS this season. Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle September 26th at Purdue 2025 Record - (2-10) No. of Returning Offensive Starters - 3 No. of Returning Defensive Starters - 4 Despite a disappointing 2-10 record, the Boilermakers retained more players than expected. Purdue has more competition in more spots than previously seen in past fall camps. Head coach Barry Odom is attempting to make the Boilermakers competitive this season, which is not an easy task playing in the Big Ten. Purdue’s offense will be led by returning QB Ryan Browne, who suffered from accuracy issues as he finished with nine passing touchdowns and ten interceptions. Browne will benefit from a more robust receiving room, which will feature senior WR Chauncey Magwood among others. Finally, Purdue will benefit from two returning offensive linemen in Joey Tanona and Ethan Trent. On the other side of the gridiron, the Boilermakers return four components in the defensive attack. Senior LB Charles Correa remarked that the LB room has plenty more depth than in years prior, and he is certainly correct. On top of the already improved backer room, the secondary unit for the Boilermakers will be remarkably improved compared to last year, with Defensive Backs Coach Charles Clark noting that “six or seven of his guys can play multiple positions,” thus adding to the secondary's versatility. Want the latest intel on Notre Dame football? Subscribe to Tribune+ and get access to recruiting and team intel from The Irish Tribune team, as well as access to our intel community, exclusive app, and more Notre Dame content: Subscribe here to support our independent journalism. Follow The Irish Tribune on social media: Facebook / Instagram / X / Threads / TikTok Liked this story? Subscribe to our mailing list and get every story in your inbox. Check out our Irish partners: TMPR Sports - Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle here! Legion of the Leprechaun - Join the #1 Notre Dame fan community on Facebook today!

Can Wisconsin Head Coach Luke Fickell right the ship this year in Wisconsin? Photo via University of Wisconsin Athletics Time will tell, but it will not be easy with a season-opening matchup against the fourth-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Sunday at Lambeau Field. Fickell, former Ohio State Defensive Coordinator and Cincinnati Head Coach, enters his fourth full season as the head man in Madison. After going 7-6 in 2023, Fickell’s Badgers have seen their win total drop in each season since, placing him firmly on the hot seat as we enter the 2026 campaign. To be fair, defense has been far from the biggest issue concerning Fickell’s Badgers tenure. A part of that is thanks to Wisconsin Defensive Coordinator Mike Tressel, who came over with Fickell from Cincinnati, where he held the same role. Last season, Tressel’s unit finished 15th nationally in run defense, 20th in sacks per game, and 24th in total defense. This season, the Badgers will look to build around their core of returning linebackers with a cast of high-upside, yet unproven, talent. We preview the Badgers’ key defensive personnel below: Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! EDGEs Sebastian Cheeks The first of two fifth-year EDGEs is the 6-3, 243-pound former UNC transfer. Cheeks, from Skokie, Illinois, committed to the Tar Heels as a four-star recruit out of Evanston Township High School. Cheeks played in 11 games across two seasons in Chapel Hill after dealing with a shoulder injury that caused him to miss most of his true freshman year. He would end up transferring to Wisconsin in 2024, an option that brought Cheeks closer to home while improving his chances of an increased role on defense. Last season was a career-best for Cheeks, making three starts and appearing in all 12 games. He finished the year with 25 tackles, 5.5 TFLs, and three sacks. Cheeks has great pass-rush potential, as he generated the second-most QB pressures on the team last season; however, his lackluster sack numbers would probably lead you to think otherwise. The fifth-year EDGE has good size and physicality against the run. He is also someone who clearly improves his game year-over-year, so Cheeks could have an effect on Sunday’s game against the Irish. Justus Boone On the other side of Cheeks will likely be this 6-5, 278-pound fifth-year. Originally a four-star recruit out of Sumter High School in South Carolina, Boone committed to Florida. Boone spent four years at Florida, appearing in 26 games across three seasons after missing the entire 2023 campaign with a torn ACL. During his time as a Gator, he tallied 37 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, two sacks, and one PBU. Following four years in Gainesville, Boone transferred to Arkansas in 2025, where he played in 12 games with three starts. He finished the year with 28 tackles, 1.5 TFLs, one sack, and one PBU in his lone season as a Razorback. Boone recorded three tackles and was credited for an assisted TFL during Notre Dame’s 56-13 win in Fayetteville. Now, Boone has transferred to Wisconsin for his final collegiate season. He brings elite size, good footwork and run-stopping abilities, and versatility to the Badgers defense. Boone is capable of lining up on the interior, edge, or in a linebacking role. His biggest flaw is his lack of production as a pass rusher, notching just three QB hurries last season. Others to watch: Tyreese Fearbry Interior Linemen Hammond Russell IV The first of three interior linemen likely to see significant snaps is a fifth-year, West Virginia (WVU) transfer. Russell, 6-4 and 320 pounds, committed to the Mountaineers out of Dublin Coffman High School in Columbus, Ohio, as a three-star recruit. Russell spent five years at WVU, despite appearing in just two games across his first two seasons. In total, the IDL appeared in 36 games as a Mountaineer, including five starts that all occurred last season. He finished his WVU career with 40 tackles, 6.5 TFLs, 5.5 sacks, and one forced fumble. Now, Russell has transferred to Wisconsin for his final collegiate season. He offers elite size and looks like a prototypical run-stopping beast; however, he has struggled in this aspect in the past. Similarly, he has decent production as a pass rusher; however, it is nowhere near consistent enough to be considered a legitimate threat. I do think Russell will benefit from being a part of a rotation at Wisconsin, compared to if he were asked to be an every-down guy. Charles Perkins Wisconsin’s likely early-down space-eater will be 6-2, 333-pound fifth-year Charles Perkins. A native of Memphis, Perkins committed to UT-Martin out of high school, where he would spend three years. Perkins broke out at UT-Martin in 2024 when he finished the season with 40 tackles, nine TFLs, 2.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery across 14 games played. Following his breakthrough campaign, the IDL transferred to Wisconsin in 2025. As expected, the jump from FCS to FBS seemed a bit overwhelming for Perkins as he was limited to just eight games. He finished his first season in Madison with six tackles and two TFLs, with four of his tackles and both of his TFLs coming against Indiana. With an increased role this fall, Perkins should be able to exhibit his good power and movement for his size more often. He has elite size; however, his length is questionable. He has flashed as a pass rush threat in the past, but like Russell, it is not very consistent. Junior Poyser The best pass rusher from this trio of IDLs may be the 6-2, 331-pound Buffalo transfer. Poyser, a Senior, is a native of Ontario but moved to Massachusetts in high school, where he attended The Williston Northampton School. He committed to Buffalo out of high school, where he has spent the past three years. Poyser had his career-best season last year when he recorded 31 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and one forced fumble across 12 games played, including seven starts. He was named to the All-MAC Third Team after finishing the season with the second-highest PFF pass-rush grade among MAC DL. Poyser brings his pass-rush abilities to Wisconsin in 2026 after generating 24 QB pressures last season. Also, the senior transfer is a tremendous athlete, as emphasized by his appearance on Bruce Feldman’s Freaks List. Poyser also possesses a high motor. Some things to watch with Poyser will be how he adjusts to the step up in competition, how his lack of length affects his play, and if his run defense has improved after not showing much during his time at Buffalo. Linebackers Mason Posa The best player on the Wisconsin roster and the defensive leader is this Sophomore who is already among the top LBs in the Big Ten. Posa, 6-3 and 235 pounds, committed to Wisconsin as a four-star recruit out of La Cueva High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Posa made his mark as a true freshman last season, making five starts across 11 games played. He finished the year with 61 tackles, four TFLs, four sacks, three PBUs, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. He recorded a season-high 13 tackles against Oregon and had an impressive 2.5-sack performance versus Washington. Some honors Posa picked up include On3 and 247 Sports Freshman All-American nods and a selection on the All-Big Ten Third Team. The sophomore LB is a very physical player who tends to attack, rather than wait. At the same time, this tendency can cost him when he occasionally overbites on a fake or in other situations where he is just too aggressive. Posa’s physicality and good athleticism may stem from his wrestling background, notably as a three-time New Mexico State Champion. He is a great pass-rusher who possesses a high motor and football IQ. None of this LB trio was asked to do much in coverage last season, so that will be an aspect to keep an eye on. Cooper Catalano Next to Posa will be another Sophomore, Cooper Catalano. An elite tackler, the 6-1, 232-pound LB is a Wisconsin native, committing to the in-state Badgers as a three-star out of Germantown High School. Catalano put together a legendary high school career, finishing as the state’s all-time leader in career tackles with 583. Catalano’s ability to bring down the ball-carrier did not dissipate in college, finishing his true freshman year with 56 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, two sacks, and one PBU across 12 games played, including four starts. His most notable performance was a historic one, stacking 19 tackles, two TFLs, and one sack against Washington. Catalano was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week for this performance, where he tallied the most tackles by a power-four conference true freshman since 2017. Besides tackling, Catalano exhibits good football IQ, is good against the run, and is solid as a pass-rusher. However, he does not have the greatest size, and his athleticism clearly lags behind his counterpart, Posa. Jon Jon Kamara Wisconsin’s third LB to keep an eye on is the Kansas transfer and 6-4, 243-pound Junior. Kamara committed to the Jayhawks out of Desert Edge High School in Arizona as a three-star recruit. Last season, Kamara’s second at Kansas, he finished the year with 13 tackles, 1.5 TFLs, and was credited with half a sack. Kamara brings elite athleticism, a credit to his track and field background, and good size to the Badgers’ LB core. He also offers the versatility of moving along the different LB roles. Originally from Liberia, Kamara picked up football later than most of his peers, and that can be evident as he is still learning the game and his position. Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle Defensive Backs CB Javan Robinson The Badgers’ top CB is this Arizona State (ASU) transfer who brings some needed starting experience to the Wisconsin DB room. Robinson, a 5-11, 184-pound fifth-year, originally committed to Washington State (Wazzu) as a three-star recruit out of West Orange High School in Orlando, Florida. Robinson spent two years in Pullman before transferring down south to ASU. In his 2023 season with the Cougars, the young DB tallied 12 tackles, 1.5 TFLs, and one PBU across seven games played. With the Sun Devils is where Robinson really showed the type of player he can be. The CB started all 26 games he appeared in across two years in Tempe, playing a key part in ASU’s 2024 CFP appearance. Robinson finished his ASU career with 85 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, three INTs, 12 PBUs, two fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble. He led the 2024 Big 12 Champions with a team-leading three interceptions, and his 43 tackles led all Big 12 CBs. Peach Bowl INT vs Texas Robinson now transfers to Wisconsin for his final season. Some positives surrounding the new Badger CB include his tackling prowess, as evidenced by just his two missed tackles in 2025, and he is a good run defender, posting a 79.3 PFF run defense grade in 2024, ranking third among all Big 12 CBs. He also possesses good athleticism and speed. Robinson does not have the greatest size for a boundary CB, and has had lapses in coverage that prevent him from being a true lockdown guy. CB Jai’mier Scott Likely starting opposite of Robinson, will be someone taking his first-ever collegiate snaps. Scott, a 6-1 and 192-pound Sophomore, committed to Wisconsin as a four-star recruit out of Mt. Healthy High School in Ohio. He did not see any game action as a true freshman last year. What is known about Scott is that he has great size and good speed to complement that. Based on his high school tape, he has good instincts and ball skills, and also seems like a good, physical tackler. Some obvious development will be needed as Scott gets his feet wet in college football. Growing pains should be expected as he prioritizes technique development this season. Nickel Bryce West Wisconsin’s likely starting Nickel will be the 5-11, 200-pound Ohio State (OSU) transfer. A Junior from Cleveland, West committed to the Buckeyes as a top-100 recruit out of Glenville High School. West spent the past two years in Columbus, appearing in 18 games during his time as a Buckeye. He finished his OSU career with 11 tackles, one PBU, and one forced fumble before transferring to Wisconsin this season. West definitely has the athleticism a defense wants when looking for a nickel. He also brings some good physicality, but limited college experience does raise some questions. S Marvin Burks Jr Another transfer, this Senior Wisconsin Safety moved over to Madison after three years at Missouri. Burks committed to Missouri as a three-star out of Cardinal Ritter College Prep in St. Louis. Burks made 26 starts across 39 games played in Columbia, totaling 131 tackles, four TFLs, one sack, two INTs including one pick-six, three PBUs, two fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble. Pick-Six vs Mississippi State The 6-2, 210-pound Safety brings good experience, size and length, versatility, and physicality to the Badgers’ DB room. Overall, Burks is a well-rounded player with the occasional error in coverage, and he could probably improve his pass rush production. S Matt Jung The last player to highlight on this defense has, perhaps, the best story. Jung is a 6-3 and 213-pound Safety out of Neenah, Wisconsin. The Fifth Year began his collegiate career at DIII Bethel University in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Jung was sensational across two years at Bethel, totaling 181 tackles, 15 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, 16 INTs including six pick-sixes, 19 PBUs, three forced fumbles, and one blocked kick in 25 games played. As a sophomore in the 2024 season, Jung led Bethel with 109 tackles and led all of DIII with nine INTs and four pick-sixes. He was named a DIII First Team All-American and the Cliff Harris Award Winner (Small College Defensive Player of the Year). Jung decided to make the huge jump from DIII to the Big Ten in 2025. Last season, Jung made eight starts across 12 games played, finishing his first year as a Badger with 50 tackles. He flashed against Oregon when he tallied a season-high ten tackles. Jung exhibits great instincts and a high football IQ and is a solid tackler. He does have good size and length for a FS. Additionally, it was clear that as the season went on last year, he became increasingly more comfortable with the adjustment from DIII to DI football. Jung’s coverage was pretty brutal last year, as opposing QBs completed 75% of their passes when throwing in his direction. Others to watch: Eric Fletcher Want the latest intel on Notre Dame football? Subscribe to Tribune+ and get access to recruiting and team intel from The Irish Tribune team, as well as access to our intel community, exclusive app, and more Notre Dame content: Subscribe here to support our independent journalism. Follow The Irish Tribune on social media: Facebook / Instagram / X / Threads / TikTok Follow @Brenden_Duffy on X Liked this story? Subscribe to our mailing list and get every story in your inbox. Check out our Irish partners: TMPR Sports - Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle here! 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Notre Dame has the chance to have one of the strongest offensive lines in the country with a lot of returning production, a talented new left tackle, and players moving to their natural position. Together, the group makes up one of the strongest in the country on paper. The offensive line at Notre Dame has always been a strength in the program. With Marcus Freeman, the strength has seemed to only be magnified, as he constantly preaches that games are won at the line of scrimmage. This season, Notre Dame will have the offensive line to dominate much of the line of scrimmage in almost every game. With the depth chart being recently released for Week One, let's take a look at how the position group will shake out. Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! Starters Will Black - Left Tackle Will Black arrived at Notre Dame as one of the most highly-touted offensive linemen in his class. At that point, he was immediately identified as a future starter and impact player for the Irish. The only question was, when would he get his opportunity? Last season, he was behind Anthonie Knapp and Aamil Wagner. Both were experienced players, making it hard for a freshman to earn starting reps, even if he is extremely talented. Now, with Knapp moving to Left Guard, Black will get his chance to become the next premier lineman at Notre Dame. Black is exactly what one might imagine when thinking about an elite left tackle. To start, he has the prototypical size to be a force from the start. Standing 6'7" and 316 lbs, he is a huge blocker who has the size to move opposing defenders. Like any good tackle, that size is paired with shockingly quick feet. With those quick feet, Black is able to beat defenders to their spot and lock them up. This athleticism also makes him a dangerous blocker at the second level. On the move, Black is a formidable force, paving the way for Irish running backs. Black has all the physical traits to be a major part of this offensive line, but he will be inexperienced at the most important position along the offensive line. He has surely been tested in practice by Notre Dame's talented defensive line, but time will tell if Black is truly ready to become the marquee player of this talented group. Anthonie Knapp - Left Guard The move to left guard for Knapp has been a long time coming for this group. In 2024, Knapp started at left tackle as a true freshman, as the team lacked another strong option. While Knapp held his own for most of the year, it was clear that tackle was not his natural position, given his body type. Looking at last season, Knapp once again started at left tackle. Black was seemingly not ready to start, and Knapp had the experience necessary to be a solid option. Again, Knapp filled the role well, but it did always seem like he was better suited at guard. Knapp sometimes struggled in pass protection, as he lacked the prototypical length to fend off pass-rushers. While that was the case, Knapp showed that he was a more than capable run-blocker, making his move to guard exciting for the Irish run game in 2026. Knapp will be paired with Black on the left side of the line, making up a strong pairing that could be the strength of this offensive line. Standing at 6'4" and 305 lbs, Knapp's frame is much more suited to play guard than tackle. With more of a stocky build, Knapp has always been able to leverage defenders in the run game. At guard, that skill will be even more important. In the pass game, Knapp will no longer have to go up against the long, athletic pass-rushers that would sometimes give him problems. Instead, he will battle against interior linemen, a matchup Knapp is better accustomed to taking on. With his experience at tackle, he should be a polished pass-blocker for his position while also providing Black with an experienced partner. At guard, Knapp should find his calling at his natural position, making him one of the most intriguing players at his position at the college and pro level. Ashton Craig - Center Ashton Craig returns to the starting lineup after back-to-back season-ending injuries in 2024 and 2025. Craig earned a starting spot in both of those seasons, but two ACL tears kept him out for the majority of those seasons. When he is healthy, Craig is a physical and dependable player in the middle of the offensive line. As the center, he serves a critical role as the snapper and one of the main communicators of the whole group. The main question surrounding Craig is his health. Unfortunately, Craig has not been able to finish a full season for two years, forcing the position to be a bit of a question mark for the Irish. When he is healthy, Craig could be one of the best parts of this offensive line and one of the best centers in the country. He is a big body in the middle of the line, listed as 6'5" and 315 lbs. Craig is an elite run-blocker, contributing to some of Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price's awesome success in 2025. Now, Notre Dame may be switching to a more pass-centric offense, giving Craig the chance to display his pass-blocking ability. Craig will have a lot of pressure heading into the 2026 season, as he is already on the Remington Award Watch List, which is given to the nation's best center. Along with that, he will have the pressure to stay healthy for an entire season to help the Irish reach their full potential. Sullivan Absher/Styles Prescod - Right Guard The right guard position is the most interesting one of the entire group. Since the spring, it has appeared that the other four positions were all but solidified. Now, with the season-opener under a week away, the right guard position is still up for grabs. With the release of the Week One depth chart, Freeman stated that a final decision has not been made on the position. That means that the game against Wisconsin may be the final test for Sullivan Absher and Styles Prescod to prove they were worthy of the starting spot. Absher is a familiar name for many Irish fans, as he has been the man in waiting for years. He has had opportunities to start and come in as a sub for two seasons, where he has played well. Prescod is a little more of an unknown commodity. He did see some playing time in 2025, but he has not started a game in his collegiate career. Prescod has performed well in spring and fall camp, making this a position competition all the way to the Wisconsin matchup. If it is size that decides this competition, Absher would win in a landslide. He is 6'7" and 320 lbs, making him a powerful blocker and a force in the interior of the offensive line. That size is an intriguing option for the Notre Dame coaching staff to consider. Prescod is a bit smaller and projects to be a future offensive tackle. This may be an opportunity for the coaching staff to implement a younger option in order to get him the experience needed to become a starter at tackle in the future. Both are solid options that will almost certainly not be a weak point of the line. Guerby Lambert - Right Tackle Guerby Lambert is another starter making a position change after starting every game last season at right guard. Lambert was seen as a tackle but filled a need for the Irish in 2025 as a guard. That could prove to be a benefit for Lambert and Notre Dame, as it has given him much-needed playing experience that he can use in 2026. Although he played well at guard, there were times when the position looked a bit foreign to him. At tackle, Lambert should feel more comfortable in a position better suited to his frame and skill set. Lambert is a long, athletic blocker who projects to be a very strong pass-blocker. With a 6'7" and 325 lbs. frame, Lambert has a long wingspan to keep pass-rushers at a distance. With that incredible size, he also displays good bend and quick feet, making him a potential star at tackle. Lambert's experience at guard could also prove beneficial in the run game, as well. He has the reps needed to thrive in short-yardage situations and as a run-blocker in space. Lambert was highly touted as a prospect and viewed as a bright part of Notre Dame's future. At guard, he was finally able to impact games, but now he will have the important role of keeping CJ Carr on his feet, which is critical to Notre Dame's success. Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle Backups As it is the nature of the offensive line, rotating players is not often a feature of the position. This means many backups will not get the chance to see meaningful minutes unless there are injuries or blowout victories. As injuries are prevalent on the offensive line, it is important to highlight some of the backups that would be waiting for their chance to prove themselves. Joe Otting Joe Otting is another player in this group who has patiently waited their turn. Otting has been an important part of this offensive line as a backup center and guard. Last season, Otting started the last six games of the season for an injured Craig and handled it well. He is an older and experienced player whom Notre Dame can lean on in the event of another injury to Craig or a guard. Otting, as a backup, is a nice luxury for the Irish to have in 2026. Charlie Thom and Grayson McKeogh Interestingly enough, Charlie Thom and Grayson McKeogh are both slotted to be backup options at left and right tackle as true freshmen. While the idea of freshmen being one injury away from starting may be a little scary for Irish fans, it does speak to the bright future this group has. It shows that the coaches have faith in the young, talented freshman to reinforce a strong offensive line. Charles Jagusah Charles Jagusah's story may be one of the more unfortunate stories of the entire Notre Dame roster. Jagusah was once looked at as the future star of the group, who had future NFL pick written all over him. Since then, he has suffered an injury that sidelined him for all but two games of the 2024 season and a broken arm in an ATV accident that kept him out of all of the 2025 season. Due to complications, Jagusah is still recovering from that broken arm, which will keep him out for some of 2026. If he is able to return to the field, Jagusah is a very talented player to offer excellent depth at either tackle or guard. If he recovers and is back to his former self, he could even enter the starting lineup. Want the latest intel on Notre Dame football? Subscribe to Tribune+ and get access to recruiting and team intel from The Irish Tribune team, as well as access to our intel community, exclusive app, and more Notre Dame content: Subscribe here to support our independent journalism. Follow The Irish Tribune on social media: Facebook / Instagram / X / Threads / TikTok Liked this story? Subscribe to our mailing list and get every story in your inbox. Check out our Irish partners: TMPR Sports - Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle here! Legion of the Leprechaun - Join the #1 Notre Dame fan community on Facebook today!

Wisconsin looks to turn around one of the nation's worst offenses from a year ago in an uphill battle against Notre Dame. Photo via University of Wisconsin Athletics Badgers Offensive Coordinator Jeff Grimes enters his second year in the role. Last season did not go to plan, as injuries at Quarterback and on the Offensive Line plagued the offense all season. Now, Grimes will look to get the Badgers offense back to their old hard-nosed identity, featuring a plethora of transfers including a dual-threat QB. Preview the key Wisconsin offensive personnel below: Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! Quarterback Colton Joseph Among the 30-plus incoming transfers, the most important addition is former Old Dominion QB Colton Joseph. The 6-2, 215-pound Senior brings two years' worth of starting experience and athleticism at the position that has not been seen in Madison since Russell Wilson. The Newport Beach, California, native committed to Old Dominion as a three-star recruit out of Newport Harbor High School. Joseph made his mark last season as a Redshirt Sophomore, when he was just one of two QBs to throw for over 2,000 yards and rush for over 1,000, along with former USF and new Auburn starter Byrum Brown. While starting 12 games last season, Joseph threw for 2,624 yards and 21 touchdowns. He routinely showed off his playmaking abilities, averaging 15.2 yards per completion, the second-most in the country. On the ground, Joseph ran for 1,007 yards and added 13 scores. His 6.4 yards per carry ranked 12th-most in the nation, emphasizing his skill set as a true dual-threat. The Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year’s 302.6 total yards per game finished eighth-most in the country. Perhaps the obvious question will be how Joseph’s passing game translates to Power Four-level competition. He has shown accuracy and decision-making issues in the past, throwing 10 interceptions and coughing up 12 fumbles last year. Additionally, he does tend to take some unnecessary hits as a runner. At ODU, Joseph did not face much pressure, and I would expect some growing pains as he faces increased pressure week in and week out, starting from week one against a strong Notre Dame front seven. Running Backs Abu Sama III A potential position that could rotate this year for the Badgers is the RB spot. The door appears somewhat open for someone to take over bellcow duties. The current leader for this role in the Badgers locker room seems to be Iowa State transfer Abu Sama III. The 5-11, 214-pound Senior RB transferred to Wisconsin this season following three years with the Cyclones. Originally out of Des Moines, IA, Sama was a three-star recruit and the 2022 Iowa Gatorade Player of the Year out of Southeast Polk High School. Sama would commit to Iowa State out of high school. Across three seasons at Iowa State, Sama rushed for 1,933 yards and 13 touchdowns on 348 carries. He added 20 catches for 128 yards as a limited receiving option during this time. I would expect Wisconsin to let Sama get the majority of touches against the Irish, but it would not be surprising if he were to end up splitting carries with Darrion Dupree and, possibly, Bryan Jackson. Some of Sama’s positive qualities include good vision and contact balance, as evidenced by his 48 forced missed tackles across 148 carries last year. He is also the type of rusher that will turn a seemingly two-yard gain into a sudden five-yard burst with his physicality. The biggest drawback on Sama is his lack of game-breaking speed. His production is also questionable during his time at Iowa State, as he was unable to prove himself as a true workhorse back. Additionally, he has not shown he can be much of a receiving threat, but this is something that could change in a new offense at Wisconsin. Darrion Dupree The other most likely contender to take over as Wisconsin’s lead back this fall is the 5-11, 218-pound Junior from Chicago. Coming out of Mount Carmel High School, Dupree committed to the Badgers as a four-star recruit, making him one of the few key returners from a year ago. Through two seasons and 21 games played, Dupree has rushed for 680 yards and three touchdowns across 162 carries. He ended last season as the Badgers’ leading rusher with just 363 yards, but will be looking for a true breakout campaign in 2026. Dupree maintains an impressive mix of size and athleticism, given his physical traits. He has flashed big-play ability, including an 84-yard score against Illinois last season; however, it is not as consistent as Badgers fans may like. As mentioned above, Dupree’s production is questionable, but there is reason to believe this is the year he takes the next step. Dupree's 84-yard TD vs Illinois Receivers Chris Brooks Jr Expected to be one of Wisconsin's featured wideouts this fall is the 6-2, 224-pound athlete out of St. Louis. Brooks enters his Fifth-Year as a Badger after committing to Madison as a three-star recruit out of St. Louis University High School. Brooks' time at Wisconsin has not been perfect, dealing with limited playing time and undisclosed injuries that cost him his entire 2023 campaign. He was able to make his first real impact last season when he recorded 11 catches for 124 yards across 12 games played. 2026 is make-or-break for Brooks. This is his first shot to establish himself as a featured wideout in the Badgers offense. He possesses the ideal frame, athleticism, and physicality for an outside WR. However, he is yet to prove whether he can be an explosive threat and has also struggled with creating separation in the past. If this trend continues, he may wind up falling down the depth chart, in part due to Wisconsin’s depth at the position. For what it is worth, Brooks is one of the better blocking WRs in the country, a credit to his physicality. Tyrell Henry Likely starting out of the slot will be the former Michigan State transfer. The 6-0, 184-pound fifth-year out of Roseville High School in Michigan committed to the Spartans out of high school. Henry impressed in flashes as a sophomore in 2023 at MSU when he finished the year with 24 catches for 195 yards and three touchdowns. Following the firing of Head Coach Mel Tucker, Henry opted to enter the transfer portal before he decided to commit to Wisconsin. Henry’s first year in Madison in 2024 did not go to plan, dealing with an undisclosed injury that led him to redshirt the season. He was able to come back last year, appearing in 10 games, where he tallied five catches for 29 yards and a touchdown. Henry also contributed to special teams as a punt returner, totaling 87 yards across 10 return attempts. The former Spartan's speed and explosiveness are two reasons he poses as a playmaking threat. However, he has not flashed this ability since his 2023 season in East Lansing. Henry does bring great versatility to his team, getting involved as a pass-catcher, rusher, and punt returner. Similar to Brooks, this will also be Henry’s first opportunity to establish himself in the Badgers offense; however, the room for error could be slim. Injuries each of the past two seasons are also cause for concern. Eugene Hilton Jr. Another threat outside for the Badgers is the son of four-time NFL Pro Bowl WR, Eugene (TY) Hilton. Hilton Jr., a sophomore, committed to Wisconsin as a four-star recruit out of Zionsville Community High School in Indiana. Last season as a true freshman, the 6-2, 204-pound WR hauled in eight catches for 91 yards across 12 games played. With an increased role this fall, Hilton does offer potential big-play abilities with his frame and athleticism. However, he does have a tendency to lean on this athleticism and can become sloppy as a route runner. This is something that will need to be polished for Hilton to take the next jump in his career. Jaylon Domingeaux The most interesting, and most proven, receiver of this group is the Southeastern Louisiana (SELA) transfer. Domingeaux, a 6-3 and 211-pound senior, is a native of Lafayette, Louisiana, where he attended Comeaux High School. Across three seasons at SELA, Domingeaux recorded 106 receptions for 1,512 yards and 14 touchdowns in 36 games played. The big-play WR averaged 16.5 yards per catch and had eight separate games where he recorded at least one 30-plus yard reception last season. Domingeaux brings great size for an outside WR and is also someone who has proven themselves at the college level to the Badgers WR room. His strong hands and body control should both translate to the FBS level. The most obvious question is how he handles the jump from FCS competition to facing strong FBS teams week in and week out. I would not expect his breakout party to come against Notre Dame’s elite secondary, but it should come at some point this fall. Additionally, Domingeaux does lack the elite speed necessary to beat DBs vertically. Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle Tight Ends Jacob Harris Wisconsin’s likely red-zone threat will be the 6-6, 265-pound Bowling Green (BGSU) transfer. Harris, a senior from Columbus, Ohio, committed to BGSU out of Westerville Central High School. Part of that decision was the fact that his father is a BGSU Football Hall of Famer, who notably was the second-ever college football player to record 40 career passing touchdowns and 40 career rushing scores. Harris’s mother is also in elite athletic territory as an Ohio State Hall of Famer who holds the indoor and outdoor program high jump records. Harris played in 23 games during his last three seasons at BGSU, but he really broke out last year. Across 12 games played, the athletic TE recorded 19 catches for 182 yards and five touchdowns, the most among MAC TEs. Harris brings great size, strong hands evidenced by contested catch abilities, a legit red zone presence, and athleticism to Madison. Blocking has been his weakness in the past, and I do not see those struggles going away as he makes the jump from the MAC to Big Ten competition. Additionally, he never showed he can handle the volume or production that comes with being a true TE1 during his time at BGSU. Others to watch: Grant Stec & Ryan Schwendeman Offensive Line LT PJ Wilkins One of two transfers on this starting OL unit is the nephew of NBA Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins, PJ. The Senior lineman began his career at Charlotte, where he spent two seasons with the 49ers, before transferring to Ole Miss in 2025. Wilkins played in nine games last season with the Rebels, making two starts at guard. Despite being well-traveled, the 6-6, 335-pound lineman still has limited college experience, and even less at the tackle position. Wilkins does have the physical tools of an elite tackle, but expect a learning curve at the new spot. The Ole Miss transfer did flash as a reliable pass blocker across 98 pass rush opportunities last year, allowing just three pressures and no sacks. He does struggle with consistency in the run game. I do expect Notre Dame EDGE Boubacar Traore to have his way in this matchup as Wilkins adjusts to a full-time tackle role. LG Colin Cubberly Someone looking to make a leap this year is the 6-6, 325-pound Junior. Last season, Cubberly appeared in 11 games, making seven starts at RG. His move over to the left side this fall signals good versatility. Cubberly plays a very physical, nasty, and mean game. However, he is still developing. There were a lot of low moments last season, especially against better competition. Considering the strength of Notre Dame’s defense being up front, it could be a long week one for Cubberly. C Austin Kawecki In the middle, the Badgers added a much-needed veteran presence to this relatively inexperienced group. Kawecki, a 6-4 and 310-pound fifth-year, transferred to Wisconsin this offseason following four years at Oklahoma State. Last season, Kawecki started all 12 games for the Cowboys, 11 of those coming at Center. Kawecki is a good pass blocker, as shown by his 12 pressures and two sacks allowed last season across 394 pass-block reps. The former Cowboy does struggle with the run, as he is rarely the most dominant or physically imposing guy in the room. RG Emerson Mandell The right side of this line is filled with injury questions at guard and tackle. Mandell, a 6-5 and 325-pound Junior, underwent foot surgery in the spring and missed the entirety of fall camp, with no update on his week one status at this time. Last season, Mandell started all 12 games for the Badgers, with 11 of those starts coming at RT. He should benefit from moving back to his natural spot at guard, as he possesses an elite frame for the position. Mandell does provide starting experience and versatility to this OL unit. The Junior is a good, physical run-blocker; however, his pass protection did lack last season against more athletic DL. This could cause problems against an extremely athletic Irish front. I believe Mandell is a guy who will improve with more reps, and could be a very talented OL with some more consistency in the future. RT Kevin Heywood Another injury question coming into week one pertains to 6-9, 320-pound Junior, Kevin Heywood. In 2024, as a true freshman, Heywood appeared in all 12 games for the Badgers, doing most of his work on special teams. Unfortunately, he would miss his entire second year with a torn ACL. After being cleared for fall camp this season, Heywood suffered a lower-body injury (no other details) during the team’s second practice and missed the remainder of camp. It does appear to be another season-ending injury at this moment, but his status for week one is questionable. While health remains a question, Heywood does have true breakout potential. He possesses an elite frame that looks like a run-blocking monster, and does have the pedigree of being a former four-star recruit. In his limited action, he displays good physicality and moves well for his size. If he does officially return to action in week one this season, Notre Dame will likely be seeing a rusty version of Heywood as he adjusts back from injury. Want the latest intel on Notre Dame football? Subscribe to Tribune+ and get access to recruiting and team intel from The Irish Tribune team, as well as access to our intel community, exclusive app, and more Notre Dame content: Subscribe here to support our independent journalism. Follow The Irish Tribune on social media: Facebook / Instagram / X / Threads / TikTok Follow @Brenden_Duffy on X Liked this story? Subscribe to our mailing list and get every story in your inbox. Check out our Irish partners: TMPR Sports - Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle here! Legion of the Leprechaun - Join the #1 Notre Dame fan community on Facebook today!

Photo via Cooper Flanagan/IG (@cooperflanagan_) As is almost tradition, Notre Dame will walk into the 2026 season with a strong tight end room that could become elite, with the exciting talent already realized and some yet to reveal itself. Last season, the tight end position at Notre Dame was headlined by Eli Raridon, who was selected in the third round by the New England Patriots. While almost miraculously he did not score a touchdown, he became a favorite for CJ Carr in the pass game as a consistent chain-mover. Now, the position for TE1 is up for grabs, as this deep room offers a lot of strong options with versatile skill sets. While the room does have experience, it also contains young, exciting talent that could take the forefront this season. Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! Starters Cooper Flanagan Cooper Flanagan will finally get his chance to see the field again after missing all but one game in 2025 due to an achilles injury. Before then, Flanagan was able to contribute in 2023 and 2024 mainly as a blocker. Now, he will get his chance to become the "guy" at the position in 2026. While Flanagan still has time to prove his chops in the passing game, his biggest strength is his physical blocking ability. For a run-first team in the past, this quality made him a valuable member of the offense. This season, that blocking will once again become an important part of the run game, as Notre Dame transitions from the Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price backfield. The main question for Flanagan will be if he impacts the passing game in a major way. Throughout two seasons of play, he has only caught five passes, with three of them being touchdowns. Even if Flanagan does not turn into a major player in the pass game, he will still be a leader within the group that establishes a physical tone to the group, leaving the pass catching to some of the group's more explosive athletes. Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle Contributors Ty Washington Ty Washington enters his second season with the Irish after transferring from Arkansas last off-season. In 2025, Washington was mainly used as a run-blocker due to the Flanagan injury. While Washington played well in his role, he was sometimes inconsistent. When he was at his best against Arkansas, he proved why he could earn first-team reps this season, as he also offers verticality downfield. In 2026, it is likely that Notre Dame will play both Washington and Flanagan in their 12 and 13 personnel lineups. With two tight ends on the field, the two offer extra blockers in the run game and solid pass-catchers in the passing game. For Washington in the passing game, he will likely be the more favored option of the two. He does have impressive athleticism that should allow him to be a real option downfield. With his size, he could be a matchup problem for defenses if Notre Dame can get him in the right position to make a play. James Flanigan Flanigan will be another talented player who will be fighting for minutes in this very crowded tight end room. As a true freshman last season, Flanigan began to surge late in the season, playing his best football late in the year. As just a freshman, Flanigan was surprisingly strong in the run game, projecting to have an even bigger impact in 2026. While he has shown that he possesses strong hands in the pass game, he will need to continue working on his route-running to create the separation needed to become a reliable player. Looking at this season, the return of Flanagan will make it hard for Flanigan to get real minutes. While they are both strong blockers, Flanagan's experience makes it likely he will get the nod. Flanigan may be a better option than Flanagan in the pass game, but he may not be as good as a player like Ian Premer, who we'll look at later. This puts Flanigan in a tough spot. He is good at a lot but probably not the best at anything. Flanigan is young, so he has time to prove that he is the best at a certain part of the game, but the versatility he has now will make him hard to keep off the field. Ian Premer The tight end room at Notre Dame is a crowded one that could make it hard for even five-star freshman Ian Premer to see the field. With that being said, he has a talent that may be undeniable. If he does prove to the coaches that he is ready, he could quickly become an essential part of the Notre Dame offense as the season wears on. Starting with his size, Premer is an astounding 6'6" and 245 lbs. With a body like that, Premer has the size to compete at a high level right away. At that size, Premer moves very well in and out of routes, showing off his elite athleticism that helped him earn the title of five-star. Premer also gives something that it appears no one else can in this group: a true receiving threat capable of sustaining an offense. He uses that big frame and athleticism to be a huge target for his QB and create mismatches for whoever is guarding him. If a defense elects to put a safety or cornerback on him, they are likely too small. If they put a linebacker on him, they are likely too slow or lack the coverage ability to stay with him. Premer could develop to become a real difference-maker on this offense if he is given the chance, but it will be difficult in a room as deep as this one. Reserves Even this deep in the depth chart, Notre Dame still has strong options at the position. To start, Jack Larsen has put together multiple strong off-seasons that could land him playing time, especially if they elect to redshirt Premer. Preston Fryzel is the other true freshman in the room who already has the athleticism and speed to make an impact but needs the time to add weight in order to become an efficient blocker at the college level. Want the latest intel on Notre Dame football? Subscribe to Tribune+ and get access to recruiting and team intel from The Irish Tribune team, as well as access to our intel community, exclusive app, and more Notre Dame content: Subscribe here to support our independent journalism. Follow The Irish Tribune on social media: Facebook / Instagram / X / Threads / TikTok Liked this story? Subscribe to our mailing list and get every story in your inbox. Check out our Irish partners: TMPR Sports - Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle here! Legion of the Leprechaun - Join the #1 Notre Dame fan community on Facebook today!

Three former Notre Dame players have been selected to the “NFL Top 100” list, selected by the players. Photo via Baltimore Ravens 99. Quenton Nelson The Indianapolis Colts cornerstone OG enters his ninth season in the NFL. This year’s appearance marks his fourth time being selected to the “NFL Top 100,” last being chosen in 2022, when he was ranked 28th. Last season, Nelson started all 17 games and finished the year ranked fourth among starting OGs in PFF overall and run-block grade. He was just as reliable as a pass-blocker, allowing just one sack on the year. Nelson’s efforts have been continually recognized throughout his NFL tenure, earning Pro Bowl honors in each season he has played. After being selected to his eighth consecutive Pro Bowl last season, Nelson became the first player in Colts history to be named to the Pro Bowl in each of his first eight years, and the second Offensive Lineman to accomplish this feat, alongside Hall of Famer Joe Thomas. Nelson was named to the AP All-Pro Second Team, his sixth All-Pro selection in eight seasons. Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! 89. Kyren Williams Making his third straight appearance on this list is the Los Angeles Rams RB, who received his highest ranking of 78 in 2024’s edition. Despite seeing his role slightly diminished by the addition of Blake Corum, Williams’s appearance on this list is a testament to the player he is. Last season, Williams rushed for 1,252 yards and 10 touchdowns across 259 carries. He finished the regular season with the sixth-most rushing yards and tied for the ninth-most rushing scores. Last year was also his third straight season garnering over 1,100 rushing yards and at least double-digit rushing scores. Williams also served as a key piece to the Rams’ quick pass game, tallying career-highs with 36 receptions for 281 yards and three touchdowns. Finally, the most underrated part of Williams’s game is his pass-blocking prowess, routinely named among the top blocking RBs in the league. Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle 63. Kyle Hamilton One of the more head-scratching placements on this list is that of the top safety in the league. Hamilton has now dropped in the “NFL Top 100” in each of the past two years despite being named an All-Pro for a third consecutive year and being voted to the Pro Bowl for the third year in a row as well. Regardless, this is Hamilton’s third-straight appearance in the “NFL Top 100,” where he peaked at #43 in 2024. This past season, the Baltimore Ravens S recorded 105 tackles, seven TFLs, one sack, two forced fumbles, and nine passes defended. As mentioned above, Hamilton was recognized for his efforts with an AP All-Pro First-Team selection. Hamilton’s game should continue to elevate under new Ravens HC Jesse Minter and DC Anthony Weaver. Want the latest intel on Notre Dame football? Subscribe to Tribune+ and get access to recruiting and team intel from The Irish Tribune team, as well as access to our intel community, exclusive app, and more Notre Dame content: Subscribe here to support our independent journalism. Follow The Irish Tribune on social media: Facebook / Instagram / X / Threads / TikTok Follow @Brenden_Duffy on X Liked this story? Subscribe to our mailing list and get every story in your inbox. Check out our Irish partners: TMPR Sports - Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle here! Legion of the Leprechaun - Join the #1 Notre Dame fan community on Facebook today!

To pair with an elite QB like CJ Carr, Notre Dame may finally have the wide receiver group to put real fear into opponents, thanks to returning talent and exciting newcomers. For a time, the receiving group at Notre Dame has left something to be desired. While there were stronger groups and players, there has not been a steady stream of talent year after year. In 2026, that may change, as Notre Dame looks to have a plethora of talented options at the position that includes returning players and new transfers. Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! Main Contributors Jordan Faison Jordan Faison has been one of the Irish's most consistent offensive players for the past two years. Over those two seasons, Faison has thrived as a crafty, elusive playmaker in the middle of the field. With sure hands, he is a reliable target for Carr. With such a dangerous skill set, he consistently gets open and has the ability to extend every play after the catch. This season, he is slotted to be the main target of the offense. With the offense likely becoming more of a passing attack, Faison will be put in a lot of advantageous positions to make plays. Faison does lack the ability to truly beat defenses over the top, but that is not what he is mainly asked to do. Instead, he works underneath as a short-to-intermediate route-runner looking to extend drives. Last Season Stats: 49 rec | 640 yards | 4 TDs Jaden Greathouse Jaden Greathouse has had a bit of a roller-coaster career during his time in South Bend. In 2024, he showed real glimpses of stardom. Those glimpses hit their pinnacle in the CFP, where Greathouse became the hero of the Orange Bowl against Penn State. He then followed up that performance with another special game in the National Championship. While Notre Dame's offense was quiet for most of the game, Greathouse broke out in the second-half, giving them a chance to win late in the game. After what appeared to be a breakout season, he unfortunately struggled with a hamstring injury that kept him out for most of 2025. Now, Greathouse returns with the expectations of being a main producer for the offense once again. He possesses enough speed and a knack for locating deep passes, making him one of the Irish's best deep threats. The main thing Greathouse will have to contend with is consistency. While his talent is undeniable, he can disappear at times. For Notre Dame to hit their full potential, he must be a threat that defenses are constantly worried about, as he does have the ability to break a game open. Last Season Stats: 4 rec | 73 yards | 0 TDs Mylan Graham Mylan Graham is one of two Ohio State transfers coming in this season who appears ready to take this group to the next level. He comes to Notre Dame as a former five-star recruit. After spending a year at Ohio State, Graham now becomes a weapon for Carr in an offense in need of talent like himself. As a player, Graham has some elite traits that could turn him into Notre Dame's best receiving threat. The first thing that is apparent with Graham is his speed and acceleration, especially off the line of scrimmage. He explodes into his routes, making it hard for any defender to stay in stride. After that, he uses his fluid and precise route-running ability to create space to get open. To pair this with his 6'1" frame, Graham has all the necessary tools to become a great player in this Irish offense. He does have the versatility to play on the outside or work in the slot, giving OC Mike Denbrock options to move him around the field. Last Season Stats: 6 rec | 93 yards | 0 TDs Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle Role Players Micah Gilbert Micah Gilbert could easily be in the "main contributors" group, but the potential of Graham could result in Gilbert's role becoming more limited. Gilbert finally broke onto the scene in 2025, scoring the first Notre Dame touchdown of the season against Miami. While that was an early indicator that Gilbert was ready to take a significant jump, Gilbert struggled to see meaningful snaps throughout the season, even with Greathouse's injury. This season, Gilbert will once again be competing for playing time, as it is a deep position group. Gilbert appears to be best suited on the boundary, where he can use his great size to win contested catches and position himself along the sideline. Standing at 6'2", Gilbert is a tall target with solid speed, presenting potential matchup problems for opposing cornerbacks. Gilbert has provided good depth for the offense in past seasons. This year, the question will be if he can finally crack into significant playing time. Last Season Stats: 9 rec | 93 yards | 1 TD Quincy Porter Quincy Porter is the second half of the Ohio State receiving tandem who transferred to Notre Dame in the winter. As a former five-star, Porter possesses immense talent, but like Graham, he is still relatively unproven. During his time at Ohio State, he struggled to see the field as part of the best WR group in the country. Now, he will battle to prove himself as a trusted and reliable part of this offense. Porter is the most physically impressive player of the entire group. It is clear why he was one of the most coveted players in his class based purely on his physical traits. Standing at 6'4" and 215 lbs, Porter is a monster at the position, who uses that size to shield defenders from the ball and to win deep balls downfield. As if that was not enough, Porter moves surprisingly well at his size, possessing a rare combination of elite size and speed. For Irish fans, Porter may remind them a lot of 2025 Notre Dame star Malachi Fields, with possibly better athleticism. Porter has been battling an injury this off-season, which could set him back at the start of the season, but he does have the potential and athleticism to be a focal point of the offense by season's end. Last Season Stats: 4 recs | 59 yards | 0 TDs Cam Williams Cam Williams is a player Irish fans have been waiting on for a long time to finally break out. Williams came to Notre Dame as a highly rated prospect who seemed primed to make a big impact early. While that has not been the case, there is still a lot of untapped potential for Williams. Now, as a Junior, Williams has had years to familiarize himself with the offense and Carr, which could be all he needs to see playing time in 2026. Like the other players in this group, Williams offers great size and speed for the position; listed as 6'2", he is another big target for Carr to get the ball to. Williams pairs his size with smooth route-running, making him a potential handful for opposing teams. Last Season Stats: 1 rec | 6 yards | 0 TDs Reserves Outside of these two groups, Notre Dame has a lot more exciting young players waiting in the wings. While it is still unclear if any of these players will be featured in the offense, they do provide excellent depth at the position and represent the group's promising future. In past years, players of their caliber would have likely seen playing time, but Notre Dame has been able to build a talented and deep WR room in 2026 that may limit the amount of time these players are on the field: Logan Saldate Elijah Burress Jerome Bettis Jr. Kaydon Finely Bubba Frazier Devin Fitzgerald Matt Jeffery Brayden Robinson Dylan Faison Want the latest intel on Notre Dame football? Subscribe to Tribune+ and get access to recruiting and team intel from The Irish Tribune team, as well as access to our intel community, exclusive app, and more Notre Dame content: Subscribe here to support our independent journalism. Follow The Irish Tribune on social media: Facebook / Instagram / X / Threads / TikTok Liked this story? Subscribe to our mailing list and get every story in your inbox. Check out our Irish partners: TMPR Sports - Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle here! Legion of the Leprechaun - Join the #1 Notre Dame fan community on Facebook today!

Indiana Football Head Coach Curt Cignetti recently called out Notre Dame amidst the sudden cancellation of two matchups between the Irish and Hoosiers. Photo via Notre Dame Athletics The in-state matchups were scheduled to take place in South Bend in 2030 and in Bloomington the following season. The Hoosiers reportedly opted out of the scheduled arrangement, which removed the only power-four program for Indiana’s future non-conference opponents. “They ought to come to our place twice, and we’ll go up there once, since they’re not in a conference”, Cignetti told Big Ten Network. The agreement was signed before the hiring of Cignetti and the subsequent success that followed, including a Heisman-winning QB and a National Championship. Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! The cancellation of the two-game series brought forth a revival of the Notre Dame and USC rivalry, which many fans applauded. However, others openly wondered what was lost in the cancellation, which may have resulted in the start of a legendary in-state rivalry between the two sides' powerhouse Universities. Under Cignetti, the Hoosiers have faced the Irish only once. The matchup was the first game of the current College Football Playoff (CFP) format. Under the watchful gaze of ‘Touchdown Jesus,’ Notre Dame dominated the Hoosiers with a final score of 24-17 to advance to the next round of the 2024 CFP. Although Cignetti’s inaugural season guiding the Hoosiers ended by Irish hands, Indiana would go all the way the following season to win the 2025 National Championship. Overall, the Irish have led the series against Indiana, with 24 wins and four losses. The Hoosiers have dropped the last seven consecutive matchups. The first iteration of the in-state rivalry occurred in South Bend during the 1898 season, when the Hoosiers defeated the Irish 11-5. The two programs would trade wins and losses before the Irish lifted off starting in 1908. It would take over four decades until Indiana broke the losing streak when they upset the Irish 20-7 in 1950. Since then, Indiana has failed to defeat Notre Dame in the last seven matchups. Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle Notre Dame and Indiana have not crossed paths much compared to the Irish’s historical in-state rival, Purdue. Despite being less than 200 miles apart (over three hours on highway US-31), the two schools have scarcely faced off. This is in part due to Indiana joining a conference and the widespread anti-Catholic sentiment that forced Notre Dame to travel across the country in search of opponents. Although the anti-Catholic sentiment has largely evaporated from modern culture, the conference dilemma remains. The Indiana athletics department sees the potential matchup between Notre Dame as a win/lose ordeal. If Indiana wins, then they benefit with a signature win. However, a Hoosier loss would almost certainly have playoff implications down in Bloomington. The real losers of the deal are the fans on both sides, who are actively being neglected in an accelerating matchup that would create legends and lore for the Hoosiers and Irish players alike. If the cancellation had happened four years earlier, then there would be less controversy and what-ifs. The fact remains the state commonly referred to as the “Basketball State” now features two premier football programs, which both carry the capacity and expectations of championship contention. There is little doubt that the renewal of the matchup would result in intense and passionate gridiron battles. Fernando Mendoza, Indiana’s former QB, won the coveted Heisman Trophy last season, and current betting odds show CJ Carr, Notre Dame’s current Sophomore QB, as this season's frontrunner Heisman candidate. A duel between Coach Cignetti and Coach Freeman would be riveting for sports fans as a whole. Hopefully, the near future will contain a Hoosier State showdown between the two schools. Want the latest intel on Notre Dame football? Subscribe to Tribune+ and get access to recruiting and team intel from The Irish Tribune team, as well as access to our intel community, exclusive app, and more Notre Dame content: Subscribe here to support our independent journalism. Follow The Irish Tribune on social media: Facebook / Instagram / X / Threads / TikTok Liked this story? Subscribe to our mailing list and get every story in your inbox. Check out our Irish partners: TMPR Sports - Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle here! Legion of the Leprechaun - Join the #1 Notre Dame fan community on Facebook today!

The season opener against Wisconsin at Lambeau is just under a month away. Marcus Freeman and his team are earnestly preparing one game at a time. Despite criticisms over a lackluster schedule, each matchup will provide the Irish with a unique challenge. Photo via Notre Dame Athletics The 2026 Notre Dame Football team looks different from the previous year, as the dynamic duo of running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price was drafted in the first round. The Irish also lost contributors to the draft in Eli Raridon, Billy Schrauth, and Gabriel Rubio. However, despite the departures, Notre Dame has some exciting young prospects filling the empty spots, most notably RB Aneyas Williams. Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! September 6th vs Wisconsin Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin 2025 Record - (4-8) No. of Returning Offensive Starters - 3 No. of Returning Defensive Starters- 3 The first game for the Irish will be the 2026 iteration of the Shamrock Series. The Badgers lost the majority of starters on both sides of the ball and only see six total returning starters. However, Wisconsin brings in an impressive 34-man transfer portal class paired with a class of 12 incoming freshmen. Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle Head Coach Luke Fickell will begin his fourth season at the helm on the hot seat. Perhaps a win over the Irish will ensure another contract. Jeff Grimes will remain offensive coordinator, despite having a lackluster passing attack that featured 27 sacks last season. Grimes will rely heavily on transfer QB Colton Joseph on his quest to transform what was one of the worst offenses last season. Mike Tressel will also remain defensive coordinator. The Badger defensive line surprisingly caught fire at the tail end of last season, as Tressel attempts to build consistency throughout the gridiron. The defensive back room will certainly be more talented than last year, as Wisconsin brought in Javan Robinson and Marvin Burks in the portal. Overall, the Wisconsin Badgers will have plenty to prove this season, as Fickell's feet dangle beneath the heated coal on the hot seat. Notre Dame will be expected to win, but given that early-season upsets have struck Freeman in the past, I would still be careful. Want the latest intel on Notre Dame football? Subscribe to Tribune+ and get access to recruiting and team intel from The Irish Tribune team, as well as access to our intel community, exclusive app, and more Notre Dame content: Subscribe here to support our independent journalism. Follow The Irish Tribune on social media: Facebook / Instagram / X / Threads / TikTok Liked this story? Subscribe to our mailing list and get every story in your inbox. Check out our Irish partners: TMPR Sports - Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle here! Legion of the Leprechaun - Join the #1 Notre Dame fan community on Facebook today!

Notre Dame Volleyball Head Coach Salima Rockwell has brought in six new faces in her attempt to rectify the Lady Irish. Photo via Notre Dame Athletics Rockwell will begin her fifth season with the Irish on August 28th against Ball State in South Bend. Rockwell was a four-time National Championship coach and three-time All-American before accepting the head coaching job with the Irish in 2022. She has had two different assistant stints at her alma mater Penn State, separated by a position on the dominant Texas coaching staff in between. Despite a rather impressive coaching resume, Rockwell’s tenure at Notre Dame has been somewhat disappointing, with the Lady Irish going 45-66 under her. Last year, the Notre Dame Women’s Volleyball program posted a mediocre 12-18 record, going 9-11 in ACC play. The Lady Irish graduated five seniors last May, including key contributors Cailey Dockery, Harmony Sample, and Lucy Trump. However, Coach Rockwell will be seeing six new faces join the 26/27 team, which includes two talented transfers. Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! The most disappointing loss of the season was All-American Morgan Gaerte, who transferred to Kentucky this offseason. However, the Irish gained outside hitter Stella Adeyemi when she transferred from Hawaii. Adeyemi garnered 378 kills and 378 points in her 46 matches played for the Rainbow Warriors. She brought in 200 kills her sophomore season and was likely to surpass that total in the 10 matches she played before an injury sidelined her for the 2025 season. The Irish also brought in a very talented transfer libero in Chloe Hooker, who is moving from the sand to hardwood in her last year of eligibility. Hooker was a dominant force for Loyola Marymount Beach, where she garnered a 29-8 record and was selected as the West Coast Conference’s Defensive Player of the Year and All-WCC Beach Volleyball First Team. The switch from beach volleyball to court volleyball will certainly be different, and it may seem as if Coach Rockwell took a gamble bringing her to South Bend. Nevertheless, Hooker could definitely play a meaningful role in the team’s success. Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle On top of the pair of transfers, the Lady Irish also bring in four freshman recruits. Hailie Vaughn is a two-time Kansas Volleyball Association All-State First Team selection. The outside hitter will join the Irish from Overland Park. Vaughn helped lead Blue Valley Southwest to a runner-up finish in the KSHAA 5A State Volleyball tournament. She pairs her 6’0” height with a 10’0” approach touch for a powerful and precise spike that has the potential to garner plenty of kills over her collegiate career. The Irish coaching staff even went international in their pursuit of talent, which culminated in libero Carla Mercado from Bayamón, Puerto Rico, committing to a team in Northern Indiana. Mercado is a versatile and scrappy player. She has also received both national and foreign recognition after she was a member of the gold medal Pan American Cup U17. She could very well prove to be a steal for Rockwell and the Irish if she continues to develop over the course of her time at Our Lady’s University. The final two incoming freshmen are both middle blockers. Portia Zeidler joins the team from Los Gatos, California, where she was a four-year starter and three-time SVAL All-League selection for Los Gatos High School. Zeidler rose to 43rd overall in California by Prep Dig California. She combines her towering 6’5” height with a highly athletic background (her father highjumped for Cal) to result in a devastating block for opponents. I predict she will see the floor early. Isabella Sangha rounds off the list for the Irish after she committed to Notre Dame from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Sangha built up a highly renowned reputation over her time at St. Thomas Aquinas, which she transferred to after dominating at Pine Crest School. Sangha is ranked as the number one middle blocker in Florida, which is added to her 7A-5A player of the year selection from the Sun-Sentinel Broward County. Even more impressive, Sangha will also be playing in Women’s Basketball for the Irish this winter. She has plenty of accolades there as well, but we will save them for the WBB Preview this fall. Sangha will be a force to be reckoned with after she gets acclimated and comfortable playing for the Irish. Want the latest intel on Notre Dame football? Subscribe to Tribune+ and get access to recruiting and team intel from The Irish Tribune team, as well as access to our intel community, exclusive app, and more Notre Dame content: Subscribe here to support our independent journalism. Follow The Irish Tribune on social media: Facebook / Instagram / X / Threads / TikTok Liked this story? Subscribe to our mailing list and get every story in your inbox. Check out our Irish partners: TMPR Sports - Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle here! Legion of the Leprechaun - Join the #1 Notre Dame fan community on Facebook today!