Nd set to begin fall camp: carr, minchey look to set the tone
Notre Dame begins fall camp on Thursday and there are several position battles that add intrigue to an already highly anticipated camp, because of the pending quarterback battle between CJ Carr and Kenny Minchey. Both quarterbacks have garnered confidence from the staff during the spring that they’re ready to assume the responsibility of being the leader of Notre Dame’s evolving offense under 2nd year offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock.
1) Who can be the most consistent performer? That is job number one for the quarterbacks, perform on a consistent level. It's not so much about completion percentage as it is moving the offense. Who can lead the offense to points on a more consistent basis. Who can make the best decisions on the most consistent basis, which gets the ball to the playmakers.
CJ Carr showed the ability to do this at a higher level in the Blue & Gold game with Minchey missing a few easy opportunities.
2) Who can command the offense at the highest level? Commanding the offense refers to leadership and also who can handle the system the best. Who commands the most confidence and trust from the rest of the offense? Who can show the best grasp of the offense, which allows the quarterback to get the unit into good looks and out of bad ones? Leadership comes from setting a good example, but it also comes from earning the trust of your teammates that you can set them up for success.
Both quarterbacks have been in Mike Denbrock’s offense for two years and have a good handle of things. Consistency and decision making will be vitally important during fall camp. The spring saw both have moments of greatness, so the more consistent QB will have an advantage.
3) Who can limit the big mistakes? Turnovers are going to happen for all quarterbacks, and that's especially true for first-time starters. Both Minchey and Carr will turn the ball over in fall camp and the winner of the starting job will turn the ball over during the season. The two keys are keeping them to a level you can live with as an offense and also avoiding the really bad turnovers. The bad turnovers are the ones that come from panic, the ones that kill potential scoring drives, the ones that set up the opposition for easier scores and the ones that crush momentum in the biggest moments of the game. Big mistakes aren't just about turnovers, avoiding big mistakes also means not missing out on the opportunities to make big plays and clutch plays when they happen.
No one expects either quarterback to be perfect, and mistakes will be made. The response to those mistakes will be a bigger focus throughout camp.
There should be a natural order at the quarterback position in any program, and the same holds true with this situation. Kenny Minchey has been around and should be viewed as the lead guy in the race with the snaps shared evenly. Ultimately, this is going to come down to how Mike Denbrock views the offense evolving in the hands of both quarterbacks, and if one can show that they possess the skills to speed up that evolution, then they will separate themselves. This battle will set the tone for everything Mike Denbrock is looking to establish heading into the season.
Malik Zaire
Schrauth, Wagner ON Outland Trophy Watch List
Junior offensive linemen Billy Schrauth and Aamil Wagner have been selected to the 2025 Outland Trophy Watch List, which recognizes commitment to community service and leadership off the field.
The two Irish players are part of a group of 50 linemen on the watch list. Notre Dame has had three past winners of the Outland Trophy: OT George Connor (1946), OG Bill Fischer (1948) and DE Ross Browner (1976). THe Irish have had four additional finalists: Aaron Taylor (1993), Quenton Nelson (2017), Liam Eichenberg (2020) and Joe Alt (2023) according to the Notre Dame Athletic Department.
The Outland Trophy, which recognizes standout interior linemen, is celebrating its 80th season and this year's preseason list includes 16 offensive tackles, 15 guards, nine centers and 10 defensive tackles. It’s an impressive list of the best lineman in college football, and quite the honor to be included for the two Notre Dame stars.
ND's offensive line is expected to be one of the best units in the country after a bit of an inconsistent 2024 campaign due to injury and the need to play freshman at important positions along the line. The Fighting Irish are poised to make another deep run in the College Football Playoff and that could transition both players into finalists for the award. If Schrauth and Wagner play up to the Outland standard, they’ll both be in the mix to win the award.
Shaun M. Davis
drayk bowen, leonard moore on nagurski watchlist
Notre Dame defenders continue to receive admiration and buzz from the success of the Fighting Irish defense over the past three seasons. The latest recognition is courtesy of the Bronko Nagurski Award, which has linebacker Drayk Bowen and cornerback Leonard Moore on its preseason Watch List.
The Nagurski Trophy goes to the nation’s top all-around defensive player, and the award found it’s way to South Bend in 2023 when it went to Notre Dame star safety Xavier Watts. Bowen and Moore are the two returners getting the most preseason recognition as the Irish look to have another star win that honor.
Bowen excelled as a first-year starter in 2024 and he took control on the Mike linebacker position under now ex-defensive coordinator Al Golden, and became a vocal leader for the defense. He finished third on the Irish defense with 78 tackles while ranking 7th on the defense in snaps. By the end of the season Bowen was a clear leader of the Irish defense. He played his best football of the season during the final stretch, racking up 22 tackles in the final three playoff games, including 8 in both the Orange Bowl win over Penn State and 8 in the title game loss to Ohio State.
Bowen was listed as a preseason All-American by Phil Steele.
Moore is widely considered the best returning cornerback in college football and projects as a future first-round NFL draft pick. He was a star as a freshman earning Defensive Freshman of the Year honors from the Football Writers Association of America. He tallied 48 tackles, picked off two passes and broke up 11 more during his dynamic rookie season. Heading into his sophomore season, Moore is expected to be one of the top defenders in the nation, regardless of position.
Five Notre Dame opponents also made the Nagurski Trophy Watch List. Miami (Fla.) defensive end Rueben Bain Jr., Texas A&M cornerback Will Lee, Pittsburgh linebacker Kyle Louis, Navy defensive tackle Landon Robinson and Boise State defensive Jayden Virgin-Morgan all made the list.
Shaun M. Davis
jeremiyah love on maxwell watch list
Today, Notre Dame star running back Jeremiyah Love was named to the Maxwell Award watchlist. The Maxwell is awarded every year to the most outstanding player in college football; it recognizes superb play on the field and outstanding contributions to the game. Historically, this award is typically given to premier quarterbacks in the country, but last season, Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty won the Maxwell after a stellar season. Jeanty was the first running back who won the award since Alabama’s Derrick Henry in 2015.
During the 2024 season, Love racked up 1,125 rushing yards, averaging 6.9 yards per carry, totaled 17 rushing touchdowns, 237 receiving yards and recorded two receiving touchdowns. The versatile back took advantage of being the primary ball-carrier for the first by quickly becoming one of the most dynamic and explosive players in the country after recording touchdown runs of 48, 64, 68, 76 and 98 yards. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see Love at 100 percent in the post season due to an injury sustained in the last regular season game. Fortunately that didn’t stop him from rattling off a 98 yard touchdown run to open up the 2024 College Football Playoffs.
This season, Love returns to the Fighting Irish backfield and is expected to be a main focal point of the offense. Notre Dame returns an experienced offensive line and will be breaking in a first time starter under center for the first time since 2022. Love and the rest of new running backs coach Ja’Juan Seider’s stable of ball carriers should take the pressure off a first time starter at quarterback earlier in the season.
Notre Dame has found success in receiving the prestigious award with six players winning the award since it’s origin with the most recent player being star linebacker Manti Te’o in 2012. Love has the opportunity to be the first Irish running back to win the award since John Lattner who won the Maxwell in back to back seasons in 1952 and 1953. Love has received a lot of preseason hype and is being coined as one of, if not the best, returning running back in the country and has been named to numerous preseason All-American teams. With renewed energy and the additions at wide receiver via the transfer portal, Love should have even more room to operate and should land on the finalist list during the season.
Nd looks for strong finish to ‘26 class with elijah golden on august 9th
The defensive line recruiting in the 2026 class has been stellar as the Fighting Irish secured commitments from the talented trio of Tiki Hola Bastrop (Texas) Bastrop, Rodney Dunham Charlotte (N.C) Myers Park, and Ebenezer Ewetade Garner (N.C.) South Garner. That early momentum hit a bit of a speed bump when Liberty Hill (Texas) Liberty defensive lineman Alister Vallejo recently chose Michigan over Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish immediately set their sights and energy on adding a familiar target in 6-4 275-pound four-star defensive lineman Elijah Golden of Sarasota (Fla.) Cardinal Mooney to the class. The explosive defender has been to South Bend several times and returned for his official visit this past weekend, where he got a chance to experience new things.
“The visit was pretty good,” Golden told Irish Breakdown. “I always have a great time there. I was able to see the dorms! The apartments off- campus were nice, too. It was good to see more of South Bend.”
One of the three determining factors that the Florida prep star will be using is finding a place that feels like home. The visit went a long way to answer that for him and his family.
“I felt comfortable there,” Golden said. “I spent time with the recruits, coaches and current players, and we were just vibing. Spent time with Rodney (Dunham) and EB (Ebenezer Ewetade), and we talked about football a little bit, but we talked about life and other things most of the time.
“It was cool being around the current players too,” Golden continued. I had fun with those guys. I can see myself being at Notre Dame and playing there.”
As the visit came to an end, the versatile lineman reflected upon the fun experiences during his visits at Notre Dame and the transition to the more serious aspect of making a final decision. The remaining two factors will be development and coaching for Golden, and he’s aware of what the Fighting Irish offer in both departments, and beyond the football field.
“Notre Dame offers a lot on and off the field,” Golden shared. “I have a good relationship with coach (Al) Washington that’s grown over time, and we talked about life really. coach (Marcus) Freeman talked more about life and the things Notre Dame can do for you outside of football.
“I thought about it being the end of the fun,” Golden continued. “I remember the first time I got pulled out of class to meet Al Golden. Thinking about the camps, spring game, and visits. The fun is about to end and It’s about to get serious.”
The serious part now begins as the 185th nationally ranked player and his family take time before he begins to ramp up preparation for his senior season to sift through information, conversations and emotions from the long process that led to official visits to Virginia Tech, Oklahoma and Alabama before visiting South Bend. His future home will come from that group of finalists along with the Fighting Irish. More than likely, the decision will be made in the coming weeks with a targeted announcement on August 9th.
Momentum was heavily on the side of the Fighting Irish in the aftermath of his official visit, but as time approaches his announcement, the tea leaves are starting to read more like a photo finish. Golden has been diligent in researching the defensive systems of his four finalists along with inquiring about how each staff plans on developing and using him in their schemes. He’s not leaving any stone unturned.
“I’ve always liked Notre Dame,” Golden said. “I’m going to think about everything. All of the schools have good programs, and the visits were good. I’m doing my homework and when the time comes, I’ll feel good about my decision on August 9th.”
Shaun M. Davis
notre dame faces wake forest in 2027 duke’s mayo classic
Notre Dame will face Wake Forest in the 2027 Duke’s Mayo Classic, played at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2027. The game is part of Notre Dame’s existing scheduling agreement with the Atlantic Coast Conference and will be played as a neutral-site contest. The Irish hold a 6-0 record against the Demon Deacons, winning the last meeting 47-7 in 2023 at Notre Dame Stadium. The two programs have never played a neutral-site game against one another, with Notre Dame owning a 4-0 record against Wake Forest at home, and 2-0 record on the road.
“We are excited for another chance to play in an NFL stadium and against the Demon Deacons,” Notre Dame Deputy Athletics Director for Football Ron Powlus said. “The opportunity to showcase our two great institutions and football programs, while affording our football program and student-athletes an exciting and unique experience in the great city of Charlotte, is one we can’t wait to be a part of.”
The Fighting Irish have enjoyed success playing in NFL stadiums holding a 28-15 record when playing in them since 1980. Notre Dame leads all FBS teams in number of different NFL stadiums played since 2014 with 17. The next closest programs have 10. Since 2016, Notre Dame has played 19 games in NFL Stadiums: eight postseason matchups and 11 regular-season contests.
“We are thrilled to welcome Notre Dame and Wake Forest to Charlotte for what promises to be an unforgettable matchup at Bank of America Stadium,” Will Pitts, CEO of the Charlotte Sports Foundation, said. “This game is a testament to our city’s passion for college football and our continued commitment to hosting premier sporting events. We’re incredibly grateful to both universities for their partnership and to Duke’s Mayo for their unwavering support in making events like this possible.”
Notre Dame and Wake Forest have met six times in history, with the Irish holding a 6-0 advantage in the series. The first game was played in 2011, a game Notre Dame won at Wake Forest by a 24-17 score. Since that game, Notre Dame has won the other five matchups by at least 11 points. The most recent matchup was 2023, a game the Irish won 45-7 on Senior Day.
Notre Dame now has seven games scheduled for the 2027 season, and all now have dates that they will be played. Notre Dame currently has four games scheduled against an ACC opponent (Clemson, Georgia Tech, Wake Forest, Virginia Tech), two games against a Big Ten opponent (Purdue, Michigan State) and one game against an American opponent (Navy).
Shaun M. Davis
‘27 4-star qb teddy jarrard chooses notre dame
Four-star quarterback Teddy Jarrard committed to Notre Dame over finalists Georgia, Ohio State, Michigan and Penn State. The talented 6-foot-3, 190-pound signal caller from Kennesaw (Ga) North Cobb, was one of just two quarterbacks offered by the Irish along with Peyton Houston from Shreveport, La. Both participated in the Rivals camp in Indianapolis and things seemed to crystalize for both in the aftermath. Jarrard chose the Irish from amongst other finalists Michigan, Clemson, Penn State, and Georgia, while most experts see Houston choosing between Texas, LSU and Oklahoma moving forward.
2027 4-STAR QB TEDDY JARRARD COMMITS TO NOTRE DAME
“Things began to become more clear,” Jarrard said. “There were a couple of schools standing out and then Notre Dame became the best choice, so I decided to make my decision before the season started.”
After an impressive performance at the Rivals camp, Jarrard jumped to No. 52 overall, and ranked as the 2nd quarterback nationally according to Rivals.
“I gained confidence,” Jarrard shared. “I know who I am as a quarterback. I make good, quick decisions and I have a quick release. My job is to win games. I’m excited to start recruiting other great players and get to a couple of games in the fall.”
Jarrard will now turn to leading his Warriors’ teammates to a deeper run in the Georgia state playoffs after a hot 11-0 start ended with disappointment. They began practicing early in the summer, but the excitement is at fever pitch with the squad going “full pads” starting next week.
“We’re going to be good,” Jarrard declared. “Health is going to be the key. If we can stay healthy, we’re going to be really good. We’ve been practicing, but we’re getting ready to go full pads.”
Jarrard is Notre Dame’s third commitment in the Class of 2027, following linebacker Ellis McGaskin (Mobile, Ala.) and long snapper Sean Kraft (Asheville, N.C.).
Shaun M. Davis
2027 4-star lb ellis mcgaskin commits to notre dame
Notre Dame is continuing to gain momentum on the recruiting trail, and it seems like that energy has been transferred over to the 2027 class as four-star 6-1 205-pound linebacker Ellis McGaskin of Mobile (Ala.) Williamson became the 2nd commitment of the 2027 class after choosing the Fighting Irish over schools like LSU, Auburn, Florida and Ohio State. His recruitment picked up steam after receiving an offer during the Pot of Gold, but his relationship with linebacker coach Max Bullough goes back to the spring of 2024 when a visit to his school laid the foundation of growing bond.
“Coach is a great guy,” McGaskin told Irish Breakdown. “The connection was there from the start. Getting the offer was a great feeling and he told me that they loved my play style and that I would be a perfect fit for them.”
The Alabama native was anxious to visit after receiving his offer and eventually made his way to South Bend on June 6th. He got an opportunity to experience coach Bullough and staff coaching style and bond with the staff including head coach Marcus Freeman. The visit was impactful in accelerating the talented backer’s affinity for the Notre Dame program.
“The visit was great,” McGaskin shared after his June visit. “There is no place like it. It’s something about the environment that’s different, and I haven’t seen anything like it. I enjoyed the coaching a lot. They coach the way I liked to be coached, and I can definitely see myself playing there.
“It was my first time really connecting with coach Freeman,” McGaskin continued. We talked about why Notre Dame is special and that they would like to have me there.”
His decision to make a commitment amid a flurry of 2026 pledges for the Fighting Irish may not have been the reason for McGaskin pulling the trigger, but it was hard to ignore, and he didn’t need any more time to think about it as he prepares for his junior season.
“It’s the place to be right now,” McGaskin shared. “It’s something I wanted to be a part of, and I’ve known for a while. It just felt like it was the place for me to be, and it honestly felt like home.
“They (Notre Dame) were always at the top,” McGaskin continued. “Coach Bullough made it known that I was his guy and that I was a priority.”
Now that his recruitment is a thing of the past, he turns his attention to improving as a leader and player after compiling an impressive 273 tackles, 34 tackles for loss, 5 sacks and 5 forced fumbles in his first two seasons.
“I’m ready to play,” McGaskin declared. “I want to perfect my craft and get better at being uncomfortable. My goals are to win a state championship and win Mr. Football.”
McGaskin ranks 78th nationally according to Rivals.
Shaun M. Davis
teammates Joey o’brien and grayson mckeough took different paths to nd
The roller coaster recruitment for 6-4 195-pound five-star defensive back Joey O’Brien of Glenside (Pa.) LaSalle College Prep reached a conclusion when he picked Notre Dame on June 20th over finalists Oregon, Penn State, and Clemson. At one point, all four programs were perceived as possible leaders for O’Brien. His teammate, 6-7 285-pound pass blocker Grayson McKeough, who chose the Fighting Irish over Penn State, had a totally different path to his commitment to Notre Dame and their head coach,Brett Gordon, witnessed both journeys as a confidant and advisor.
“All four schools did a great job recruiting Joey,” Gordon said. “The coaches did a great job of showing him how they would develop and use him. Joey really liked all the schools, coaches and players, but it came down to what school felt like home for him.”
Originally, the Pennsylvania Player of the Year was scheduled to take his official visit to South Bend on June 20th but decided to switch to the weekend of June 13th, which happened to be the same as his teammate four-star offensive lineman Grayson McKeough, who also eventually committed to the Fighting Irish. At the same time, he announced that his decision would now take place on June 20th , leaving the fanbases of the finalists pondering about where their teams stood in the recruitment.
“I don’t think he was leaning anywhere going into the Notre Dame visit,” Gordon said. “I told him that he was being recruited by the blue bloods with tradition, and great coaching. So, whatever school felt like the place he wanted to spend the next four years of his life would be the determining factor.
“The date change was to help make things easier,” Gordon continued. He wanted to take all five official visits, but I thought that was too much. Joey and his family were thorough in the five unofficials, and taking five officials was too much, so the Tennessee one was dropped and that’s why the Notre Dame visit was moved.”
The Fighting Irish seemed to take over in his recruitment as his June 13th official visit approached. His teammate, 5-star defensive back Joey O’Brien would be visiting on the same weekend after a late change to his schedule. Although they would travel different paths to South Bend on that weekend, they would leave with similar feelings about the visit that led both to commit to the program on June 18th and June 20th respectively.
“Grayson’s path was different from Joey’s,” Gordon explained. “Two different scenarios. Everyone was in the mix with Joey going into the official visits. Grayson was probably leaning Notre Dame going into the visit. The visit helped him make his decision. Joey had already set his decision date for June 20th, two weeks before the visit. Grayson didn’t have a set date, but he was ready to make his decision once he got back.
“It was a great visit,” Gordon continued. “Being around the other recruits and current players was big for him. He spoke about brotherhood and how comfortable he felt. Him and Joey kept using the word “family” when they talked about the visit.”
Landing the talented teammates shows great cohesiveness in the Notre Dame recruiting operation right now, and the success of the June 13th recruiting weekend could lead to more additions to an already impressive top 5 class.
Shaun M. Davis
talented 2027 qb teddy jarrard gets nd offer
Offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock and quarterbacks coach Gino Guidugli went through an exhaustive evaluation process with the 2027 quarterbacks and 6-3 190-pound four-star signal caller Teddy Jarrard of Kennesaw (Ga.) North Cobb seems to have stood out as he received an offer from Notre Dame on Friday.
“It feels great,” Jarrard sai. “It’s an honor to be one of the two quarterback offers from Notre Dame. It’s a great school with
great tradition and I couldn’t be more excited.”
Jarrard took his first visit to South Bend with family on June 5 th and spent the day touring the campus and meeting the staff, which included a meeting with coach (Marcus) Freeman for about an hour. There was also an opportunity to impress Gino Guidugli during a workout and throwing session followed by conversations that strengthened their relationship throughout the day.
“I enjoyed my visit,” Houston said. “They told me that they liked me and would continue looking at guys before making offers. From that point, coach Gino started talking more.”
That relationship with coach Gino Guidugli can only be described as a forthcoming one that has budded quickly over the last month or so, and the North Cobb offensive player of the year wasn’t surprised when the Notre Dame staff FaceTimed him on Friday.
“I wasn’t surprised” Jarrard shared. “I knew the offer was coming. Coach Gino and I talked about my chances of getting it a week before, but it didn’t change how special the moment was.
“They called me with the staff on the phone,” Jarrard continued. “They gave me the offer, and I spoke to coach (Mike) Denbrock about everything as well.”
Even after receiving the offer, Jarrard remembers the conversation with head coach Marcus Freeman during his June visit and how it gave him insight into what the culture of Notre Dame was all about. He also has his eyes on the recent recruiting success for the Fighting Irish.
“The culture stands out for me,” Jarrard shared. “You can see what coach (Marcus) Freeman is building and how they’re winning right now. You see what they’re doing in the 2026 class, and you know that they’re moving in the right direction.”
Jarrard will now turn to leading his Warriors’ teammates to a deeper runin the Georgia state playoffs after a hot 11-0 start ended with disappointment. They began practicing early in the summer, but the excitement is at fever pitch with the squad going “full pads” starting next week.
“We’re going to be good,” Jarrard declared. “Health is going to be the key. If we can stay healthy, we’re going to be really good. We’ve been practicing, but we’re getting ready to go full pads.
“I’m working hard to get better,” Jarrard continued. “The strength of my game is making quick decisions and getting the ball out quickly. The most important thing is winning football games. I do want to increase my touch, limit interceptions and increase my completion percentage.” As far as a timetable for a decision is concerned, Jarrard can see two paths to an eventual decision.
“No set timetable,” Jarrard explained. “It depends if I really feel good about a school. If that happens, it will be after the summer. But, if I don’t feel good about a school and I’m not sure, it will be after the season. As a sophomore, Jarrard threw for 2783 yards, 34 touchdowns, 72 completion percentage and a QB rating of 128.2. He currently ranks 217th nationally according to 247 Sports composite and hold offers from schools like Georgia, Michigan, Miami, Ohio State, and Alabama to name a few.
Shaun M. Davis
2027 4-star qb peyton houston lands nd offer
As the annual “Pot Of Gold” offers were dispersed for the 2027
recruiting class, there was an omission that created a bunch of
questions amongst Notre Dame fans. Where were the offers for
quarterbacks? Offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock and quarterbacks
coach Gino Guidugli took a brave new approach in evaluating signal-
callers as they operated from a position of strength with promising
talents like CJ Carr, Kenny Minchey, Blake Herbert and Noah
Grubbs on the roster or committed to the program. They were afforded
the opportunity to methodically search for the young men that best fit
their plans for the evolution of the offense.
Their search led the Fighting Irish to 5-11 200-pound four-star
quarterback Peyton Houston of Shreveport (La.) Evangel Christian
and plans were immediately made for Houston to visit South Bend to
see the campus, meet coaches and observe practice.
“It was a really good visit,” Houston told Irish Breakdown. “They practice
really fast and all of the quarterbacks looked good. I got a chance to talk
to coach Gino (Guidugli) and coach (Mike) Denbrock and they told me
how they would handle the process with offers.
“They liked my film,” Houston continued. “They’re going to come and
watch me throw at my school in May. I’m excited for the opportunity and
to have a school like Notre Dame interested in me.”
The first day of May found coach Gino Guidugli travelling to Evangel
Christian to watch an Eagles’ practice in the Louisiana heat, but he
ended watching the talented passer pivot in more ways than one.
“We were scheduled for spring practice,” Houston said. “But, we had to
cancel it due to a mandatory school event, and I had track regionals. So,
I organized a session after school with my guys that were left.
“The throwing session went great with Coach Gino (Guidugli),” Houston
continued. “We worked on our day one install and did routes on air. The
total count was about 50-60 throws. Unfortunately, Coach Gino couldn’t
stay until the end because he had to fly out. He probably saw 25-30
throws, but he missed some of the deep throws. It seemed like he really
liked what he saw.”
After the throwing session, the three-sport athlete zeroed in on track
season as he waited for feedback from the Fighting Irish, and he didn’t
have to wait long.
“Coach (Marcus) Freeman reached out to my dad afterwards,” Houston
said. “My dad is our (Evangel Christian) quarterbacks coach, and he told
him that Coach Gino was extremely impressed with me.
It seems the Fighting Irish are still impressed and view him as a priority
quarterback recruit, when they extended an offer on Friday.
“It’s a huge blessing to get the Notre Dame offer,” Houston shared.
“Everyone knows how valuable that is and what it means to be a
Fighting Irish quarterback. I’m definitely grateful for the coaches having
trust in me to feel comfortable enough to extend the opportunity.
“I got the offer yesterday,” Houston continued. “Coach Gino asked me to
call him and put it on FaceTime. I spoke with him and coach Denbrock,
and they extended the offer. It was a really cool moment that I won’t
forget.”
As a sophomore, Houston threw for 4480 yards and 38 touchdowns with
70 percent completions. He ran for 690 yards and 7 touchdowns as well.
He currently ranks 85th nationally according to 247 sports composite
and holds offers from programs like Clemson, Ole Miss, LSU,
Michigan, Penn State, Texas, Texas A&M, and SMU to name a few.
underrated ‘26 wr rob larson dominates at irish invasion
The Irish Invasion hosted some highly ranked players across the 2027 and 2028 recruiting classes, but the best camp performance may have been a surprise to onlookers and the Fighting Irish staff. 6-3 185-pound wide receiver Rob Larson of Folsom (Ca.) Folsom stole the show in the eyes of many. No one was able to guard the three-star pass catcher as he showed elite route running ability, body control and ridiculous ball-catching skills. What makes this story even more intriguing is Larson being able to put on a performance of a lifetime for his favorite school.
“The camp was amazing,” Larson said. “It was definitely special being able to showcase my abilities at my favorite school. I really enjoyed meeting the coaches in person and spending some quality time with them after the camp. Notre Dame is a great place and just being there and seeing the campus is a surreal feeling.”
WR Coach Mike Brown might have been laser focused on building relationships with some of the higher ranked campers, but Larson quickly grabbed his attention as the two shared head nods and high-fives after several spectacular catches, and the growing connection didn’t stop after the camp ended.
“I’m extremely grateful for everything,” Larson shared. “I got to spend a ton of time with Coach (Mike) Brown and he was impressed with what he saw from me. Going into camp, Coach Brown didn’t know much about me, but I think I’m definitely on their radar now for sure.
Larson shares a love for the Fighting Irish with his father, so every aspect of his experience was met with gratitude from getting the opportunity to compete all the way to meeting current players and coaches. It’s a moment that will be bookmarked for Larson and his family.
“It started when I was 10,” Larson explained. “I told my dad that I wanted to be in the NFL and he told me that college is the main goal, and to pick a team that I love. That’s when my dad and I started watching Notre Dame a lot. We fell in love everything the school was about. From the fans to the school and most importantly football.
“A year later, I got a chance to run routes with Ian Book,” Larson continued. “I really started to follow Ian’s journey and keep up with ND football. I’ve also trained with Rico Flores a lot and he has nothing but great things to say about it.”
After posting 25 receptions, 500 yards and 5 touchdowns as a sophomore, Larson knows there’s still work to do, and he’s steadfast on putting in work to ensure that he can have as big of a junior year as possible.
“Some of my goals are to just stay consistent in the gym,” Larson said. “Putting in work every day no matter the weather. Consistently getting better with my speed, catching and routes, so I can have as big of a junior year as possible.”
Larson currently holds offers from programs like Arizona State, Colorado State and UNLV.
Shaun M. Davis
Notre dame faces wisconsin at lambeau field in shamrock series
Notre Dame Football’s 2026 Shamrock Series game presented by Credit Union 1 will now be played on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026 vs. Wisconsin at Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers. The game was originally scheduled to be played in 2020 and was rescheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic for Sept. 5, 2026. It has now been scheduled for a Sunday matchup. The game is the second installment of the two-game series with Wisconsin, the first of which was played at Soldier Field in 2021, with Notre Dame exploding for 31 unanswered fourth quarter points in a 41-13 victory. The highlight of the game was Chris Tyree’s 96-yard kickoff return that broke a 13-13 tie early in the 4th quarter.
Notre Dame will serve as the home team in this Shamrock Series game, the first game the Irish have played at Lambeau Field. The historic stadium has hosted just two college football games in history: St. Norbert vs. Fordham in 1983 and Wisconsin vs. LSU in 2016.
The Shamrock Series began in 2009 when Notre Dame started to ‘take a home game on the road’ in San Antonio. The Irish defeated Washington State, 40-14, in the Alamodome and have hosted 12 Shamrock Series games across the country, including Landover, Md; Chicago, Ill.; Arlington, Texas; Indianapolis, Ind., Las Vegas, Nev. and Bronx, N.Y..
The Shamrock Series has been an incredible resource in recruiting in these areas and the recent success in the Chicagoland area and Wisconsin will be bolstered by this matchup as the eyes of top high schoolers in he Midwest will be focused on two historical programs in one of the most historic venues in football.
Notre dame 2025 schedule highlighted by 3 primetime games
Notre Dame Football announced the game times and broadcast information for its 2025 home slate, including three primetime matchups against Texas A&M, USC and Navy. The Irish will host seven opponents in Notre Dame Stadium in 2025. Six of those contests will be broadcast on NBC (simulstreamed on Peacock), while the Oct. 11 game vs. NC State will be broadcast exclusively on Peacock. For the first time, Notre Dame will 2025 will host three night games since 2018.
Notre Dame’s home opener will bring Texas A&M to Notre Dame Stadium on Sept. 13, after opening the 2024 season in Kyle Field. The Fighting Irish defeated the Aggies’ 23-13 in that matchup with 10 unanswered points late in the fourth quarter to seal an impressive victory.
Notre Dame will remain at home the next week to face rival Purdue at 3:30 p.m. ET on NBC. The 2024 matchup saw an angry Fighting Irish team, on the heels of their only regular season loss to Northern Illinois, travel to West Lafayette and deliver a pummeling to the Boilermakers with a 66-7 Irish victory. They will face them in game 3 in consecutive years for the first time in the battle for the Shillelagh Trophy.
On Oct. 4, the Irish will return home for a three-game stint in South Bend, beginning with another first-time opponent, Boise State, who is coming off a CFP AQ bye and loss to the Penn State Nittany Lions. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET on NBC. The Irish will face NC State in Notre Dame Stadium on Oct. 11 at 3:30 p.m., broadcast exclusively on Peacock. It marks the fifth Notre Dame game that will be streamed exclusively on Peacock.
Notre Dame will then host USC in the annual Jeweled Shillelagh rivalry game, this season occurring on Oct. 18 at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC. The 2024 matchup saw a weary Fighting Irish team hold off a valiant effort from the Trojans with two interceptions returned for touchdowns in the fourth quarter by Christian Gray and Xavier Watts to seal the victory and a berth in the CFP. The matchup will mark the 96th meeting between Notre Dame and USC. The Irish are 7-2 over the Trojans in the last nine meetings.
On Nov. 8, Notre Dame will come back home for the annual matchup with Navy. This installment of the famed rivalry will kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC. It will mark the first time Notre Dame and Navy have met in a night game at Notre Dame Stadium. The Midshipmen entered the 2024 matchup undefeated with a high flying offense, but struggled to hold on to the football against Notre Dame’s defense that collected 6 turnovers in a 51-14 victory
The 2025 Notre Dame home slate will conclude with a 3:30 p.m. matchup vs. Syracuse on Senior Day, broadcast on NBC.
Notre dame-clemson rivalry heats up with 12-game series
Two storied programs with national success and a history of memorable matchups, Notre Dame and Clemson, have agreed to a 12-game home-and-home contract to meet on the gridiron each season between 2027 and 2038. The two schools were already scheduled to meet in 2027 (at Clemson), 2028 (at Notre Dame), 2031 (at Clemson), 2034 (at Notre Dame) and 2037 (at Clemson) per the ACC’s schedule contract with Notre Dame. The agreement marks Notre Dame’s first new series of at least 12 games the program has started since 2002.
“We strive to consistently create a football schedule that positions us for success in the College Football Playoff, and that goal requires us to form historic partnerships like this one with Clemson,” said Notre Dame Vice President and James E. Rohr Director of Athletics Pete Bevacqua. “This rivalry has already produced some of the most memorable moments in recent college football history, and our fans deserve these matchups to continue to make those indelible memories.”
The two programs have met on eight prior occasions, including twice in the postseason. One of these postseason meetings was the 2020 ACC Championship, the only time Notre Dame Football has played in a conference.
The all-time series has a 5-3 Clemson record. At least one of the teams has been ranked in the top 15 in the nation entering all eight previous meetings, and five times both teams have been ranked entering the game, including three meetings of top five teams between 2018-20. The two schools have met four times in the regular season since 2015. The schools are 2-2 in those meetings with the home team winning each.
Notre Dame and Clemson have developed a bit of a football rivalry over the last decade, and that rivalry just jumped up as the Fighting Irish and Tigers announced a new 12-year scheduling agreement.
According to ESPN, the deal will start in 2027 and go through the 2038 season. There were already four games scheduled during this period, but now the budding rivalry becomes an annual occurrence.
The series could be of great benefit to the ACC as it transitions into an era where teams get rewarded with more money for higher TV ratings. This would also help Clemson, who has been in talks with the ACC to receive a greater share of revenue as the premier program in the conference. Playing Notre Dame on an annual basis gives the Tigers more leverage in those conversations. The Irish will gain another rivalry that over time could morph into what other rivalries like Michigan, Miami, and USC have been. USC head coach Lincoln Riley has hinted at ending the ND-USC rivalry in an effort to lessen the Trojans’ strength of schedule with nine conference games in the Big Ten.
ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips says the extra Clemson games not previously scheduled will not count towards Notre Dame's five-game commitment to the ACC.
Take 2036, for example: Notre Dame had Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, Florida State., Pitt and North Carolina rotating in as its ACC opponents. The year 2036 may be a lifetime away in college football the way things have changed recently, but it would see Notre Dame face those teams in addition to Clemson on the schedule.
blue and gold game sheds light on qb competition
Marcus Freeman has spent the spring overseeing a new defensive coordinator in Chris Ash put his fingerprints on a talented defense along with a quarterback battle between Steve Angeli, CJ Carr and Kenny Minchey. Last Saturday, he got an opportunity to watch the fruit of months of observations and evaluations during the annual Blue and Gold game at Notre Dame stadium.
The Blue team defeated the Gold team 76-31 in a spring game that looked much different than in years past.The Fighting Irish were without several players who were rehabbing from injury or resting from an extended run in the college football playoff.
That encouraged some changes to the format and scoring to the game. Instead of four quarters, the game consisted of three periods with four drives consisting of a minimum of six plays. For each of these drives, the ball was placed at various spots to create different game-like situations.
The biggest storyline during the spring has been the quarterback battle between Steve Angeli, CJ Carr and Kenny Minchey. All three QBs had an equal opportunity to shine, and each led the Irish offense on at least one touchdown-scoring drive. But many Irish fans are saying Carr looked the most impressive during Saturday’s game.
Carr finished 14 of 19 for 170 yards and two touchdowns, including a 27-yard touchdown pass to sophomore wide receiver Xavier Southall and a two-yard score to freshman wide receiver Elijah Burress. However, he did throw the game’s only interception on his second-to-last drive under center.
After a slow start, Angeli seemed to settle in and capped his day with a 16-yard touchdown pass to freshman wide receiver Scrap Richardson. He finished 8 of 11 for 108 yards and the aforementioned touchdown.
Minchey ed a three-play, 45-yard drive where he scored on a four-yard run and celebrated his touchdown by doing a backflip in the end zone. He finished 6 of 14 through the air for 106 yards and ran for 12 yards on six carries.
After the game, Freeman said he saw a lot of good from all three quarterbacks and said they could all lead Notre Dame to wins.
“It’s crazy to think this, but you’ve got three guys that all could lead your program to a victory and be your starting quarterback,” Freeman said. “You would like to go into fall with a two-quarterback battle. It’s really hard truly having a three-quarterback battle.”
On the defensive side of the ball, Luke Talich led the way with nine tackles while Bryce Young and Preston Zinter were credited with sacks. Ben Minich intercepted Carr for the game’s only turnover.
But perhaps the biggest defensive plays of the afternoon came on a goal line stand in the seventh series of the scrimmage, where Talich helped the Gold team make back-to-back stops at the goal line on third and fourth down to prevent a Blue touchdown.
Jadarian Price led the team in rushing with 46 yards on six carries while freshman running back Nolan James Jr. led the team in receiving with 60 yards on three catches. For a full look at the final stats from the 2025 Blue-Gold Game,
The Irish will now wait for fall camp to begin preparation for their season opener versus the Miami Hurricanes on August 31st.