Notre Dame is less than three weeks away from its 2026 season opener in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Optimism abounds as glowing practice reports and a deep, talent-laden roster have created a buzz regarding this team. The Fighting Irish are ranked at number four in the preseason AP poll. Hard core fans who have suffered throughout this century are suddenly giddy with excitement. Is this justified or the typical August hype we all have heard before? Let us examine the evidence.
CJ Carr returns at quarterback and has emerged as a dynamic leader. Carr spent significant time with his receivers this summer and this investment has paid dividends. The passing game is in much better shape than a year ago despite new receivers entering the mix. Offensive Coordinator Mike Denbrock stated that Carr has earned autonomy as the field general. This means he is trusted to make changes at the line of scrimmage as he assesses the defense. Carr likes to push the ball downfield so we will see if his decisions produce positive results.
Carr’s growth combined with improved talent and depth at receiver will give Denbrock more flexibility in play calling. As you recall, Irish fans blamed Denbrock’s conservative game plans for the two costly losses last September. A tentative and ultimately underperforming defense did not help matters in those contests. Either way you look at it, that is water under the bridge now.
The question mark at quarterback is at the backup position. All of us can agree there is a clear dropoff if Carr is injured. A sophomore with little experience and two freshmen are competing for the backup position. Blake Hebert took a handful of snaps last season while Noah Grubbs enrolled in January to participate this spring. Teddy Jarrard arrived two months ago and is playing catchup.
Although Jarrard is the most gifted of this trio, he is unlikely to pass the others by opening night. Expect this competition to continue throughout the season and pray an injury does not force a premature answer.
Wide receiver is more potent in 2026 simply because Jaden Greathouse is finally healthy. There is much more to report, though. Jordan Faison, Cam Williams, and Micah Gilbert have elevated their game. Incoming transfers Mylan Graham and Quincy Porter from Ohio State have raised the overall talent level considerably. Both will be mainstays in the rotation, assuming Porter’s recovery from offseason knee surgery is completed soon.
Young players such as Elijah Burress, Jerome Bettis, Devin Fitzgerald, and Kaydon Finley have impressed. Freshman Bubba Frazier may push past the others in this group to see meaningful action this year. His electric speed and quickness have motivated the coaches to get him on the field.
At running back, Aneyas Williams leads a solid group that has very large shoes to fill. He has worked to prove he can carry a heavy load, although there are quality reinforcements. Nolan James, Kedren Young, and Jonaz Walton all bring different strengths to the table. Each will complement Williams’ slashing style with finesse, power, and speed. This year’s running backs will also have the benefit of a stronger and healthier offensive line.
It would be a mistake for fans to underestimate Williams. He is neither Jeremiyah Love nor Jadarian Price but he can run, catch, and block. James is probably the next man in while Young is built for short yardage power thrusts. Walton falls into the same category as Bubba Frazier – a speedy freshman who must get onto the field. Finally, talented freshman Javian Osborne has fully recovered from wrist surgery that sidelined him this spring. He is behind Walton in terms of development but his day will come.
Three of the five positions are set along the offensive line. Tackles Guerby Lambert and Will Black are joined by left guard Anthonie Knapp. Center and right guard are yet to be determined. Ashton Craig will claim one spot if he is fully recovered from an ACL tear last season. All recent reports indicate that Craig will be ready for the opener.
Craig has played exclusively at center but could move to right guard this season. Coach Joe Rudolph will soon decide if guard Sullivan Absher or center Joe Otting is among his five best linemen. Rudolph’s preference in this matter will join the veteran Craig to round out the starting lineup.
Matty Augustine had been competing to wrest the right guard position away from Absher. Unfortunately, Augustine broke a bone in his foot last week and will be sidelined for 6-8 weeks. The versatile swing man will be a valuable depth piece when he returns later this season.
The X factor in the offensive line equation is guard Charles Jagusah. Irish fans know that Jagusah missed the 2025 season with a broken humerous. He remains out with no specific timetable for a return to football activities. Hope remains that Jagusah will recover sufficient nerve function in his arm to play again in 2026.
At tight end, the return of Cooper Flanagan to health after recovering from an Achilles tear is good news. He will share the workload with sophomore James Flanigan, junior Jack Larsen and veteran Ty Washington. Yet another impressive freshman, Ian Premer, has already turned heads. Like Frazier and Walton, he may be too talented to sit. Many expect Premer to become a difference maker this season and beyond.
Finally, Notre Dame believes the place kicking duties in 2026 are in excellent hands. Transfer Spencer Porath has been most impressive since he joined the program. The only question is whether he can remain healthy. Injuries have beset the Irish during the past two seasons as Mitch Jeter and Noah Burnette missed significant time. Notre Dame will need Porath in top form if they are to win in December and January.
In summary, Notre Dame has a wealth of talent, experience, and depth at every position except quarterback. Carr’s health is the top risk for 2026. He must be available if the team is to achieve its lofty goals. Next, Lambert and Black at offensive tackle are the next most critical pieces to the team’s success. Beyond that, leaders such as Williams, Craig, Flanagan, and Faison are important to team chemistry. This offense has the added benefit of practicing daily against what arguably be the nation’s best defense. The high level of competition has required each player to improve his strength, technique and effort. Only good things can come from such challenges. Players are human, however, and I am sure they have heard how good they are. It will be up to Coach Freeman and his staff to ensure that overconfidence is not an issue.
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