Rivalries can be seen as the engine powering the super machine that is college football. The massive tailgating, major pregame shows, and national television audiences drive the hype for these matchups. However, due to conference realignment, many of these Intraconference Matchups have fallen to the wayside. That is, unless you are protected by the title of Independent, such as Notre Dame. The University of Southern California (USC) rivalry notwithstanding, the Irish have done an exceptional job of keeping rivalries on the schedule. Although not playing every year, Notre Dame has Purdue, Michigan State, and Stanford on the docket this year. That leads us to one of the most esteemed and respected rivals, the Navy Midshipmen. Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! That matchup has been scrutinized by detractors of "Our Lady." They use it to deride the Irish and to throw the flimsy accusation that the Irish schedule cupcakes. All while ignoring certain teams in the south playing Division II schools in the second-to-last week of the season, a practice that only ends this season with the requirement of teams playing nine Power Five teams on a schedule. By doing this, they ignore the esteemed history of this rivalry and what it means to the Navy as a whole. The rivalry started in 1927. It was born out of the fact that Notre Dame, at the time an all-boys college, had many students fighting in World War II. The Navy used the campus as a training ground that provided enough money for the institution to stay afloat. Because of this, Notre Dame has played Navy yearly out of gratitude; it was played annually from 1927 to 2019, making it the longest uninterrupted intersectional rivalry. That was until the COVID Pandemic ended the streak in 2020. Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle As much as the game means to Notre Dame in terms of gratitude and reverence, it means that much more to Navy. When the rivalry was renewed in 2016, then Navy Athletic Director Chet Gladchuck said, "...it is of great interest to our collective national audience of Fighting Irish fans, Naval Academy alumni, and the Navy family at large." The benefits far outweigh what it means for the fans, alumni, and even players. It is the Navy's largest athletic financial windfall each year. Notre Dame does not make money from away games and does not share revenue from home games. That is why when the Navy hosts this game, it is played in NFL stadiums. This allows the Navy to generate millions of dollars in revenue from municipal payouts, ticket sales, and sponsorships. It also gives players who serve our country the opportunity to play in a “big game” atmosphere that they would only get otherwise by playing the annual showdown against Army. History is the very fabric of tradition. By people deriding Notre Dame for scheduling this game, they show their ambivalence to tradition and biased ignorance of the meaning of this game. As rivalry and tradition give way to “super conferences” and “grabbing the bag”, we need this game to remind us of the purity and history of college football. Anything to diminish this game is simply an advancement of the game we love, becoming a bludgeoned body of capitalism. 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!

*Updated June 29th, 2026 Notre Dame has cemented itself among the nation's best on the recruiting trail, as the Fighting Irish are once again tracking for a Top-5 class come signing day. Offense Albert Simien - Interior Offensive Line Ranking: 5-Star, 14th Nationally (247Sports Composite) Height/Weight: 6'4", 280 lbs Location: Lake Charles, LA Notable Offers: Texas A&M, LSU, Nebraska Stats: N/A Julius Jones Jr. - Wide Receiver Ranking: 4-Star, 75th Nationally (247Sports Composite) Height/Weight: 5'10", 175 lbs Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL Notable Offers: Miami, Oregon Stats: Junior season: 58 receptions, 876 yards, 14 TDs (via Andrew Ivins) Wonderful "Champ" Monds IV - Quarterback Ranking: 4-Star, 256th Nationally (247Sports Composite) Height/Weight: 6'2", 225 lbs Location: Vero Beach, FL Notable Offers: Ohio State, Alabama, Michigan, Oregon, Texas A&M Stats: Freshman season: 2,234 passing yards, 23 passing TDs, 68% completion. 502 rushing yards, 9 rushing TDs in 12 games. Injured ankle during sophomore season, limited to four games (MaxPreps) Titus Hawk - Tight End Ranking: 4-Star, 374th Nationally (247Sports Composite) Height/Weight: 6'7", 210 lbs Location: Choctaw, OK Notable Offers: Alabama, Michigan, Miami, Texas A&M, Florida Stats: Junior season: 31 receptions, 644 receiving yards, 8 TDs (via Andrew Ivins) Jackson Coleman - Wide Receiver Ranking: 3-Star, 883rd Nationally (247Sports Composite) Height/Weight: 6'3", 185 lbs Location: Littleton, CO Notable Offers: Michigan, Miami, Oregon, Colorado Stats: Junior season: 45 receptions, 975 yards, 9 TDs in 13 games (via Andrew Ivins) Oluwasemilore Olubobola - Offensive Tackle Ranking: 5-Star, 13th Nationally (247Sports Composite) Height/Weight: 6'6", 295 lbs Location: Jersey City, NJ Notable Offers: Ohio State, Miami, Oregon, Texas A&M, LSU Stats: N/A James Halter - Offensive Tackle Ranking: 4-Star, 88th Nationally (247Sports Composite) Height/Weight: 6'6", 270 lbs Location: Pittsburgh, PA Notable Offers: Ohio State, Auburn, Indiana, Duke, North Carolina Stats: N/A Jackson Hill - Offensive Tackle/Offensive Guard Ranking: 3-Star, 627th Nationally (247Sports Composite) Height/Weight: 6'5", 280 lbs Location: West Hills, CA Notable Offers: UCLA, Stanford Stats: N/A Isaiah Rogers - Running Back Ranking: 4-Star, 194th Nationally (247Sports Composite) Height/Weight: 5'11", 205 lbs Location: Springfield, MA Notable Offers: Florida, Florida State, Michigan, Penn State Stats: Junior season: 986 rushing yards in 10 games (7.8 yards per carry), 15 rushing TD, 401 receiving yards, 3 receiving TDs. (via Andrew Ivins) Lathan Whisenton - Running Back Ranking: 4-Star, 156th Nationally (247Sports Composite) Height/Weight: 5'11", 194 lbs Location: Waco, TX Notable Offers: Oregon, Texas, Texas A&M, Florida, Michigan Stats: Junior season: 1,502 rushing yards in 11 games (9.1 yards per carry), 24 rushing TD, 102 receiving yards (MaxPreps) Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle Defense Segun Alexander - Defensive Line Ranking: 3-Star, 451st Nationally (247Sports Composite) Height/Weight: 6'2", 295 lbs Location: Rabun Gap, GA Notable Offers: Clemson, Georgia Tech, Texas A&M Stats: Junior season: 36 tackles (18 TFL), 13 sacks, 1 FF, and 1 FR (via 247 Sports) Abraham Sesay - Edge Ranking: 4-Star, 47th Nationally (247Sports Composite) Height/Weight: 6'5", 215 lbs Location: Exton, PA Notable Offers: LSU, Florida State, Alabama Stats: Junior season: 13 sacks, also got snaps at TE (via Andrew Ivins) Jackson Vaughn - Defensive End Ranking: 4-Star, 247th Nationally (247 Sports Composite) Height/Weight: 6'3", 225 lbs Location: Oradell, NJ Notable Offers: Alabama, LSU, Oregon, Ohio State, Miami Stats: Sophomore season: 40 tackles, 12 TFL, 8 sacks, 3 PBU (Via Andrew Ivins) Xavier Hasan - Cornerback Ranking: 4-Star, 42nd Nationally (247Sports Composite) Height/Weight: 5'11", 195 lbs Location: Raleigh, NC Notable Offers: Michigan, Penn State, Georgia, Miami, Ohio State Stats: Junior season: 17 total tackles, 3 interceptions, and 3 kickoff return TDs. (MaxPreps) Ace Alston - Cornerback Ranking: 4-Star, 84th Nationally (247Sports Composite) Height/Weight: 5'11", 175 lbs Location: Cincinnati, OH Notable Offers: Miami, Florida, LSU, Ohio State, Oregon Stats: Junior season: 53 total tackles, 1.5 TFL, 16 PBU, 1 interception (via Andrew Ivins) Zayden Gamble - Safety Ranking: 4-Star, 146th Nationally (247Sports Composite) Height/Weight: 5'11", 190 lbs Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL Notable Offers: Penn State, Ohio State, Oregon, Georgia, Texas Stats: Junior season: 65 tackles, 3 TFL, 5 PBU, 3 interceptions, 1 forced fumble (via Andrew Ivins) John Gay - Safety Ranking: 3-Star, 764th Nationally (247Sports Composite) Height/Weight: 6'1", 185 lbs Location: Hollywood, FL Notable Offers: Florida, Ole Miss, Auburn, Texas A&M Stats: Junior season: 32 tackles, 3 PBU, 1 interception (via Andrew Ivins) Aidan O'Neil - Edge Ranking: 4-Star, 143rd Nationally (247Sports Composite) Height/Weight: 6'5", 240 lbs Location: Ramsey, NJ Notable Offers: Miami, Ohio State, Florida, Georgia, LSU Stats: Junior season: 54 tackles, 16 TFL, 7.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles (via Andrew Ivins) David Folorunsho - Defensive Line Ranking: 5-Star, 27th Nationally (247Sports Composite) Height/Weight: 6'3", 280 lbs Location: Chicago, IL Notable Offers: Miami, Alabama, LSU, Ohio State, Michigan Stats: Sophomore season: 24 total tackles, 1 sack (MaxPreps) Richie Flanigan - Defensive Line/Offensive Line Ranking: 4-Star, 408th Nationally (247Sports Composite) Height/Weight: 6'3", 265 lbs Location: Green Bay, WI Notable Offers: Michigan, Duke, Wisconsin, Stanford Stats: Sophomore season: 24 total tackles, 1 sack (MaxPreps) Special Teams Sean Kraft - Long Snapper Ranking: 3-Star, 1,818th Nationally (247Sports Composite) Height/Weight: 6'4", 215 lbs Location: Swannanoa, NC Notable Offers: North Carolina, Wake Forest Stats: N/A 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!

OL Albert Simien announced his commitment to Notre Dame on Friday afternoon, live on SportsCenter, giving the Irish a huge recruiting win in the SEC’s backyard. Photo via Albert Simien/IG (@albert_simien33) Simien, standing at 6-5 and around 280 pounds, chose Notre Dame over LSU, Texas A&M, Nebraska, and others. Rivals lists the elite talent as a five-star prospect, ranking as the #10 overall recruit, #2 IOL, and #2 player in Louisiana in the class of 2027. A native of Lake Charles, Simien attends Sam Houston High School. While lining up at LT at Sam Houston, Simien projects as an IOL at Notre Dame with the natural tools to become a future early-round NFL Draft selection. On tape, the Louisianan oozes dominance and power. Using his athletic background in basketball and shot put, Simien is an elite run blocker with great mobility, which is evidenced by his ability to get to the second level with ease. He is also a consistently productive pass-blocker whose skill compensates for a slight lack of size. However, Simien does have good length, including 34-inch arms. With some lower-body bulking needed, the Irish likely just landed themselves a multi-year starter on their offensive line. Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! Notre Dame’s 2027 recruiting class now stands at 21 commits, including four listed OL, following Simien’s pledge. Simien also marks the Irish’s first ‘27 addition out of Louisiana. 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!

Notre Dame, Offensive Coordinator Mike Denbrock, and QB Coach Gino Guidugli secured a commitment from QB Trey Tagliaferri, locking down a potential recruiting leader for the Irish’s 2028 class at a key position. Photo via Trey Tagliaferri/IG (@treytagliaferriqb1) Tagliaferri, a 6-2 Pro Style QB, chose Notre Dame over Oklahoma, Penn State, and 31 other listed offers, per 247 Sports. Rivals ranks the Irish’s newest commit as a four-star, rated as the #110 overall recruit and #11 QB in the class of 2028. Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! The QB’s pledge could mark a new pipeline between Notre Dame and New Jersey’s Bergen Catholic, the former home of Irish WR Quincy Porter and ‘27 EDGE commit Jackson Vaughn. As a Sophomore last season, Tagliaferri led Bergen Catholic to an 8-3 record, falling to Don Bosco and ‘27 EDGE commit Aidan O’Neil in the New Jersey State Semifinals. The Bergen QB performed well all year, compiling a 62.3% completion percentage while throwing for 2,238 yards and 29 touchdowns with just three interceptions. The 6-2 Sophomore offers good size and is fairly close to Denbrock’s ideal QB. Tagliaferri has a very clean delivery, consistently throwing absolute darts all across the field. He demonstrates good IQ with his timing and anticipation displayed on film. Tagliaferri is not the most athletic QB, but he has solid footwork and can get out of the pocket when needed. Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle Tagliaferri becomes the Irish’s third 2028 commit, joining S Andre Jones and K Owen Davies. 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!

In a way to combat the chaotic nature of college athletics, the NCAA has reformed its eligibility rules, granting all student-athletes five years to play five seasons. One major point of contention regarding the changes to college athletics has been the increasing number of older players being allowed to compete in their respective sports. This started in the wake of COVID, where players were granted a COVID year on top of their normal redshirt and medical redshirt year. While it did make sense at the time, it began to blur the lines regarding the rules of eligibility, causing many athletes to challenge the NCAA on the retention of their college eligibility. The situation only got worse when NIL blew up into what it is today, incentivizing athletes to stay in college for as long as they can while claiming the NCAA rules were hindering their ability to make money. All of this caused college athletics to be riddled with 24-26-year-olds, with some even coming back to college after playing professionally. While many of these older players were beneficial to their programs, many argued that it was beginning to spoil the nature of college sports. Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! Now, the NCAA seems to have regained some control over the eligibility conversation, stating that all student-athletes have five years to play five seasons, taking out the redshirt year. The five-year clock starts when the athlete enrolls in school or after the first academic year following their 19th birthday. While the NCAA will no longer consider waivers for players trying to extend their eligibility under the new rule, there are still exemptions for maternity leave, religious missions, and active-duty military service. For athletes still in college, the NCAA has granted them and the schools some freedom to decide how the rule will be used. Athletes who still have eligibility following the 2025-26 academic year will be given the option to decide, with the help of their school, whether to follow the old rule or the new one. For those who have recently run out of eligibility following the 2025-26 year, the NCAA has stated that they are officially ineligible. The 2027 class of athletes will be the first group to which this rule applies in its entirety. For them, they have exactly five years to play up to five seasons of their sport. Looking at Notre Dame football, this new ruling does give them a lot more roster flexibility, as it has granted 19 players an additional year of eligibility. This not only gives Marcus Freeman a chance to retain talented and experienced players, but it also gives players some level of reassurance that they have an extra year in the event of an injury. Here are the 19 players affected: Drayk Bowen Jordan Faison Elijah Hughes Luke Talich Christian Gray Aneyas Williams Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa Anthonie Knapp Bryce Young Leonard Moore Francis Brewu Loghan Thomas Spencer Porath Jayden Sanders Madden Faraimo Quincy Porter Mark Zackery IV Erik Schmidt Dallas Golden Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle For players who are not directly affected by the ruling, the change might still be felt. With the redshirt year gone (if Notre Dame decides to use the new model), Freeman might feel more inclined to use many of his very talented players from the 2026 recruiting class. With their clock already potentially starting, players like Joey O'Brien and Rodney Dunham might see the field sooner than expected. This rule has been a long time coming for the NCAA. It was a change that seemed necessary to make, considering the current state of college athletics, and most importantly, it is simple to understand. 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!

Sonia Citron has quickly established herself as one of the top guards in the WNBA, but she had a long journey before she found herself at the top. Photo via Notre Dame Athletics Born in White Plains, New York, Sonia Citron was raised in a basketball family. William Citron, her father, played basketball at Bradley University and encouraged his daughter to pick up the sport at an early age. As an eighth grader, Citron joined The Ursuline School varsity basketball team, where she averaged 10.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 4.0 steals, and 3.8 blocks in 22 games. As a senior, she led her team to the 2A state championship after winning two New York Player of the Year awards and being named a McDonald's All-American. Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! In 2019, Citron was named to the United States U16 National Team, where she averaged 13.3 points and won gold with a 6-0 record. Her play also earned her a spot on the All-Tournament team. Two years later, she joined the U19 national team and averaged 13.7 points per game and once again helped lead Team USA to an undefeated 7-0 record and the gold medal while making the All-Tournament team. Her stellar high school play earned the attention of Niele Ivey, whose plans for the future of the Fighting Irish Women's Basketball program ultimately won over the star shooting guard. Sonia Citron started her Notre Dame career off strong. Citron immediately made her presence felt with the Irish in her debut, where she put up 13 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists on only 8 shot attempts in a win over Ohio. She had an extremely strong freshman season, featuring a 29-point explosion in a win over Michigan State and another performance where she dropped 21 in a win over conference opponent Clemson. The Irish finished the season 24-9 with a trip to the Sweet Sixteen. The highlight of the season for Citron came during March Madness, where she showcased her skills with a 25-point, 6-rebound, 4-steal outing in the Round of 32 against Oklahoma, where she shot 53.8% from the field and 11/11 from the free throw line. She went on to finish her first season with the blue and gold, averaging 11.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.6 steals, all top three on the team. Citron only leveled up her game in her sophomore season, raising her scoring average and drastically improving her efficiency from the field. Joined by star teammates Olivia Miles and Maddy Westbeld, as well as future Washington Mystics teammate Cassandre Prosper, Citron helped lead the Irish to a 27-6 season and a second-straight Sweet Sixteen appearance for the rising star despite an ACL injury sidelining Miles. The Irish fell short yet again, this year falling to Maryland. This season peaked in the first round of the ACC tournament for Citron as she poured in 28 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists in a win over NC State. Sonia Citron posted the best season of her collegiate career in her junior year. With Olivia Miles sidelined for the season, Citron took her opportunity to showcase her skills. She posted career highs in points and assists per game while maintaining her strong efficiency. After adding star freshman Hannah Hidalgo to their already stacked roster, Notre Dame went on to finish the season with a 28-7 record and a conference championship before once again falling in the Sweet Sixteen to Oregon State. This season also included arguably Citron's best game of her career with the Fighting Irish. She scored 29 points in the first round of the NCAA tournament while also contributing 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and a pair of steals. In this win over Kent State, Citron shot 13/20 from the field, including three shots made from beyond the arc. Entering her senior year in the 2024-25 season, Citron took a step back, embracing being the third option on a team that featured five current WNBA players and Hidalgo. The Fighting Irish boasted one of the greatest guard rotations in Women's College Basketball history with the return of Olivia Miles, the ascent of Hannah Hidalgo, and, of course, Sonia Citron. Her senior season was the most efficient season of Citron's college career, with 59.3% true shooting. Despite her scoring numbers being down from her previous two seasons, Citron saw career highs in steals, blocks, and assists per game. The stacked Irish roster finished the season first in the ACC with a 28-6 record, the fourth straight year of improvement. Also, for the fourth straight year, the Irish would go on to fall in the Sweet Sixteen, this time to TCU. This year was up and down for Citron as she had plenty of great games, including eight games where she scored 20-plus. However, the lows were just as prominent; she had 13 games where she scored in the single digits. Citron had an elite game in the first round of March Madness in the matchup against Stephen F. Austin, posting 24 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 stocks. Despite that performance, she still struggled in the postseason, only averaging 13.4 points on 42.6% from the field, a significant dip from her regular-season production. Throughout her career with the Fighting Irish, Citron piled up the awards. She was the ACC Rookie of the Year, a 3x All-ACC team member, a 2x All-ACC Tournament Team member, and a member of the 2024-25 ACC All-Defensive team. Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle Following her strong college career, Sonia Citron immediately started turning heads at the pro level. Her stellar career in South Bend helped her gain major attention in the WNBA, ultimately culminating in her being selected third overall by the Washington Mystics in a year highlighted by UConn megastar Paige Bueckers. She was joined on the Mystics by fourth overall pick and USC standout Kiki Iriafen, a duo that would soon prove to be one of the best rookie duos in history. In her WNBA debut, Citron took over. She scored 19 points in 23 minutes on only seven shot attempts, setting the tone for a tremendous rookie season. She finished the season averaging 14.9 points, 4 rebounds, and 1.7 stocks on 47.0/44.5/87.2 shooting splits. These numbers were good enough to earn Citron her first All-Star nod and place her second in Rookie of the Year voting behind Bueckers. While the Mystics as a whole struggled in her first season, finishing with a 16-28 record, they had a strong young core and several draft selections in the 2026 WNBA draft, putting together a much stronger roster around Citron and Iriafen for this current season. 14 games into her second pro season, Citron is averaging 17.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 2.0 stocks per game on an elite 63.4% true shooting. She has led the Mystics to a .500-plus record and is currently on pace to make the playoffs for the first time since 2023. Citron has had several clutch moments this season, including a fade-away game-winner against the Toronto Tempo and a late-game takeover to lead the Mystics to an overtime victory over the Indiana Fever in a game where she dropped a career-high 30 points. While it's extremely early in her career, Citron has shown potential to be an all-time great guard at the WNBA level and has been one of the best guards in the league early in the season. Time will tell if she can continue that trajectory. 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!

After reclassifying from 2028 to 2027, DL Segun Alexander saw his recruitment speed up, and it was Notre Dame earning his commitment today. Photo via Segun Alexander/IG (@_.segun) The 6-3, 270-pound DL chose Notre Dame over Texas A&M, Clemson, Georgia Tech, and others. Once a top-20 DL in the class of 2028, Alexander now ranks as a four-star and the #42 DL, per Rivals Industry, following his reclassification to 2027. Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! Alexander was raised in Ontario, Canada, before moving down south to Georgia for high school. The DL moved to Lilburn, just outside of Atlanta, where he spent two years at Providence Christian Academy. Prior to his Junior season, Alexander transferred to Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School in Northeast Georgia. The DL dominated in his first season at Rabun Gap-Nacoochee, totaling 36 tackles, 18 TFLs, 13 sacks, 19 QB hurries, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. Alexander caused havoc for opposing QBs week in and week out, tallying five games with at least two sacks. Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle Alexander truly has a limitless ceiling with his elite pass-rushing bag. He is powerful, but has shown he can get past linemen with more than just this pure strength. While Alexander projects as an interior defender in college, he does offer the versatility to rush off the edge when the situation is presented. Notre Dame’s 2027 class now stands at 20 commits, including six listed DL, following today’s pledge. Alexander’s commitment also marks the first of the class out of Georgia for the Irish staff. 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!

Notre Dame continues their “Florida Dame” run with a big-time commitment from legacy recruit, Julius Jones Jr, announcing his decision on Monday live from The Pat McAfee Show. Photo via Julius Jones Jr./IG (@juliusjones.jr) Jones, a consensus four-star prospect, is one of the most sought-after receiver recruits in the country, holding 44 offers, according to 247 Sports. The 2026 Under Armour Next All-American Game selection committed to Notre Dame over Miami, Oregon, and others. No doubt a factor in his decision was former Notre Dame RB (1999-2003) and Jones’ namesake and father, Julius Jones. After rushing for 1,268 yards and 10 touchdowns as a senior, Jones was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2nd Round of the 2004 NFL Draft. Across eight professional seasons, the former Irish RB rushed for over 5,000 yards and tallied 22 touchdowns. The elder Jones’ brother also shares an NFL connection, with Thomas, also a former RB, having been the 7th overall selection in the 2000 draft by the Arizona Cardinals. Thomas Jones went on to rush for 10,591 yards and 68 touchdowns across 12 seasons in the NFL. Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! Notre Dame’s newest commit and member of the Jones family stands at 5-11 and 175 pounds. Being raised in Fort Lauderdale, Jones attends national football powerhouse, St. Thomas Aquinas. This past season, he helped Aquinas to its seventh consecutive state title by posting 876 yards and 14 touchdowns across 58 receptions. Jones makes a diving one-handed catch in the State Championship Jones becomes the second WR to join Notre Dame’s 2027 recruiting class. He joins a class that received a commitment from Aquinas teammate and friend, DB Zayden Gamble, on April 25th. Jones’s commitment also marks the Irish’s fourth Florida pledge from the ‘27 class. Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle Besides a bloodline of NFL stars, including a former star Irish RB, Jones brings a winning mindset, as evidenced by his team’s and his own success at Aquinas. On the field, Jones possesses high-end speed, posting a 10.52 100-meter dash in March. This past season’s film is highlighted by skilled route-running and reliable hands. Jones projects as a versatile slot option with big YAC abilities that will prove valuable for the Notre Dame offense. Who do you think will be Notre Dame's next commitment? 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!

*Updated June 19th, 2026 Notre Dame is gearing up for another huge recruiting weekend. Here are some names to keep an eye on going forward in the class of 2027. Photo by Jordan Herald Please see our commitment tracker to stay up to date with Fighting Irish commits. OFFENSE Wide Receiver Julius Jones (4-star) 5-10 175lbs out of St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He is ranked by 247 Sports as 72nd overall nationally and 12th overall at the wide receiver position. He holds 44 D1 offers. Visited Notre Dame on April 10th-12th, 2026 (unofficial) Official visit to Notre Dame set for June 19th-21st Commitment date set for June 22nd Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle Offensive Line Albert Simien (5-star) 6-4 280lbs out of Sam Houston High School in Lake Charles, Louisiana. He is ranked by 247 Sports as 13th overall nationally and 2nd overall at the interior offensive line position. He holds 24 D1 offers. Visited Notre Dame for the annual Junior Day Event on the weekend of March 19th-21st, 2026 Official Visit June 19th-21st DEFENSE Defensive Line Brayden Parks (4-star) 6-3 305lbs out of Brother Rice High School in Chicago, Illinois. He is ranked by 247Sports as 172nd overall nationally and 19th overall at the defensive line position. He holds 40 D1 offers. Visited Notre Dame for the annual Junior Day Event on the weekend of March 19th-21st, 2026 Official Visit Set For June 12th Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! Linebacker Roman Igwebuike (4-star) 6-3 220lbs out of Mount Carmel High School in Chicago, Illinois. He is ranked by 247Sports as 149th overall nationally and 13th overall at the linebacker position. He holds 45 D1 offers. Visited Notre Dame on April 18th, 2026 (unofficial) Official visit set for June 12th Named Notre Dame as a member of his Top 5 schools (5/7/2026) 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 @bruce_straughan 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!

Recently, ESPN's Adam Rittenberg ranked Notre Dame No. 1 in a two-year power ranking. With national attention now recognizing what Marcus Freeman is building in South Bend, what makes Notre Dame so special? In Rittenberg's article, he lays out the criteria for his rankings, listing the QB position, offensive/defensive line, roster management, star power, and coaching staff as his main points of conversation. Again, this is a two-year outlook, so it is important to forecast what the team will look like not only during this upcoming season, but also the year after. Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! When it comes to the QB position, Rittenberg first points out the diamond Notre Dame has found in CJ Carr. For years, Notre Dame was stuck in a "rental" situation at QB, constantly bouncing around from transfer QB to transfer QB. Now, they have Carr returning for his second season, where he has real expectations of becoming one of the top players in the country at his position. Looking beyond him, they also have intriguing options with Blake Hebert and Noah Grubbs as depth pieces or potential starters. Teddy Jarrard also joins the room and brings what looks to be real star-power in the future. Next, Rittenberg breaks down what appears to be the strength for Notre Dame in 2026 and has been ever since Freeman became head coach, which is the offensive and defensive line. Notre Dame has always prided itself on being a team that wants to dominate the line of scrimmage. In 2024, it was largely this that led them to the National Championship game. Rittenberg accurately points out that in 2026, there is a lot to like on both sides of the Irish line of scrimmage. On the offensive line, they have a lot of returning production with Anthonie Knapp, Ashton Craig, Sullivan Absher, and Guerby Lambert. They combine this with the extremely talented Will Black to make up what looks to be one of the best lines in college football. Rittenberg points out that the defensive line looks to be just as formidable with Boubacar Traore, Bryce Young, and Jason Onye, along with the portal additions of Tionne Gray, Keon Keeley, and Francis Brewu. This defensive line has size, speed, and athleticism at levels that Notre Dame has not seen in years. They look to be a strong part of a defense that, on paper, looks as talented as any in college football. Next on Rittenberg's criteria, he looks at the roster management of Notre Dame's football team. This may be where Notre Dame fans have seen the most change throughout Freeman's tenure. During his time, Freeman has been able to accumulate and retain talent at a rate that seemed impossible just a few years ago. Rittenberg goes into the high-level recruiting Freeman achieves, landing one of the best 2026 classes in the country, and is looking to do it again in the 2027 class. This, combined with Freeman's ability to retain the talent on his team, gives Notre Dame an excellent ability to reload and rebuild talented rosters year in and year out. Rittenberg also notes that Freeman does this, all while never relying too much on the portal to build his rosters, even landing high-profile wide receivers from Ohio State with plenty of years of eligibility. Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle The fourth on his list is star power, where Notre Dame has plenty of that, too. Notre Dame goes into the 2026 season with some of the best players at their respective positions. Leonard Moore seems to be the undisputed best cornerback in the country, and he may be the best defensive player overall. There is also CJ Carr, who is primed for a huge year that puts him into consideration as one of the best QB's in the nation and even a Heisman contender. Besides those two, Rittenberg also points out all the other star players Notre Dame has on its roster, including Traore, Brewu, and Craig. To add to that, Notre Dame has plenty of other candidates that could step into a star role in 2026, such as Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, Drayk Bowen, Mylan Graham, and many others. Lastly, Rittenberg mentions Notre Dame's coaching staff as a huge plus for Notre Dame. Obviously, he first points out the star that is Marcus Freeman. Regarded as one of the best coaches in the sport, Freeman has elevated the Notre Dame program, which has garnered a lot of attention from the NFL. Along with this, Rittenberg notes that he was also able to retain both his coordinators, bringing some continuity to a team with a lot of returning players. Overall, Notre Dame is set to be in a position to continue competing for National Championships for the foreseeable future. They have the players, the infrastructure, the recruiting, and the coaches to succeed at the highest level. This was not the case just a few years ago, but that change is due to the impressive work that Freeman, his staff, and Notre Dame have put in to make sure this program is competitive in this new era of college football. 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's Defensive Line, charged by Coach Charlie Partridge, continues to add top-end talent following Tuesday's commitment from EDGE Abraham Sesay Jr. Photo via Abraham Sesay/IG (@abrahamljs) The 6-6, 230-pound presence chose Notre Dame over LSU, Florida State, and others. Rivals lists Sesay as a five-star talent, naming him the #16 overall recruit, #2 EDGE, and #3 player in Pennsylvania in the class of 2027. Sesay resides in Exton, PA, where he attends Downingtown East High School as a football and basketball star. This past fall, the EDGE posted 80 tackles and 13 sacks on the gridiron, and also played some Tight End on offense. Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! The Irish’s newest pledge has the makings of a potential game wrecker at the next level. Sesay carries elite physical traits, including his height, a frame that weight can be added to, 33-inch arms, and 10.25-inch hands. The latter two measurements are comparable to the recent #2 overall NFL Draft selection, David Bailey, for reference. This long reach with big hands helps Sesay dominate against the pass and wrap up against the run. Sesay maintains a good burst and motor, resulting in an elite bull rush that will translate to college ball. Sesay’s commitment marks Notre Dame’s 18th overall commit in the class of 2027. He joins OT James Halter as the second Pennsylvania commit and becomes the fifth DL to join the group. 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!

*Updated June 9th, 2026 Notre Dame is gearing up for another huge recruiting weekend. Here are some names to keep an eye on going forward in the class of 2027. Photo by Jordan Herald Please see our commitment tracker to stay up to date with Fighting Irish commits. OFFENSE Wide Receiver Julius Jones (4-star) 5-10 175lbs out of St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He is ranked by 247 Sports as 72nd overall nationally and 12th overall at the wide receiver position. He holds 44 D1 offers. Visited Notre Dame on April 10th-12th, 2026 (unofficial) Official visit to Notre Dame set for June 11th-13th Commitment date set for June 23rd Osani Gayles (4-star) 5-11.5 185lbs out of IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. He is ranked by 247 Sports as 48th overall nationally and the 8th overall at the wide receiver position. He holds 30 D1 offers. Visited Notre Dame on April 9th-10th, 2026 (unofficial) Named Notre Dame in his Top 5 on 5/6/2026 Commitment date set for June 27th Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle Offensive Line Albert Simien (5-star) 6-4 280lbs out of Sam Houston High School in Lake Charles, Louisiana. He is ranked by 247 Sports as 13th overall nationally and 2nd overall at the interior offensive line position. He holds 24 D1 offers. Visited Notre Dame for the annual Junior Day Event on the weekend of March 19th-21st, 2026 DEFENSE Edge Abraham Sesay (4-star) 6-5 215lbs out of Downingtown East High School in Exton, Pennsylvania. He is ranked by 247Sports as 50th overall nationally and 7th overall at the Edge position. He holds 28 D1 offers. Visited Notre Dame on April 18th, 2026 (unofficial) Official visit set for June 12th Want the inside scoop on all things Notre Dame? Subscribe to Tribune+ today! Defensive Line Brayden Parks (4-star) 6-3 305lbs out of Brother Rice High School in Chicago, Illinois. He is ranked by 247Sports as 172nd overall nationally and 19th overall at the defensive line position. He holds 40 D1 offers. Visited Notre Dame for the annual Junior Day Event on the weekend of March 19th-21st, 2026 Official Visit Set For June 12th Linebacker Kaden Henderson (5-star) 6-1.5 218lbs out of Jesuit High School in Tampa, Florida. He is ranked by 247Sports as 24th overall nationally and 1st overall at the linebacker position. He holds 47 D1 offers. Visitied Notre Dame on April 18th, 2026 (unofficial) Named Notre Dame as a member of his Top 5 schools (3/6/2026) Official Visit set for June 19th Roman Igwebuike (4-star) 6-3 220lbs out of Mount Carmel High School in Chicago, Illinois. He is ranked by 247Sports as 149th overall nationally and 13th overall at the linebacker position. He holds 45 D1 offers. Visited Notre Dame on April 18th, 2026 (unofficial) Official visit set for June 12th Named Notre Dame as a member of his Top 5 schools (5/7/2026) Use code "IrishTribune20" to get $20 off your officially-licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle Athletes Marcus Fakatou (5-star) 6-6 275lbs out of Orange Lutheran High School in Orange, California. He is ranked by 247Sports as 32nd overall nationally and 2nd overall at the defensive line position. He holds 36 D1 offers. Official Visit to Notre Dame set for June 15th Tae Walden Jr. (4-star) 6-2.5 165lbs out of Collierville High School in Collierville, Tennessee. He is ranked by 247Sports as 125th overall nationally and 6th overall at the ath position. He holds 37 D1 offers. Announced Notre Dame as a member of his Top 10 schools on (4/6/2026) Matthew Gregory (4-star) 6-1 170lbs out of Owen J Roberts High School in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. He is ranked by 247 Sports as 107th overall nationally and 17th overall at the ath position. He holds 26 D1 offers. Announced Notre Dame as a member of his Top 7 schools on (5/14/2026) 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 @bruce_straughan 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!