Notre Dame's Travis Hunter? We dive into the unprecedented talent and abilities of 2026 five-star safety Joey O'Brien, who just committed to Notre Dame. Art by The Irish Tribune Note: This article includes content from a previous film review by us and has been modified and added to since the commitment of Joey O'Brien. Due to things like limited roster sizes or a coach recognizing when a certain player is head and shoulders above the competition, many high school football players end up taking snaps on both sides of the line of scrimmage. It is much rarer for a player to be able to carry over that balance to the college level. When Travis Hunter won the Heisman Trophy in the 2024-25 season, he was the first two-way star to do so since Charles Woodson accomplished the feat in 1997. One of the highest-ranking recruits in the 2026 class hopes to join that elite company when he takes the field in the FBS next season. 5-star Joey O'Brien is the number one player in the state of Pennsylvania and epitomizes what it means to play both sides of the ball, as he racked up a school record 1,029 receiving yards to go along with 16 touchdowns, as well as 13 pass breakups during his Junior season. Stay on top of the recruiting game with special intel and insight from Insider Bruce Straughan and the rest of the Tribune staff. There's never been a better time to be a part of Tribune+ ! After a tight race between Notre Dame, Penn State, Oregon, and others, the Irish have won O'Brien's pledge as Notre Dame continues to go on a recruiting victory spree for the class of 2026 recruiting cycle. O'Brien recently took his official visit to South Bend, where the staff made a lasting impression on the two-way talent. The game film is exactly what you would expect out of such a highly touted prospect, and this time around, my player evaluation will include both offensive and defensive breakdowns. As a Wide Receiver O'Brien possesses very good height for the WR position, pushing almost 6'4, but does have more of a slender frame. He plays with good acceleration, getting out of his release without any wasted movement, and has no issues getting through some hand fighting at the LOS to get to his spot. He has elite ball skills, with his natural catch ability separating him from other players in his class. Joey can track the ball on deep post patterns and vertical shots without breaking his stride, and his ability to adjust around his frame to inaccurate passes is one of one. He can do everything from snagging the ball with one hand to going up and high-pointing it over multiple defenders. Two specific areas that make him a threat are on back shoulder throws and in the red zone. O'Brien does an excellent job of selling the go route when he takes an outside release and shows the concentration and manual dexterity to turn around mid route and attack the pass on his back shoulder. In the red zone, his height and leaping ability make him the perfect target on fade routes. He also plays with the courage to go over the middle through traffic and absorb contact while still completing the catch. Get an officially licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle! Use code IrishTribune20 for $20 off O'Brien does not have a lot of suddenness in and out of his breaks, which leads to a lack of separation at the top of his routes. This is why his penchant for making contested catches is one of his most valuable traits. He also doesn't always stack the defensive back when he goes vertical, which has not been an issue at the high school level, as he seems to always win the 50-50 balls in the air, but when facing a cornerback with better ball skills, it will not be as easy. I view O'Brien as a very good receiving prospect who has a lot of the physical attributes that could allow him to grow into a prototypical "X" WR role. He will thrive against one-on-one matchups, especially near the goal line, because of his length and ability to go over the top of defenders. He will have some of the best hands on the team from the minute he steps on a campus, and as his route running continues to improve, he will become even more of a threat at all levels of the field. As a Defensive Back There are not many 6'3 cornerbacks that have the type of long speed O'Brien possesses. His ball skills as a WR translate to this side of the ball as well, which is a huge plus. He shows very quick processing as a defender, getting in the backfield to break up screens and bubbles. O'Brien shows that he can be a very physical press corner, using good hand placement on his jam and disrupting the WR's ability to get into his route. He plays with elite awareness in zone coverage, following the eyes of the QB and jumping routes with good anticipation. Very good open field tackler who can differentiate between when to wrap up and when he can go for a big hit. O'Brien may not have the short-area quickness to play man coverage full time on an island, but his awareness and ball skills scream elite cover 3 cornerback potential. The chance to play some off coverage and read the QB will only feed into his strengths, and although he is listed as a safety on most sites, I can definitely see him sticking on the perimeter like he has done plenty throughout high school and making a name for himself there. There is no telling which school, if any, plans to have O'Brien go full-time on both offense and defense, but there is no doubt that he hopes to remain a factor in multiple spots. Marcus Freeman and the Notre Dame staff have discussed special packages with O'Brien on how he can be used. Considering some of the recent misses with WR recruiting, O'Brien would be a crown jewel for wide receiver coach Mike Brown, all while helping fortify a secondary that is already a huge strength for the Irish. Players like Joey O'Brien do not come around very often, and it will be interesting to see how he will be utilized in South Bend. Click to Join! - https://www.facebook.com/groups/legionoftheleprechaun

Marcus Freeman and the recruiting staff make an emphatic splash, winning the recruiting battle for elite safety Joey O'Brien, one of the top remaining targets on the board for the Irish in the class of 2026. Notre Dame recruiting continues its surge into the summer. Art by The Irish Tribune Notre Dame secured the final official visit for the elite Pennsylvania product, who took the trip up to South Bend last weekend alongside a host of other targets and commits. The visit served as the final push for several priority prospects, including newly minted 4-Star OT commit Grayson McKeogh, 5-Star CB Khary Adams, and, of course, Joey O'Brien. Needless to say, Notre Dame rolled out the red carpet and knocked the OV weekend out of the park. Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your Notre Dame Pickleball Paddle Here The Irish went head-to-head with the likes of in-state school Penn State and recruiting powerhouse Oregon to secure O'Brien's services. In a battle that seemed to be trending in a multitude of directions down the stretch, Notre Dame was able to emerge victorious. O'Brien joins Rodney Dunham as the second 5-Star to commit to the Irish this cycle, and is another feather in the cap of the incredible Mike Mickens, who has proven time and time again that Notre Dame is the destination for elite secondary prospects. So, what is Notre Dame getting in a player like O'Brien? The Irish Tribune's Max Uretsky had this to say about the two-way talent after breaking down the film: "There are not many 6'3 DBs that have the type of long speed O'Brien possesses. His ball skills as a WR translate to this side of the ball as well, which is a huge plus. He shows very quick processing as a defender, getting in the backfield to break up screens and bubbles. O'Brien demonstrates that he can be a very physical press corner, utilizing good hand placement on his jam and disrupting the WR's ability to get into their route. He plays with elite awareness in zone coverage, following the eyes of the QB and jumping routes with good anticipation. Very good open field tackler who can differentiate between when to wrap up and when he can go for a big hit." Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! There's no question that Notre Dame will continue to butt heads with the nation's best in the recruiting department, and the days of being just another hat on the table are beginning to feel like a distant memory under this regime. However, nothing is certain until the pen hits the paper, and now the Irish will need to ensure this commitment remains firm until signing day, something that has been a thorn in their side over the past few cycles. Regardless, securing a commitment from Joey O'Brien is certainly one of the biggest recruiting victories in the country, and the staff should be commended for their efforts. Click to Join! - https://www.facebook.com/groups/legionoftheleprechaun

Marcus Freeman's recruiting takeover rolls onward, as the Irish have landed another elite talent and top target in 5-Star CB Khary Adams. The Fighting Irish remain red hot on the trail. Art by The Irish Tribune Notre Dame hosted a gargantuan amount of talent for Official Visits last weekend, and the results speak for themselves. Among those visitors were three key targets, which included newly committed 4-Star OT Grayson McKeogh, 4-Star CB Khary Adams, and likely more. Marcus Freeman and company have, without a doubt, done everything within their power to attract these elite talents to South Bend. Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your Notre Dame Pickleball Paddle Here Notre Dame once again beat out early favorite Penn State, recruiting powerhouse Oregon, and other power four programs for the services of Adams. It seems that Notre Dame has hit its stride during the dog days of summer on the recruiting trail, and the commitment of Adams is a massive addition to Notre Dame's top-5 class. Adams, a 6'1", 180 lbs corner out of Towson, Maryland, brings a host of physical and instinctual tools to South Bend. The Irish Tribune's Max Uretsky writes of Adams: "Adams has elite height for the position, standing at 6'1", with a good wingspan and a frame that will still allow him to bulk up some. He possesses true 4.4 speed, which shows up on both sides of the ball as a cornerback and as a wide receiver, where he was able to average a little over 16 yards a catch during his Junior season. His change of direction is a crucial part of his athletic profile and serves him well, especially when in off coverage. Excellent stop and start ability with top-notch acceleration. Adams has short-area quickness, long speed, and everything in between. He has all the makings of a boundary corner, and his athleticism, paired with more development, gives him the chance to become a true lockdown." Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! With another key target in the fold, this class is shaping up to be one of the best not only under Marcus Freeman but possibly within the last decade. Notre Dame must now face the daunting task of surviving until signing day, which has been the Achilles heel of the recruiting department, especially when it comes to securing top-end talent. With that being said, the Irish have placed themselves in an incredible position to succeed, and fans should be thrilled with the efforts the staff have put forth to land elite talent. Notre Dame recruiting feels like it is turning over a new leaf. Click to Join! - https://www.facebook.com/groups/legionoftheleprechaun

Mike Mickens continues to add eliteness to the secondary for the Irish, and Adams is no exception. The elite cornerback out of Maryland brings top-100 player talent to South Bend. Art by The Irish Tribune To say Head Coach Marcus Freeman and his staff have done an excellent job with the 2026 recruiting cycle would be the understatement of the year. With landing what is now arguably the best class of any school in the country, the Irish's title contention window is ever expanding, as they are now winning the type of recruiting battles against the type of schools people felt they couldn't. The competition to land Towson, Maryland 4-star cornerback Khary Adams was indeed neck and neck until the final whistle, but in the end, he chose to be a part of the special happenings in South Bend. The incoming secondary talent for Notre Dame raises the ceiling for a defense that has perennially been among the tops in the nation already, and a defensive-minded coach like Freeman has to be thrilled. Tribune+ brings elite-level coverage and intel for all things Notre Dame Recruiting. Subscribe! Khary Adams is ranked as a top 5 cornerback in the country, and it's not hard to see why teams like Oregon, Penn State, and Michigan were also in heavy pursuit. Everything you want in a defensive back shows up on his film, and after watching his Sophomore and Junior tape, I can't wait to see what he does for his final high school performance as a Senior and team leader. The evaluation process for Adams coincided with his commitment, which made this one that much more enjoyable. As always, each trait will be graded on a scale of 1 (Poor) to 7 (Elite). Let's get into it! Athletic Ability: Very Good (6) Adams has elite height for the position, standing at 6'2", with a good wingspan and a frame that will still allow him to bulk up some. He possesses true 4.4 speed, which shows up on both sides of the ball as a cornerback and as a wide receiver, where he was able to average a little over 16 yards a catch during his Junior season. His change of direction is a crucial part of his athletic profile and serves him well, especially when in off coverage. He also possesses excellent stop-and-start ability with top-notch acceleration. Adams has short-area quickness, long speed, and everything in between. He has all the makings of a boundary corner, and his athleticism, paired with more development, gives him the chance to become a true lockdown. Man Coverage: Very Good (6) Adams plays with more of a shuffle technique than a traditional back pedal, which hasn't hurt him because he has the hip fluidity to be able to flip and drive, especially on out-breaking patterns. Has the length to play press man, just needs to fine-tune his punch timing at the LOS to slow the receiver's release. Has the foot quickness to be able to mirror his man in a confined area, and shows good patience before turning and bailing. Generally does not allow himself to be stacked on vertical routes, staying on top of the WR, but does have the recovery speed to catch up on deep balls when needed. Khary does a good job of staying on the hip of the WR on slants and in breaking routes, which leads to PBU's. Overall, Adams is the prototypical man-coverage defensive back who can play on an island when necessary. When you have a guy you can trust like that on the outside, it gives defensive coordinators a lot of room to be creative. Get an officially licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle! Use code IrishTribune20 for $20 off Zone Coverage: Good (5) Adams played more Man than Zone on film, but there is plenty to be taken away from the reps I saw that would make me comfortable using him as a Zone defender. The route recognition he plays with in Zone is very evident, and is surely aided by the fact that he plays receiver as well. He does a good job shifting from his Zone drop to breaking on underneath routes with top-notch closing speed. When he plays with his eyes on the QB, you can see how quickly he processes where the ball is going to go, especially in regards to check downs, which allows him to blow up things in the backfield. The shuffle technique he uses on his drops is even better suited in Zone, so there would be a natural comfort there. Because he does have borderline elite speed, he would thrive in a Cover 3 look where he could handle getting taken vertical. I also feel he is a very good tackler from the corner position, which means in a Cover 2 situation, there would be no issues in run support or making plays in the flats. Ball Skills: Elite (7) Another area of his game that is boosted by the fact that he doubles as a WR is ball skills. Turning errant passes into turnovers can put a game away, or quickly get your team back in it when they are trailing. His hand-eye coordination is elite, as a couple of his interceptions came on tip drills where he had to adjust to a ball that changed direction mid-air. When he is in Man Coverage, he does a great job of turning and locating the ball, which is an area a lot of defensive backs struggle with, and is what leads to penalties for pass interference/face guarding. Adams can also go up on 50/50 balls and win those battles against the receiver, coming down with it more times than not. Because of his long arms, not only does he have a good catch radius, but he is also able to reach around with his off-hand and knock down passes, which leaves a much tighter window for the QB to try to fit it into. Knows how to play through the WR's hands as well. Not only can Adams force turnovers, but once the ball is in his hands, he also has the chance to turn it into a touchdown for the defense. With his vision, shiftiness, and breakaway speed, QBs need to be very careful throwing to his side of the field. There is still a 2025 season to be played for the Fighting Irish, one that figures to once again be very successful, but the buzz for 2026 is certainly already building thanks to the slew of blue-chip recruits that have landed with the Blue and Gold. Due to the skillset Khary Adams will bring with him to South Bend, he will not have to wait long to see the field in some capacity. Leonard Moore proved last season that Freeman is going to roll with his best guys in the secondary, regardless of age or experience. Adams is the latest special prospect to land under this regime, and the 2026 class as a whole should give Irish fans a lot to be excited about. What do you think? Let us know! 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With Grayson McKeogh's pledge to Notre Dame, we take a look at the film of the silent giant slated to protect the blind spot of Notre Dame's future signal callers. Art by The Irish Tribune C/O 2026 5-star two-way player Joey O'Brien is set to make his commitment announcement on June 20th with Notre Dame squarely in the mix as a finalist. While O'Brien would certainly generate a lot of buzz among Irish faithful if he were to choose to don the Blue and Gold, one of his teammates at La Salle College High School also made plenty of waves when he chose to commit to Notre Dame. A quick riser in the rankings, Grayson McKeogh is an offensive tackle out of Pennsylvania who, while being relatively raw at the position, possesses some qualities that can not be taught. Alongside Notre Dame, fellow college football heavyweights, Texas and Penn State, were in pursuit of McKeogh's services, but when it was all said and done, Joe Rudolph was able to help land another great talent for the Irish front. The height of recruiting for 2025 is happening right now. Subscribe to Tribune+ for an inside scoop on Notre Dame Recruiting and be in the know. He's joining a 2026 class for the Fighting Irish that already includes some rich o-line talent in the case of 4-star prospects, Tyler Merrill and Gregory Patrick, and a couple of high-end 3-stars in Sullivan Garvin and Ben Nichols. In other words, the offensive trenches are locked and loaded for years to come, with ND being able to add McKeogh to the mix. I went over his Junior season film, which was his first year playing left tackle, and came away intrigued by the potential. For this breakdown, each trait will be graded on a scale of 1 (Poor) to 7 (Elite). Let's get into it! Athletic Ability: Very Good (6) Grayson McKeogh started off his high school career by playing both defensive end and tight end before making the switch to the o-line, which tells you the type of athleticism he brings to the position. His play speed is evident on basically every rep, and he is able to easily execute assignments that call for him to get somewhere in a hurry, such as getting out as a lead blocker on screen passes. Although he would currently be considered more on the slender side for an offensive tackle, his 6'7" frame should allow for him to pack on more mass without compromising his athletic ability, which is his most intriguing attribute. There is an explosiveness that he plays with off the snap, and his quickness and agility allow him to be used in a variety of blocking schemes. The more comfortable he gets at the position, he will be able to react and play even faster, which is a scary thought for opposing defenses. Run Blocking: Very Good (6) The first thing that jumps out on tape is McKeogh's lateral quickness and his ability to be used as a pull tackle and get up on the second-level defender efficiently, opening up major holes in the run game. He plays with good hand placement, and once he engages, he likes to make sure he finishes his blocks, using excellent play strength to wash out linebackers with general ease. Grayson has no problem with Drive Blocks, moving his man off the line of scrimmage while maintaining inside leverage. I have not seen him be used in a pure Zone Scheme, but with his athletic traits, it would be safe to assume that he could make that transition as well. Right now, he wins a lot of his matchups at the second level with pure size and strength, but I would like to see him maintain a little bit of a lower pad level and pair it with more leg drive. McKeogh is a mover in the run game and can only get better with more repetitions. Enjoy the fastest-growing sport in the country with your very own Notre Dame pickleball paddle! Use code "IrishTribune20" at checkout for $20 off your high-quality paddle. Pass Blocking: Good (5) There is a learning curve when making a position change, and that rings true for McKeogh just as it would for anyone else, but the foundation for him to build something great is overwhelmingly obvious. Although his punch timing can be more finely tuned, his arm length and ability to lock out against edge players give him a chance to win all his one-on-one battles. The mental processing aspect of his game shows with his awareness in dealing with twists and stunts, as he keeps himself in the proper position to be able to stay square to the looping defender. His initial kick step into pass pro is not always the cleanest, but he does a great job of never crossing his feet and displays the ability to shuffle and mirror defensive ends that try to win with speed. McKeogh's recovery speed also allows him to run defensive ends that get a step on him, wide and past the QB, allowing the quarterback to step up in the pocket and continue going through his progressions. Anchoring down against Bull Rushes is something I will be looking out for during his senior campaign, as reps in that area did not pop up a lot on film, but it is something that is vital to overall pass protection. Competitive Toughness: Elite (6) Offensive linemen and toughness are synonymous when you are talking about the elite ones at any level, and McKeogh offers that in a variety of ways. Yes, he shows a nastiness between the whistles, which is baseline stuff, but the mental toughness to be able to switch positions and not miss a beat cannot be understated. His physical traits is why he was able to go from a generally unknown commodity to a 4-star being pursued by some of the biggest names in the sport, but then switching to not just the o-line, but the most important position on the oline, speaks to his overall football IQ and the willingness to do whatever the coaches ask of him. Any player who can pair his physical toughness with his mental toughness is a dangerous one, and for a player in the trenches, it is a badge of honor. The consistent aggressiveness he shows is exactly what the offensive staff at Notre Dame is looking for. The clock is ticking on landing some of the best remaining prospects 2026 has to offer. Although the offensive line room for Notre Dame is anything but bare, the addition of Grayson McKeogh further boosted an already sensational class for the Irish and helped round out one of the best position groups on the team. Ever-expanding playoffs mean more games and more chances at unfortunate injuries. Depth is king in today's game, and having a plethora of linemen to be able to rotate and punish opposing defenses with will win you a lot of games, which is a standard set by Head Coach Marcus Freeman, that he is not looking to relinquish any time soon. What are your thoughts on Grayson McKeogh's ability on the line? How does he compare to past Irish blindside blockers, such as Joe Alt? Let us know! Click to Join! - https://www.facebook.com/groups/legionoftheleprechaun

It's no secret that the Fighting Irish passing attack has been disappointing for a long time now. They have never seemed to match a quarterback with the right type of wide receivers who can consistently strike fear into opposing defenses. Many view this element as the final piece to the puzzle for Notre Dame to put it all together and win a National Championship. Photo by Notre Dame Athletics In years past, Notre Dame has always struggled to cultivate a consistent and explosive passing game. Towards the end of the Kelly era, it was clear that Notre Dame lacked a quarterback who could operate that type of offense, which slowly bled into the wide receiver group. It has been years since Notre Dame had a playmaker like Chase Claypool or Miles Boykin. Last year, the wide receiver group, on paper, showed promise. Unfortunately for the Irish, transfers like Jayden Harrison and Kris Mitchell did not pan out the way they had hoped. To add to that, Riley Leonard's passing proficiency, or lack thereof, severely limited that offense at times. One thing that is always important to remember is that Notre Dame will be a run-first offense, especially when they have a player like Jeremiyah Love in the backfield. That philosophy will put a cap on what the wide receivers will produce, but this year, Notre Dame may finally have a chance to develop an incredible passing attack. So with that being said, here are my predictions for what the 2025-2026 wide receiver production could look like. Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your Notre Dame Pickleball Paddle Here Jaden Greathouse - Junior Greathouse may be one of the most highly anticipated players to watch on this team next year, but with that comes lofty expectations. Those expectations are born out of the performance he displayed in the last two games of last season. He made big play after big play in the two most consequential games of the season. For a player who dominated the state of Texas in high school, this was the type of play many were expecting from the moment he stepped foot in South Bend. Although it took longer than some would've liked, it seems that Greathouse has finally figured it out. That makes him the clear candidate to be Notre Dame's top target next season, whether he's in the slot or split out wide. It has been six years since Notre Dame had a 1000-yard receiver, dating back to Chase Claypool in 2019. Greathouse seems ready to update that stat and produce a 1000-yard season. Greathouse will most likely be moved around the field to put him in the best position to be effective. His precise route running and reliable hands will make a great target for Notre Dame's inexperienced QB. Although he may not lead the team in touchdowns, Greathouse will have the largest impact on Notre Dame's passing game. Stat Prediction: 60 rec | 1050 yds | 8 TDs Malachi Fields - Senior Notre Dame has struggled to find that difference maker in the portal when it comes to the wide receiver position. Fields has a chance to change that narrative. Fields looks like he has been built in a lab to play wide receiver. He is 6'4", 220 lbs, and an explosive athlete. At Virginia, he still managed to put up impressive numbers in an offense that was pedestrian at best. In each of his last two years, he went for over 800 yards and five touchdowns, averaging right around 14 yards per reception. This season, he will have much more to work with. He will be playing next to other highly skilled receivers, the best running back in the nation, one of the best offensive lines in the country, and a more talented QB. All of this will give more opportunities to have another successful season. Fields is also very unique compared to the other receivers on the roster. His incredible size and athleticism give him all the right traits to be the Irish's best weapon on the outside and in the red zone, offering that big-play ability this offense has been missing for years. Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! Stat Prediction: 55 rec | 750 yds | 10 TDs Jordan Faison - Junior A fan favorite of many, Faison has proven that he can be a reliable target for this offense and will likely benefit from the other playmakers on this team. As a two-sport athlete, Faison is incredibly athletic and may be Notre Dame's shiftiest player. In the slot, Faison is hard to stay in front of and consistently gets open to make plays in key moments. Unfortunately for Faison, an ankle injury in week one of last season seemed to have limited him for much of the season, hindering him from reaching his full potential. If he stays healthy, Faison will continue to effectively impact the Irish passing attack. With everything else this team can throw at defenses, Faison could even see more favorable matchups to exploit for big plays. Faison's biggest asset to this team will come in short-yardage and third-down situations, where one quick move can free him up to move the chains for Notre Dame. Stat Prediction: 400 rec | 400 yds | 4 TDs Will Pauling - Senior Notre Dame's other transfer, Will Pauling, also has all the necessary skills to improve Notre Dame's passing game in 2025. Although he is not familiar with Notre Dame, he is familiar with Notre Dame's wide receiver coach, Mike Brown. This is the third school that Pauling has played under Brown for. Before Notre Dame, Pauling played for Brown at Cincinnati and Wisconsin. That is a huge advantage to have for any player coming in from the portal. It allows Pauling to have familiarity with the system Brown coaches with, which instantly frees him up to focus on other things. Pauling will most likely be serving in a rotational role for the Irish in 2025. As a rotational player, it does not get a whole lot better than Pauling, which speaks to how this group. has improved. Pauling is a fantastic route runner who, like Faison, is incredibly elusive in open space. He is always capable of making a man miss. He will serve an important role in the slot.. Stat Prediction: 30 rec | 350 yds | 3 TDs These are only four of the many wide receivers Notre Dame has who might see the field. Of course, there will be others who find ways to contribute, whether that be Micah Gilbert, Cam Williams, Logan Saldate, KK Smith, among others. The four listed above are the ones to carry the load in the passing game next season and have the most expectations to perform at a high level. The excitement comes when the season starts to see the improvements, the surprises, and even the disappointments.

As the 2026 recruiting class starts to crystallize for most teams, with many of the top prospects across the country already declaring their future college destinations, scouting departments are beginning to turn their attention to 2027, 2028, and beyond. Notre Dame hosted a healthy number of those prospects during this month's Irish Invasion event. Art by The Irish Tribune Both sides of the ball were well represented, and included some players who are already garnering a lot of attention nationwide. With only one year's worth of film on the 2028 class, I wanted to zero in on some of the 2027 standouts that made the journey to South Bend and what their potential fits would be, specifically on the offensive side of the ball. QB - Malachi Zeigler (Benton, LA) Zeigler is a true dual-threat QB that fits today's game to a tee. He has the mobility to extend plays from the pocket while keeping his eyes downfield and also possesses enough explosiveness as a runner to hurt teams when he pulls the ball down and takes off. His arm strength is very evident on film, as he effortlessly pushes the ball downfield with minimal lower-body torque. He throws the ball with very good velocity and has the zip to fit it in tight windows. His accuracy is good at the short and intermediate levels, and seems to be even better on deep throws, hitting the WR in stride consistently. His processing time post-snap will need to take a big jump between now and his senior year, and more consistent footwork and lower body mechanics will help to unlock even more arm strength. He is currently a 4-star prospect and a top 10 QB in the 2027 class, who could jump even higher up the rankings with more development. Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your Notre Dame Pickleball Paddle Here QB - Emmett Queen (Fort Mitchell, KY) Queen, a top 10 player in the state of Kentucky, has prototypical size for a QB, currently listed at 6'4" and 215 pounds. He gets to the top of his drop quickly with solid footwork and can scan through multiple progressions before delivering the pass. He displays very good competitive toughness with the way he is willing to stand tall in the pocket and absorb hits to ensure he is able to make the throw. He has the accuracy you would want at all three levels, and has excellent ball placement on throws inside the Redzone which is where you want to be most efficient. Queen has a clear willingness to give his guys a shot downfield on 50-50 balls when he reads one-on-one coverage, which leads to some big plays. His arm strength is a bit limited as of now, which could be due to some throwing mechanics issues, mainly the dip of the elbow on release, so it's an area I'll be paying attention to the further he gets into his high school career. WR - Rob Larson (Folsom, CA) Larson is not considered a blue-chip player yet, but he has a lot of the physical tools to be able to change that before long. The 6'2" WR already has 7 offers, and that number is likely to keep growing. His ability to get off press coverage with quick hands and good footwork at the LOS is impressive for such a young player. Larson has an excellent catch radius that allows him to win jump balls and snag inaccurate passes out of the air. He is a natural hands catcher who does not let passes get into his body. Larson is proficient when it comes to tracking deep shots over his shoulder, and has the courage and toughness to be physical at the point of attack and catch through contact. He is a tough runner after the catch and will consistently fight for extra yardage. Route running and getting his head turned back to the QB too early are two areas of improvement for Larson going forward. Notre Dame is always looking for receiving talent, and I expect Larson to stay on their radar for at least the foreseeable future. Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! RB - Jerry Beard (Bogart, GA) Notre Dame knocked it out of the park when it came to 2026 running back recruiting, with the commitments of a couple of 4-stars in Javian Osborne and Jonaz Walton. The class of 2027 has plenty of talent at the position as well, and you don't have to look much further than Beard. The 4-star out of the Peach State is a true home run hitter and is already one of my favorite 2027 prospects. Beard has a great blend of patience and explosiveness, and once he hits the hole, he has elite acceleration and the breakaway speed to be a big-time playmaker. He is shifty in close quarters and easily makes first and second-level defenders miss, and can create quick separation from defenders. Beard plays with impressive vision, both when making his initial read of which hole to hit and also in the open field when setting up downfield blocks to help spring him for more yardage. Arm tackles do not bring him down, leading to plenty of extra yardage. He can be split out wide and become a receiving threat, not just underneath but vertically as well. Because of his top-notch burst and ability to read blocks, he also provides plus value as a return man on special teams. As is the case with all young running backs, we will need to see how he holds up in pass protection the more he is asked to do it. Notre Dame will field one of the most talented rosters in the country this upcoming season, and to ensure that is the case for years to come, it is never too early to start looking ahead to future classes. This is just a small glimpse into the type of offensive players Marcus Freeman and his staff have their eyes on, and it will be interesting to see which players stick on the big board for the Fighting Irish as time goes on. You can never be too deep at any given position, given today's climate in college football, so the more targets you go after, you more hits you will get. Click to Join! - https://www.facebook.com/groups/legionoftheleprechaun

Coming off the heels of a national championship game appearance, Notre Dame is set to see a similar identity on the defensive side of the ball with defensive coordinator Chris Ash. Here, we breakdown whether each position group will be improved or worsened from the 2024 season to 2025. Art by The Irish Tribune While Marcus Freeman and Notre Dame transition from Al Golden to Chris Ash, the Irish are set to have a similar style of defense in 2025. With the main objective to cause havoc, pressure the quarterback, and force turnovers, Chris Ash is looking to build upon the defense already set in place by his predecessors, and not try and instill a new ideology. While the Irish will return most of the linebacking core and secondary, the defense will have to find new young leaders to replace Xavier Watts, Jack Kiser, Benjamin Morrison, Rylie Mills, and Howard Cross. Let's breakdown each position room to see if they are improved, similar, or worse than the 2024 Notre Dame team. Defensive Ends Better Notre Dame is returning basically every edge rusher and defensive end from last season, minus RJ Oben, the Irish are poised to create pressure off the edge. The Irish still are not at full health with Jordan Botelho suffering a pectoral injury and sidelining him for the next four months. However, the Irish will return Boubacar Traore and most likely pair him with Bryce Young to create the most explosive one-two combination. Josh Burnham, Junior Tuihalamaka, and Loghan Thomas will continue to make an impact this season as well, and the way defensive line coach Al Washington splits up the snaps will be something to monitor, especially early in the year. Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your Notre Dame Pickleball Paddle Here Interior Defensive Line Worse With Rylie Mills and Howard Cross making the next step to the NFL, the interior defensive line for the Fighting Irish is less talented than a year before. Last season, with Mills and Cross both being injured during an extended period of time, young contributors, such as Donovan Hinish and Gabriel Rubio were efficient and able to make a difference. The room also has two key additions: Jared Dawson, the transfer from Louisville, and Jason Onye returning to the team this season. Even though the Irish defensive line will be formidable, the talent on this year's roster doesn't compare to the one-two punch from a year ago. Linebackers Push This is a push, but probably a lean towards better; however, one can't say the room will improve when the leader of last season's defense and all-time leader in games played leaves the program. Kiser's absence will be felt, but it is on some of the other leaders such as Drayk Bowen, Jaylen Sneed, and Jaiden Ausberry to fill in the gap. The California underclassman duo of Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa and Madden Faraimo will be interesting to see on the field as well. Cornerbacks Better Despite the loss of Benjamin Morrison to the NFL Draft, the Irish already found their answer to a post-Morrison era in South Bend. Leonard Moore and Christian Gray will be one of the best cornerback tandems in the country, and with another year of experience and tutorage of Mike Mickens, these two should be in good position for next season. The depth is also a bit better at the corner position with Karson Hobbs and highly-touted freshmen, Dallas Golden and Mark Zachary IV set to make a splash. Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! Safeties Worse Any time a player with the caliber of Xavier Watts leaves a program, the position group is in a worse position. While the depth of this year's safeties might have been better than a year ago, there isn't a way to instantly replace a player like Watts. Adon Shuler will do his best, though, in his quest to become the leader of the secondary. The open competition to see who plays alongside Shuler, whether it be Luke Talich, Jaylen Stroman, or even JaDon Blair, will be interesting to monitor. The nickel position also attempts to replace Jordan Clark with Alabama transfer DeVonta Smith, which should be interesting to see if the Irish can hit on an efficient nickelback once again. Click to Join! - https://www.facebook.com/groups/legionoftheleprechaun

Notre Dame has had a plethora of unbelievable players come through in its long history. If you could add one of these players to this year's roster, who would it be? I set out to answer this question for myself, although I had a hard time choosing just one. Photo by Notre Dame Athletics QB - Joe Montana (1974-1978) Montana is universally beloved at Notre Dame for being one of the greatest players to ever suit up for the Irish. Not only did he deliver a national championship to the program, but he also gave Notre Dame so many iconic wins with his late-game heroics. After his time in South Bend, Montana went on to become one of the greatest NFL quarterbacks ever, winning four Super Bowls and cementing himself as a first-ballot Hall of Famer. Montana would make any team better, but with questions at QB for this 2025 Notre Dame team, he is the obvious first choice. Not to say that CJ Carr or Kenny Minchey can't be successful this season, but Montana would be a huge upgrade, at the most important position, for a team that doesn't have many weaknesses on the roster. Montana, known as "Joe Cool", would bring poise to a team that is aiming to play in the biggest games in college football, ideally for a national championship. In this hypothetical world, Montana would make Notre Dame a clear favorite to reach the national championship and maybe even win it. Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your Notre Dame Pickleball Paddle Here WR - Tim Brown (1984-1987) Pivoting to another Hall of Famer, Tim Brown, would be another excellent addition to Notre Dame's 2025 roster. Brown is another player who could make a case for the greatest Fighting Irish football player of all time. He is the program's last Heisman Trophy winner and the best wide receiver to ever play for Notre Dame. The current Notre Dame roster does have some exciting playmakers on the outside. Jaden Greathouse seems poised for a breakout year, the addition of Malachi Fields will bring size and athleticism to the group, and Jordan Faison's shiftiness will cause problems for any defense. Although that is a good group to have, a proven commodity, and one of the best to ever do it, should never be turned down. Brown would also give Carr or Minchey a reliable playmaker to find on the outside, a crucial piece when playing with an inexperienced quarterback. Brown, paired with Jeremiyah Love in the backfield, would be almost impossible to stop. Together, they would be the most dynamic and explosive offen pairing in the country. Outside of the passing game, Brown would also give Notre Dame a big-play threat on special teams. Brown was an amazing punt and kickoff returner, giving his team a chance to score anytime he could get his hands on the ball. Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! DT - Bryant Young (1990-1993) Going three for three with Hall of Famers, Bryant Young would be another great choice to add to the 2025 Notre Dame roster. Young is one of the best defenders to ever play at Notre Dame and would fit perfectly with what this current roster needs. Notre Dame lost Howard Cross III and Rylie after this past season. Together, they served as the anchors of Notre Dame's defense for years, becoming a dominant duo in the middle. With their departure, they have left a hole in the middle of the defense. Marcus Freeman and the rest of the coaching staff have done well to fill that hole, but Young would instantly be not only the best player on the defensive line, but the player on the entire defense. As he did back in his day, Young would be a dominant and punishing force in the middle of an already talented defense. To make things even more fun, this would also mean that Bryant Young would be playing on the same line as his standout son, Bryce Young. As a pairing, they would wreak havoc on opposing offensive lines. Click to Join! - https://www.facebook.com/groups/legionoftheleprechaun

As Notre Dame looks to build off a National Championship appearance, we look at the top opposing players that could cause the Irish some struggles this year. Preview the nine talented players, five of whom are coming from Miami and Texas A&M, below: Photo via Notre Dame Athletics Miami OT Francis Mauigoa  The first player on this list is the Hurricanes' starting tackle. Last season, Mauigoa allowed just one sack and 16 QB hurries on 541 pass block snaps. With another solid year, the Miami product could be one of the top offensive linemen available in next year’s NFL Draft. Miami QB Carson Beck  The former Georgia signal caller will open his Miami career against the Irish. It will also be Beck’s first game since injuring his elbow during the SEC Championship last season. In 27 games played across the past two years, Beck has thrown for 7,426 yards and 52 touchdowns as a Bulldog. After withdrawing from this year’s draft, Beck is estimated to have received $4 million in NIL from the Hurricanes. Time will tell if Beck can resurge his career similar to Cam Ward last year.  Miami Edge Rueben Bain Jr The third and final Hurricane on this list is the 6’3, 275-pounder that can position anywhere on the line. After sustaining a calf injury in week one last season, Bain struggled while appearing in nine games featuring his lingering issue. However, as a freshman in 2023, he showed what he is capable of while tallying 44 tackles, seven and a half sacks, and three forced fumbles in 13 games played. When Bain is healthy, which he should be in week one this year, he has shown first-round talent.  Get an officially licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle! Code IrishTribune20 for $20 off USC WR Makai Lemon Notre Dame got a taste of what the Trojans slot-man is capable of last season when he racked up 133 yards on a season-high nine receptions. Lemon finished the year with 52 catches for 764 yards and three touchdowns. Along with being a talented return specialist, he is an ultra-smooth route runner with natural hands. Preventing Lemon from going off again will be key in this year’s matchup with USC. Texas A&M OG Ar’maj Reed-Adams The first of two Aggies on this list is the 6’5, 330-pound Right Guard. Reed-Adams started every game last season, allowing just one sack and eight QB hurries on 359 pass block snaps. Against the Irish, he held up nicely besides giving up a penalty in the Notre Dame win. Texas A&M Edge Cashius Howell  The second Aggie comes on the other side of the ball with the former Bowling Green transfer. In 2023, Howell led the MAC in sacks with nine and a half in 13 games played. Last year, his first at Texas A&M, he totaled 40 tackles, nine tackles for loss, four sacks, seven passes defended, an interception, and a forced fumble in 13 games played. Howell recorded one tackle and two QB pressures against Notre Dame last year. Pittsburgh LB Kyle Louis When Notre Dame travels to Pittsburgh in November, the Panthers will be led by this great cover backer. On 51 targets last season, Louis allowed just 37 receptions for 320 yards and no touchdowns. The linebacker truly broke out last year, finishing his All-ACC First Team campaign with 101 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, seven sacks, four interceptions including a pick six, three passes defended, and a forced fumble in 13 games played. Arkansas QB Taylen Green It would be a mistake not to mention the Arkansas dual-threat signal caller when talking about top players on the Irish schedule. At 6-6 with a 4.4 40-yard dash, Green is a legitimate weapon. Following two years as Boise State’s starter, he made the transition to SEC football with Arkansas last season. Through the air, Green tallied 3,146 yards and 15 touchdowns. On the ground, he added 602 yards and eight touchdowns in 13 games played last year. If he can fix some of his turnover issues, Green could be an intriguing draft prospect in 2026.  North Carolina State TE Justin Joly The final player on this list is the 6’3 receiving threat and former UConn transfer. Last season, his first at NC St., Joly posted 43 receptions for 661 yards and four touchdowns in 13 games played. The Irish will need to maintain the tight end if they want to extend their win streak to three over the Wolfpack. Click to Join! - https://www.facebook.com/groups/legionoftheleprechaun

As the greatest intersectional rivalry in all of college sports nears its 100th iteration, fans across the nation wait with bated breath for news of its future. Photo Via Notre Dame Athletics The cross-country rivalry between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Trojans of Southern California has garnered the attention of fans across the nation. Over its nearly 100 games, this college football duo has cemented its legend through a mix of individual program success, classic head-to-head showdowns, all-time great players, and a nearly 100-year history chock-full of historical relevance. With the onset of the 12-team CFP and a massive wave of conference realignment, rumblings about the future of Notre Dame-USC have emerged. Initially, the rumor was written off as hyperbole and clickbait, but as the inaugural season of the 12-team playoff progressed and USC played its first season in the BIG 10, it became clear that the sport’s new landscape and shifting reality had indeed affected negotiations for the matchup’s future schedule. The two sides remain at odds and have yet to find a way to bridge the gap and sign a multi-year home-and-home deal. While we await a new, long-term agreement, the Irish Tribune is taking a retrospective look at football’s greatest intersectional rivalry to shed light on its Origins, historical significance, how things got to this point, and what the future may hold. Origins The rivalry’s roots date all the way back to the mid-1920s, long enough to partially obscure its true origins, becoming part myth and part fact. The most famous account credits the wives of both Rockne and USC Athletic Director Gwynn Wilson with brokering the deal. It’s said that during Notre Dame’s 1925 game against Nebraska on a chilly Thanksgiving Day, the ladies met and matched the plan, ensuring they wouldn’t have to spend late winters in the cold Midwest and could use sunny California as a kind of cold-weather relief. As a bonus, both schools would also secure a major opponent with a brand on the rise. This is arguably the most commonly reported origin for the rivalry, but certainly not the only one. A more complex and nuanced start to the classic matchup seems to apply a more historical, political, and financial lens to the situation, revealing a possible alternative origin.  Notre Dame’s position within the sport leading up to its first scheduling agreement with a West Coast school may have played an outsized role in its path to meeting USC. At the time, the largest and most influential conference in the sport was the Western Conference (Now the BIG 10), but the Irish found themselves at odds with the organization. Then head coach of the Michigan Wolverines, Fielding Yost, lobbied the Western Conference’s members to ban playing Notre Dame for various reasons, some of which were revealed and some unspoken. First and foremost, Yost was an avowed anti-immigrant and anti-catholic advocate, and the Fighting Irish - led by a Norwegian immigrant at a Catholic University comprised of Irish, Italian, and German Catholics was a shining bastion of everything Yost despised. Compounding these factors was that Yost had been Michigan’s head coach in 1909 when they lost for the very first time against the Irish. Shortly after the shocking defeat, an embarrassed Yost erroneously complained that two Notre Dame players were “ineligible” and refused to schedule the small Indiana school again.  Yost went on to lobby the rest of the Western Conference to blackball the Irish from their schedules and from joining the conference, even beyond his coaching days and into his time as Michigan’s Athletic Director. The strained relationship was instrumental in keeping the schools from reuniting, all the way until 1940. It was precisely because of this blackballing from the regional powerhouse conference that forced the Irish on their most influential and formative journey - their national “barnstorming” scheduling campaign.  This scheduling strategy transformed the program’s brand from a small Midwest fan base into a national sensation. Yost’s prejudice and cowardice, combined with Rockne’s innovation and perseverance, are largely considered the primary reasons Notre Dame became independent. They were forced to schedule all over the country, and became the only team in college football to expand their fan base to major cities outside their immediate general area, like Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York, truly making them “America’s Team.” More specifically, this trajectory set Notre Dame on a path right for the Trojans of Southern California.  As Notre Dame began winning marquee matchups with teams like Army, Navy, Pitt, Texas, Rice, Yale, and Nebraska, teams across the country began to notice. Some BIG 10 teams like Indiana, Northwestern, and Purdue broke the scheduling embargo with the Irish, and other schools across the country began considering Notre Dame as a potential opponent. Reportedly, that’s around the time both Rockne and the administration began to see the value in playing a west-coast team every year and a trip to sunny California every other year. Things really began progressing when the Rose Bowl Committee invited Rockne’s (10-0) 1924 National Championship team to play a Pacific Coast Conference (eventually the PAC 12) opponent on New Year’s Day. Additionally, Notre Dame’s West Coast Alumni Association attempted to convince Rockne to make the Rose Bowl trip an annual affair. At the same time, USC reached out privately to let Notre Dame know they were interested. Apparently, Rockne and the Irish administration hoped to play the Trojans, but Stanford was that year’s Pacific Coast Conference Champion, and they got first right of refusal to play the Irish. The Cardinal elected to take the game, but fell to Rockne’s boys (10-27).  Following the 1924 Rose Bowl Game, USC apparently approached Rockne about taking over the Trojans’ program, but he ultimately used the opportunity to recommend his longtime friend, then head coach at the University of Iowa, Howard Jones. Ultimately, USC hired Jones, and the two coaches helped broker the initial home-and-home agreement to benefit financially and to raise each other’s profiles.  The very first game in the nearly 100-year history of this rivalry came in 1926, a December 4th season-finale showdown in Los Angeles in front of nearly 75,000 fans. While the story of two wives hatching the perfect plan, or friendly coaching peers looking to elevate their program’s exposure, the rivalry’s true origin was likely a combination of LA’s attractive weather, Notre Dame’s local scheduling difficulty, Rockne and Jones’ personal relationship, Fielding Yost’s religious discrimination, and mutual financial incentives. Regardless, Irish and Trojan fans alike have many people to thank for this series. Early Period (1926-1951) Notre Dame took the first two games of the new rivalry in 1926 and 1927 before USC won its first bout in 1928, en route to its first-ever national championship.  The following year, Notre Dame defeated USC at Soldier Field in front of over 110,000 fans for one of the largest recorded attendances in college football history. That wind propelled the Irish to their second national title in 1929. Notre Dame steamrolled USC (27–0) in their 1930 match-up, en route to a second consecutive national title (3rd all-time) and what would end up being Knute Rockne’s final coaching appearance. Tragically, the man credited with starting the rivalry only got to see five head-to-heads, although he ended his coaching career with a (4–1) record over the Trojans. Following Rockne’s death, USC won three straight games against the Irish, two of which came in South Bend. Notre Dame wouldn’t win their next game over the Trojans until 1934. After another win in 1935, Notre Dame tied USC for the first time in the series history in 1936 with a (13–13) stalemate.  In 1938, Elmer Layden and the #1 Irish were a perfect (8–0) heading into their final game of the season in Los Angeles against the #8 USC. In one of the most remembered upsets early in the series, the Trojans shut out the Irish (13–0) in front of nearly 100,000 fans, spoiling Notre Dame‘s likely national championship season. In 1939, the #4 Trojans beat the Irish once again, this time outlasting them (20–12). The win propelled USC to its 4th national championship. Notre Dame really began to turn things around against the Trojans in Elmer Layden’s final season as head coach in 1940. The Irish outlasted USC (10–6) before all-time great Notre Dame head coach Frank Leahy arrived at the university in 1941. Leahy led the Irish to back-to-back wins over USC in 1941 and 1942, extending Notre Dame‘s current win streak to three. For the first time since the series began in 1926, the rivalry was put on hiatus due to the outbreak of World War II, and no game was played from 1943 to 1945.  The series resumed in 1946, with the Irish trouncing the Trojans (26–6) in South Bend on their way to the program’s 5th national title and 2nd under Leahy.  The following year in 1947, the Irish beat up on USC again, this time (38–7) en route to their 2nd consecutive National Title and the 6th in program history. The win became Notre Dame‘s 5th straight, and marked the largest one-sided streak in the rivalry’s history up to that point. The series’ 2nd tie came in 1948, ending Notre Dame’s 21-game unbeaten/untied streak. #1 Notre Dame took control in 1949 with a (32–0) shutout in South Bend before winning their 4th National Title under Leahy and the program’s 7th. 1950 saw USC’s first win since 1939, just outlasting the Irish (9–7). The win gave USC its 300th all-time victory while Notre Dame concluded a disappointing (4-4-1) season, the worst mark under Frank Leahy. The Irish responded once again in 1951 with a win, before the series underwent a significant change.  Get an officially licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle! Code IrishTribune20 for $20 off A New Path - The Jeweled Shillelagh Trophy After 23 games in the series, a trophy was commissioned by the Notre Dame Alumni Club of Los Angeles to commemorate the rivalry and reward the game’s winner. As a nod to history and tradition, the alumni club chose a shillelagh, an ancient Irish war club, to exemplify the matchup’s competitiveness and Notre Dame’s Irish heritage, stating “This shillelagh will serve to symbolize in part the high tradition, the keen rivalry, and above all the sincere respect which these two great universities have for each other.” The club was to be made from either oak or blackthorn saplings straight from Ireland, and would be adorned with an emerald for a Notre Dame win, and a ruby for a USC win. In the event of a tie, a dual shamrock/Trojan head would be added to the shillelagh. It was also decided to retroactively add gemstones for the 23 previous bouts, along with an engraved inscription on the club’s foot stating “From the Emerald Isle.” Following USC’s 1996 win, Notre Dame declined to hand over the original trophy, citing that the club no longer had enough space to add new medallions. Thus, the first club was officially retired to be displayed in South Bend, and the Notre Dame Alumni Club of Los Angeles commissioned a new, larger shillelagh. It was crafted from a blackthorn sapling from County Leitrim, Ireland, and inlaid with gold by Images Jewelers of Elkhart, Indiana. Jeweled Shillelagh Period (1952-Present) Notre Dame won the inaugural year of the Jeweled Shillelagh trophy in 1952, ruining USC’s until then perfect season. The Irish followed it up with wins in 1953 and 1954 to extend the program’s current win  streak over the Trojans to four straight.  USC turned things around in the series with back-to-back wins in 1955 and 1956 before the Irish went on a five-game win streak between 1957 and 1961. Although Notre Dame saw success against USC specifically during this time, the program faced relative mediocrity, not having won more than eight games since 1955 or a championship since 1949. Both sides traded wins back-and-forth, with USC winning in 1962, along with a national championship, and again in 1964, while the Irish and then-head coach Ara Parseghian won in 1963 and 1965. The 1964 Notre Dame loss to USC was a heartbreaking (17–20) defeat that marked the only blemish on 1st-year head coach Ara Parseghian’s résumé. The Irish were 11-point favorites, partly due to having the eventual Heisman winner, John Huarte, at quarterback. The game was low scoring and tight until the Trojans scored the go-ahead touchdown with under two minutes left to play, and the Irish were unable to mount a comeback. It was a devastating end to an otherwise perfect first season for Parseghian and caused the Irish to miss out on the consensus national championship. 1966 marked a few notable changes in the rivalries’ trajectory. Notre Dame entered the game undefeated with one tie against #2 Michigan State in what many consider one of the greatest college football ties of all time. USC was no slouch, entering at (7-2) and at #10 in the rankings. While the Irish were favorites, no one was prepared for what was to come. In his only collegiate start, Notre Dame’s backup quarterback, Coley O’Brien, stunned the Trojans with three passing touchdowns while the Irish defense clobbered USC‘s offense, returning two interceptions for touchdowns. Not only did the Irish hang 51 points, but the defense completely embarrassed USC’s offense, and the team made up for tying Michigan State the week before with what still stands as Notre Dame’s biggest win over USC. Notre Dame went on to earn the consensus national championship, Parseghian’s first and the program’s eighth.  Well, Notre Dame‘s trajectory ended with the championship, so did their success in their series with USC for the foreseeable future. Over the next six years, Parseghian and the Irish would go (0-4-2) from 1967 to 1972. During that period, the Trojans would win national titles in 1967 and 1972, bringing their total to seven, just one behind Notre Dame. The only saving grace for the Irish was that both ties in 1968 and 1969 spoiled an otherwise perfect USC season, and twice kept them from a National Title, preventing the Trojans from overtaking them all time. Things changed for Parseghian and the Irish in 1973. They had won four straight games to start the season and had risen to #8 when they welcomed (5-0-1) #6 USC to South Bend. The Trojans were raining national champions, and we’re riding a 23-game win streak they hoped to continue. They were led by Hall of Famers Anthony Davis and Lynn Swann, while the Irish were led by Tom Clements, Eric Penick, and Wayne Bullock. Notre Dame held a (13–7) lead heading into halftime. Early in the third quarter, Penick took a routine handoff to the outside and stunned everyone. He quickly broke two tackles and bounced outside, further shedding one more would-be tackler before flying down the sideline for an 85-yard touchdown that put the Irish up (20–7). Despite a touchdown from Lynn Swann, the Irish knocked in a late field goal and held the Trojans scoreless in the fourth to leave with a close (23–14) win. It capped off a perfect, undefeated, and untied season and was the first time Parseghian had beaten USC since 1966.  Notre Dame went on to earn the 1973 consensus national title, the program‘s ninth and Parseghian‘s third. Characteristically, USC responded with success, winning three straight against Notre Dame from 1974–1976, including their eighth national title, drawing within just one of the Irish yet again.  Third-year Notre Dame head coach Dan Devine had lost his first matchup to all-time great USC head coach John McKay, and lost to first-year head coach John Robinson the following year, but 1977 was different. Once again, the #11 Irish hosted #5 USC in South Bend for a midseason heavyweight bout. Notre Dame was (4-1) while the Trojans were (5-1), and many favored USC to win it all, even on the road. Little did anybody know, Devine had sent the team out for pregame warm-ups in their traditional blue jerseys, but when they returned to their locker room prior to kickoff, the team found emerald green jerseys hanging in each of their lockers. Pumped up and clad in green, Notre Dame returned to the field with their surprising uniform, followed by a Trojan horse filled with university students. The stage was set for an epic clash. Notre Dame held USC scoreless in the first quarter and struck first with a touchdown. USC responded with a fumble recovery for a score in the second quarter, but the Irish added two more touchdowns before halftime to take a (22–7) lead. Things didn’t change after the half, as Notre Dame once again held the Trojan scoreless in the third quarter while adding a touchdown off a blocked punt courtesy of Ted Burgmeier and another passing touchdown from Joe Montana to Ken MacAfee. Montana had led the Irish to 28 unanswered points, and Notre Dame walked away with an astonishing (49–19) statement victory. It would become known as “the green jersey game“ and would go down in program history as one of Notre Dame‘s greatest wins over their fiercest rival. Following this game, Notre Dame would go on to win six straight games and earn the consensus 1977 national championship, capped off by a (38-10) Cotton Bowl win over Texas. Following Dan Devine’s lone National Title, USC would win 5 straight over the Irish from 1978-1982, three of which were losses by just one score. Shockingly, between the years of 1962–1978, Notre Dame and USC combined for a ridiculous eight National Titles.  Things returned to Notre Dame‘s favor in 1983 when third-year head coach Gerry Faust led the Irish to a (27-6) home victory over the Trojans. From that point on, Faust won three straight meetings over USC until 1986, when first-year head coach Lou Holtz took over. The Irish fought back from a 17-point deficit in the 4th quarter, scoring 18 unanswered points, including a time-expiring field goal to win (38-37). Holtz followed up his first game against the Trojans with another win in 1987, this time on the back of over 350 rushing yards with a more comfortable (26–15) margin.  In 1988, #1  Notre Dame entered its annual contest with #2  USC, looking to cap off their season with a statement to secure a trip to the National Title. For the first time in the rivalry’s history, both sides entered the matchup undefeated, but with the game in LA, Notre Dame was considered the underdog. The Irish jumped out to an early lead with 2 first-quarter rushing touchdowns, with one coming via a 65-yard Tony Rice scramble that gave him his 9th rushing score of the season. The score made Rice the first QB since Irish legend Paul Hornung in 1956 to lead the team in rushing. The Irish defense piled on, scoring on a pick-six, and forced 4 USC turnovers to put the Trojans away (27-10). The win secured Notre Dame’s shot at the championship against #3 West Virginia, where the Irish held on to beat the Mountaineers (34–21). It was Holtz’s first National Title, Notre Dame‘s 11th, and the program’s first since 1977.  Notre Dame continued their winning streak into 1989, rising to #1 in the polls along with 18 straight wins. They welcomed #9 USC to South Bend in late October and were favored to win the game, but tensions boiled over prior to the game’s start with a full-scale brawl. After being separated, the Trojans shocked the home crowd by taking a (17–7) halftime lead until Notre Dame mounted a second-half comeback. Ricky Waters and Anthony Johnson put up back-to-back rushing touchdowns to take the first Irish lead of the day, but USC responded midway through the fourth quarter with a passing touchdown to retake the lead. Everything came down to Notre Dame‘s final drive of the game, where Tony Rice tucked and ran for a game-winning touchdown to seal a (28–24) win. From 1990 to 1993, Holtz led the Irish to four more wins, extending their win streak to 11 straight. That is until 1994, when a downtrodden (6-5-1) Notre Dame team played the last and final tie in series history, a (17-17) draw against USC in Los Angeles.  In 1995, Holtz and the #17 Fighting Irish hosted undefeated #5 USC, who was amidst a six-game win streak. Trojan wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson talked a lot of trash heading into the matchup, but the underdog Irish defense had the last laugh. USC‘s offense was held to just 10 points as the Irish cruised to a (38–10) victory, spoiling the Trojans’ National Title hopes.  Unfortunately, 1996 was when Notre Dame‘s luck ran out. A struggling (5-6) USC team hosted (8-2) #10 Notre Dame, and the game was neck and neck from the jump. The Trojans began by kicking back-to-back field goals in the first quarter before Notre Dame took the lead with a touchdown just before halftime. The Irish added another 7 points to extend their lead to (14-6) as the fourth quarter began. Both sides traded scores in the fourth, but Notre Dame missed the PAT to leave the lead at just 8. All it took was a late USC touchdown drive and a two-point conversion to send the game into OT. Unfortunately, for the Irish, USC struck first in overtime with a 5-yard passing touchdown and stole the game (27–20). It was USC‘s first win over the Irish in 13 years, and Holtz‘s first loss to Southern Cal. Between 1983 and 1995, Notre Dame went (12-0-1) against the Trojans, along with the 1988 Title. Modern Period (2000-Present) The 2000s began with back-to-back Notre Dame wins. First, the Irish beat USC (38–21) in 2000 to earn their very first BCS bowl game invitation. In 2001, Bob Davie beat first-year head coach Pete Carroll (27–16). 2002 began the start of 8-straight wins for the Trojans, all led by Pete Carroll. USC beat Notre Dame (44-13) in 2002, led by Heisman Trophy winner Carson Palmer and future NFL Hall of Famer Troy Polamalu.  2005 is widely considered one of the greatest head-to-head matchups in the rivalry’s history. First-year head coach Charlie Weis faced off against Pete Carroll‘s powerhouse Trojans, led by back-to-back Heisman Trophy winners Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush. Notre Dame’s Brady Quinn and Jeff Samardzija lead the outmatched Irish in their signature green and gold jerseys. The game was back-and-forth until the end, with Brady Quinn sneaking into the end zone to put the Irish up (31-28) with less than two minutes left to play.  The Trojans had one more opportunity and worked the ball down the field and into the red zone. Threatening, Leinart scrambled towards the goal and lunged, fumbling the ball out of bounds while the clock ticked down to zero. It sent a wave of Irish fans onto the field in celebration, but it was called back after officials ruled there was time left on the clock. 0:07 seconds were added back, and the Trojans lined up in goal line formation. Once again, Trojan quarterback Matt Leinart kept the ball and dove behind his line, but his forward progress was halted, that is, until Reggie Bush, of all players, illegally shoved his quarterback from behind and into the end zone. The controversial and illegal play gave USC a (34–31) victory and went down in the history books as one of the best and most highly criticized games in the rivalry’s history.  Just two years later in 2007, Pete Carroll and the Trojans once again beat up on Charlie Weis and the Fighting Irish (38–0). It was the 30th anniversary of Notre Dame‘s classic 1977 green jersey game, but the crushing defeat became USC‘s largest margin of victory in Series history, a mark that stands to this day. 2010 saw USC‘s 8-straight win streak end, with Pete Carroll now in the NFL and first-year head coach Brian Kelly leading the Irish. Notre Dame went on to win (20–16), led by a fourth-quarter touchdown drive to take the lead and sealed with a late-game Harrison Smith interception. It would be Notre Dame‘s first win over the Trojans since 2001. USC responded in 2011 with a (31–17) win at Notre Dame, their 5th straight win in South Bend.  2012 saw an unranked Notre Dame sent to the #1 spot in the polls while season-opening #1 USC fell out of the top 25 altogether heading into the matchup. It was Brian Kelly’s third year with the program, and the Irish were undefeated, with only the Trojans between them and a national title berth. The Irish were led by Heisman Trophy contender Manti Teo, who reeled in an interception and was instrumental in a game-winning goal-line stand that helped the Irish grind out a (22–13) victory.  Over 16 million viewers tuned in for what went down as the most-watched football game on ABC since 2006.  In 2017, #13 Notre Dame hosted #11 USC for a primetime matchup in South Bend. The Trojans fumbled the ball on their first play of the game and began an Irish onslaught that USC still has not forgotten. The Trojans went on to turn the ball over three times, while the Irish offense racked up 377 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns. Notre Dame great Josh Adams plowed ahead for 191 yards and three touchdowns himself while QB Brandon Winbush added another 106 yards and two touchdowns on the ground and two through the air. Notre Dame walked away with a statement (49-14) win. For the 2018 season, Notre Dame traveled out to Los Angeles for the season finale (11–0) and ranked #3 in the country. Simultaneously, the Trojans were amidst a disappointing (5–6) campaign, but were looking to add just one more win to earn bowl eligibility. USC came out swinging and took an early (10–0) lead, putting Ian Book and the Irish on their heels. Thankfully, Notre Dame responded with 24 unanswered points and ultimately walked away with a tight (24–17) win.  In 2023, Marcus Freeman and the Irish hosted Lincoln Riley and reigning Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Caleb Williams in South Bend. USC was undefeated and ranked at #10 in the polls, while the Irish were (5-2) and just #21. With everything stacked against them, the Irish came out swinging, led by their high-flying defense. By the end of the game, Williams had tossed three interceptions, and the team had combined for five turnovers, which resulted in an embarrassing (48–20) Irish victory. Notre Dame’s own Xavier Watts was the player of the game after reeling in two interceptions and scoring on a fumble recovery. USC’s defeat marked their fifth straight loss in South Bend and helped Notre Dame and Marcus Freeman get back on track after losses to Louisville and Ohio State.  The most recent matchup between these two saw (6-5) USC host (10-1) #5 Notre Dame in Los Angeles. Third-year head coach Marcus Freeman was (1-1) all-time against USC, losing his first matchup in 2022, but rebounded with a win in 2023. The Irish scored on their first possession of the game, compiling a 13-play 72-yard drive for the game’s first points. USC recovered an Irish fumble and scored on a short field, followed by a two-point conversion to take an (8–7) lead. Notre Dame missed a field goal but got the ball back from USC with under four minutes left to play in the 2nd quarter. They put together a 7-play 65-yard drive, culminating in a touchdown pass from Riley Leonard to Eli Raridon. USC responded quickly with a 78-yard drive of their own to tie things up (14-14) heading into halftime.  Notre Dame struck first in the second half with a 36-yard breakaway from Jadarian Price to retake the lead. USC tied things up at (21-21) before Notre Dame scored 14 unanswered points to separate (35-21). USC capitalized on a short field at the start of the fourth quarter to cut Notre Dame’s lead back down to seven. After a quick punt from the Irish, USC began marching down the field, threatening to tie things up. That is, until Trojan QB Jayden Maiava was intercepted at the 1-yard line by Irish defensive back Christian Gray, who miraculously spun and maintained his balance as he reeled the ball in, returning it 99 yards for a touchdown. Now behind (28–42), USC became more aggressive through the air and quickly moved the ball back into Irish territory.  The Trojans move the ball all the way down to Notre Dame’s 13, but the Irish force a 4th & 6. Maiava once again tossed the ball towards the end zone, this time making its way into the hands of Xavier Watts, who one-upped his teammate Christian Gray with a 100-yard interception return for a touchdown, putting the Irish up (49–28) and sealing the game. Despite a late USC touchdown drive against Notre Dame’s reserves, the Irish held on to win (49–35) and yet another thrilling iteration of this classic rivalry.  Two Storied Programs Over the course of these 95 matchups, these two programs have combined for some absurd statistics. Between the two of them, they’ve combined for 22 national championships, tied for 3rd all-time. Between 1928 and 1932 alone, Notre Dame and USC combined to win 5 straight National Titles. The Irish hold 4th place on the all-time wins list with 962, while USC sits in 11th place with 882. Notre Dame leads USC by 80 wins, with the Irish maintaining 4th place in the all-time record standings at (.731) while USC ranks 8th at (.694). Both programs are neck and neck in the most weeks spent at AP #1, with Notre Dame in 4th at 98 weeks and USC just behind at 5th with 91 weeks.  While these are two of the most successful programs in college football history, they each have an equally rich tradition of individual talent and pedigree, full of legendary players. Prior to the Trojans’ Caleb Williams winning the 2022 Heisman trophy, the two schools were tied at first with 7 Heisman winners each. Williams’ award was USC‘s most recent, and earned them the new #1 ranking for most winners all time, just edging out Notre Dame with 8. Notre Dame leads USC in total consensus All-Americans, holding down the #1 spot with 110, while USC lags behind at 5th with only 84. The same goes for total NFL draft picks, as the Irish maintain the #1 spot with 538 players picked, but USC is close behind at 2nd with 534. Where the Trojans do beat the Irish is in total 1st-round NFL draft picks, maintaining the 2nd most all time with 86, while Notre Dame follows at 4th with 71.  This rivalry has been incredibly competitive over the years, and the series has seen 32 win-streak swings since its inception. In the process, there have been numerous multi-game win streaks, and each program has had impressive periods of dominance. Notre Dame’s longest unbeaten/untied streak in the series began under head coach Gerry Faust and was continued by Lou Holtz, stretching from 1983 to 1993 with 11 straight wins. USC’s most prominent unbeaten/untied streak came during the Pete Carol era between 2002 and 2009 with 8 straight. Love them or hate them, but Notre Dame and USC are two of the most historically significant, highest-performing, most consistent, and most culturally relevant programs in the sport’s history. This rivalry isn’t merely a clash of titans, but a battle of two wildly different philosophies: Notre Dame with an old-school, hard-nosed, smashmouth, Midwest approach, and USC with their flashy, Hollywood, showtime roots. Two diametrically opposed teams, Universities, and fan bases, but united by a passion and love for the same game. A Future In Doubt Now that we’ve fully examined the deep and rich history behind this marquee college football rivalry, we have full context regarding its future. Concerns first began to grow when USC head coach Lincoln Riley was questioned about the annual series on the BIG 10’s 2024 media day and was largely noncommittal. He was quoted as saying there have been “a lot of teams that sacrifice rivalry games. I’m not saying that’s what’s going to happen, we get into this new conference. We’re going to learn about this as we go and what the right and best track is to winning a national championship.” These comments further worried Irish and Trojan fans alike. Apparently, USC has concerns about the difficulty of its future schedules and the logistics of its complicated in-season travel. That’s a pretty rich excuse for a team from California that signed up to be a part of the Midwest’s most prominent conference and is possibly attempting to avoid playing a Midwest team that has been traveling across all corners of the country for well over 100 years. Notre Dame has made it abundantly clear that they wish to continue the series, and their desire to do so has seen them pursue a long-term multi-year agreement. When recently asked about the complications in the series’ negotiations, Notre Dame‘s head coach Marcus Freeman said, “It’s a great rivalry for all of college football. If it was up to me, we would play them every single year for the rest of college football time.“ That seems to be where the disconnect is coming into play. The Trojans are currently playing nine Big Ten conference games each season, with talk of a BIG 10–SEC scheduling agreement that could complicate things further. Additionally, the fracturing of the Pac-12 conference means several of the Trojans’ common opponents and rivals are scattered out amongst new conferences. That leaves the annual match-up with Notre Dame in a very uncertain position. That’s anywhere from 9 to 11 games on USC’s yearly schedule, and adding Notre Dame as a long-term opponent would further lock them up logistically. Additionally, Notre Dame‘s recent success in the series and across the college football playoff has made them an even more formidable opponent, making the Trojans’ annual slate that much more difficult. In a world where multiple losses will put a team’s college football playoff chances at risk, the Trojans are unwilling to add another high-performing blue-chip opponent onto their schedule if they don’t contractually have to. That would further explain USC’s hesitancy to lock up the Irish long-term. There seems to be a lot of desire on the Trojans’ behalf to keep their options open while the future of the CFP shakes out. It must be noted that head coach Lincoln Riley‘s recent lack of success and the program’s struggle to right their ship means the program is looking to make their postseason path easier, not more difficult.  Unfortunately, this logic is easy to empathize with. And an underperforming squad with a huge brand name and an established tradition is looking to rebound from their recent struggles, and unfortunately, Notre Dame makes that more difficult. Regardless of your feelings about the matchup, these two are inarguably each other‘s greatest and most prominent rival. While there is always a place for a new and budding nemesis, like Notre Dame‘s recent 12-year Home and Home agreement with the Clemson Tigers, sacrificing arguably the greatest intersectional rivalry in the entire sports history to simplify and ease USC‘s path to the postseason is a shameful excuse. It’s a bit contradictory to advocate for your program’s success and brand of excellence while simultaneously skirting historic rivals to ease your path to victory.  As of right now, the Irish are scheduled to play USC in South Bend for 2025 and Los Angeles for 2026, but there is nothing on the docket after that. Hopefully, the proposed 14-team college football playoff format would allay USC’s concerns and not make this rivalry a casualty of college football’s new trajectory. Although it may seem biased, it seems abundantly clear that if this series lapses and an agreement is not reached, the blood will likely be on USC’s hands, not Notre Dame’s. Let’s all hope that both sides can come to some sort of middle ground and save this classic series from a sorry conclusion. Click to Join! - https://www.facebook.com/groups/legionoftheleprechaun

Kickoff is set for noon ET in Fayetteville, Arkansas, where Notre Dame will take on the Razorbacks for the first time. The game will be aired on ABC. Photo by The Irish Tribune Moments ago, Notre Dame announced that the official kickoff time for the Fighting Irish vs the Arkansas Razorbacks will be at noon ET. Notre Dame will be traveling down to Fayetteville, Arkansas, on September 27th this coming season in what will be the first-ever matchup between the two schools. Notre Dame was originally scheduled to take on Arkansas back in 2020, until the college football world was shaken up due to the COVID-19 pandemic, where many teams were mostly confined to conference play, with Notre Dame joining the ACC full-time for football temporarily. Arkansas finished the 2020 season at 3-7, while the Irish went undefeated in the regular season and found their way in both the ACC Championship and the College Football Playoff that year. Arkansas finished the 2024-25 season with a 7-6 record that was capped off with a 39-26 victory over Texas Tech in the Liberty Bowl. Notre Dame finished its 2024 campaign with a loss in the national championship game to Ohio State. ESPN's FPI currently has Notre Dame ranked 7th and Arkansas ranked 22nd overall, with the Razorbacks projected to win around six games compared to the Irish's nine games. Click to Join! - https://www.facebook.com/groups/legionoftheleprechaun