Download the Kalshi app and use code ATOZ to get $20 when you trade $20. Kalshi. Trade on anything. Sign up today: Sponsor Disclosure: Kalshi: 18+ only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Event contract trading involves risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Kalshi products are not available in all jurisdictions. Prices, values, and available markets may differ from those mentioned. For more information see kalshi.com/regulatory. Notre Dame football returns home for its first game at Notre Dame Stadium in 2026, and Ryan Roberts expects the Fighting Irish to make a statement. Ryan's official prediction: Notre Dame 52, Rice 3. The Fighting Irish enter the game ranked No. 3 in the country after opening the season with a 41-13 victory over Wisconsin at Lambeau Field. While Notre Dame eventually dominated the Badgers, the Irish were only up 13-10 at halftime before exploding for a 28-3 second-half run. Ryan believes Notre Dame needs to show that it can start faster against Rice. The Fighting Irish have heard all week about their tendency to get off to slow starts, and Ryan believes this is the perfect opportunity to establish an offensive rhythm immediately. He wants to see CJ Carr make an explosive play early, whether that means taking a shot to Mike Gilbert, getting Jaden Greathouse involved or creating an opportunity for another young receiver such as Mylan Graham. Ryan believes Notre Dame has too much talent for Rice to keep this game competitive if the Fighting Irish execute. Notre Dame has CJ Carr, a talented offensive line, a deep running back room, Jordan Faison, a talented group of young receivers and a deep tight end room. Defensively, the Irish have an elite unit led by Leonard Moore, Adon Shuler, Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, Drayk Bowen, Francis Brewu, Tionne Gray and a deep group of defensive ends. Ryan also believes Notre Dame's previous losses to teams it should have beaten will help keep the Fighting Irish focused. Notre Dame has experienced disappointing early-season losses to teams such as Marshall and Northern Illinois in recent years, and Ryan believes the current roster understands that it cannot afford to overlook an opponent simply because it is less talented. His prediction is a decisive first half followed by a second half focused on player development. Ryan expects Notre Dame to establish a huge lead before giving younger players more opportunities, including Noah Grubbs, Teddy Jarrard, Jonaz Walton, Javion Osborne, Devin Fitzgerald, Bubba Frazier and Ian Primer. The defensive game plan should be simple: stop the run. Rice is expected to lean heavily on its rushing attack, while quarterback Chase Jenkins gives the Owls an athletic threat with his legs. Ryan believes that if Notre Dame shuts down the run early and forces Rice to throw, the game could get ugly quickly. Ryan also wants to see Notre Dame's defensive tackles continue building momentum, particularly Tionne Gray and Francis Brew. And while Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa is expected to return, Ryan doesn't want the star linebacker playing a huge number of snaps. Instead, he would like to see KVA get roughly 5-10 plays, get comfortable and then come out of the game healthy. Can Notre Dame start fast? Will CJ Carr create early explosives? Can the Irish shut down Rice's rushing attack? And will Ryan's 52-3 prediction come true? Ryan Roberts breaks down Notre Dame vs. Rice and gives his official score prediction. Subscribe for Notre Dame Fighting Irish football news, game analysis, recruiting updates, transfer portal coverage, roster breakdowns and year-round college football content. #NotreDame #NotreDameFootball #FightingIrish #Rice #CollegeFootball Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: For More Notre Dame coverage follow us here: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram: TikTok: #notredame #notredamefightingirish #notredamefootball

Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: Notre Dame football is one week into the 2026 season, and Ryan Roberts believes the Fighting Irish already have several important changes they should consider making. After Notre Dame's 41-13 victory over Wisconsin, Ryan breaks down the players who could be in line for bigger roles, new starting opportunities and more playing time as the Fighting Irish prepare for the rest of the season. The first position Ryan wants to see change is defensive tackle. Francis Brewu and Tionne Gray both stood out against Wisconsin, and Ryan believes one of those two players should be one of Notre Dame's primary starting defensive tackles. Brewu brings a physical, explosive interior presence, while Gray provides a completely different skill set at 6-foot-5 and 320 pounds. With Jason Onye currently sidelined, Ryan believes this week provides an opportunity to see what Brewu and Gray can do with expanded roles. At cornerback, Ryan believes Notre Dame may have already answered one of its biggest questions. DJ McKinney impressed Ryan against Wisconsin and showed the experience and instincts that come from playing significant college football. Ryan believes McKinney should be the starting field corner opposite Leonard Moore, with Jaden Sanders playing a rotational role and potentially seeing snaps in the slot as well. Ryan also wants Notre Dame to get more of its young linebackers onto the field. With Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa expected to return from injury, Ryan wants to see KVA and Madden Faraimo receive opportunities alongside starting Mike linebacker Drake Bowen. Ryan is particularly critical of continuing to give Jalen Sneed significant snaps after several seasons of preseason hype without enough game-day production. The right guard position is another spot where Ryan believes Notre Dame has already found its answer. Ryan is adamant that Sullivan Absher should be the starting right guard after the difference he saw against Wisconsin. Styles Prescod could still have a role, but Ryan believes Absher should be the guy at the top of the depth chart for now. The slot receiver position is a little less clear. Ryan wants the next few games to serve as a foundational evaluation period for the position, with players such as Milan Graham and Jaden Greathouse competing for a larger share of the snaps. So which Notre Dame players should be starting after Week 1? Who deserves more playing time? Should Francis Brewu or Tionne Gray become a full-time starter? Is DJ McKinney the clear answer at field corner? Should Notre Dame move on from Jalen Sneed? And has Sullivan Absher already won the right guard job? Ryan Roberts breaks down the Notre Dame players who should be seeing new roles after Week 1. Subscribe for Notre Dame Fighting Irish football news, game analysis, recruiting, transfer portal updates, roster breakdowns and year-round college football coverage. #NotreDame #NotreDameFootball #FightingIrish #GoIrish #CollegeFootball For More Notre Dame coverage follow us here: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram: TikTok: 0:00 Notre Dame's Week 1 Changes 0:52 What Could Change After Wisconsin? 2:04 Why Rice Gives Notre Dame An Opportunity 3:12 How Notre Dame's Depth Chart Works 3:35 Francis Brewu & Tionne Gray Need More Snaps 5:19 DJ McKinney Is The Starting Field Corner 6:42 Notre Dame's Linebacker Rotation Needs To Change 8:02 Sullivan Absher Should Start At Right Guard 8:33 The Slot Receiver Battle 9:13 Your Notre Dame Starting Lineup #notredame #notredamefightingirish #notredamefootball

Notre Dame football received some important injury news after its 41-13 season-opening victory over Wisconsin. Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: For More Notre Dame coverage follow us here: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram: TikTok: Ryan Roberts breaks down the latest on Tae Johnson and Jason Onye after both defensive players left Notre Dame's opener with injuries. The good news: neither injury is expected to be season-ending. Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman grouped the two players together when discussing their injuries and indicated that both should be out for only a couple of weeks. That's a major positive for a Fighting Irish team with national championship aspirations. However, Ryan believes there is more to the story. Tae Johnson is dealing with a foot injury, and Ryan expects him to return sooner than Jason Onye. While the exact nature of Johnson's injury wasn't specified, Ryan believes the timeline should keep him out for a short period before returning to the Notre Dame secondary. Jason Onye's situation could be more complicated. Onye has already dealt with plenty of adversity throughout his Notre Dame career, including injuries and the fight to receive another year of eligibility. Ryan believes his recovery could take longer than Johnson's, with USC potentially serving as a realistic target for his return. The good news for Notre Dame is that the Fighting Irish have plenty of defensive depth. At safety, Luke Talents, Aiden Shuler, Ethan Long and five-star freshman Joey O'Brien give Notre Dame several options while Tae Johnson is unavailable. Ryan believes O'Brien could benefit significantly from the additional defensive snaps and potentially develop into an important part of the defense as the season progresses. Notre Dame also has several defensive tackles capable of absorbing Jason Onye's snaps. Francis Brewu flashed against Wisconsin and could see his role increase. Tione Gray also showed significant potential, while Elijah Hughes and Sean Sevillano give Notre Dame additional options on the interior. Ryan believes that depth could allow Notre Dame to be patient with Onye rather than rushing him back. There is also positive news surrounding Kingston Viliamu-Asa. Ryan says it sounds like the Notre Dame linebacker could be available against Rice, although exactly how much he plays remains to be determined. So when should Notre Dame fans expect Tae Johnson and Jason Onye back? Could Johnson return before Onye? Is USC the realistic target for Onye? And can Notre Dame's defensive depth hold up while both players recover? Ryan Roberts breaks down the latest Notre Dame injury news heading into the Fighting Irish's home opener against Rice. Subscribe for Notre Dame Fighting Irish football news, injury updates, postgame reactions, recruiting coverage, transfer portal updates and year-round college football analysis. 0:00 Notre Dame's Latest Injury News 0:45 Tae Johnson & Jason Onye Update 1:25 Tae Johnson's Injury Timeline 2:08 Notre Dame's Safety Depth 2:56 Joey O'Brien's Opportunity 3:50 Notre Dame's Safety Depth Is Legit 4:33 Jason Onye's Difficult Injury History 5:26 Notre Dame's Defensive Tackle Depth 6:08 Francis Brewu & Tione Gray Could Step Up 6:30 Why Jason Onye Could Be Out Longer 7:30 Kingston Viliamu-Asa Injury Update 8:12 Notre Dame's Injury Situation #notredame #notredamefightingirish #notredamefootball

Download the Kalshi app and use code ATOZ to get $20 when you trade $20. Kalshi. Trade on anything. Sign up today: Sponsor Disclosure: Kalshi: 18+ only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Event contract trading involves risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Kalshi products are not available in all jurisdictions. Prices, values, and available markets may differ from those mentioned. For more information see kalshi.com/regulatory. Notre Dame football is finally back, and Ryan Roberts has made his official prediction for the Fighting Irish's 2026 season opener against Wisconsin at Lambeau Field. Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: For More Notre Dame coverage follow us here: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram: TikTok: Ryan is predicting Notre Dame to DOMINATE the Badgers by a final score of 37-13. The Fighting Irish enter the season with national championship expectations, while Wisconsin is trying to establish itself under Luke Fickell. Ryan believes the difference in talent, experience and roster depth will ultimately be too much for the Badgers to overcome. The biggest question for Wisconsin will be whether it can establish the run and use quarterback Colton Joseph's athleticism to keep the Notre Dame defense off balance. Joseph averaged more than six yards per carry and ran for more than 1,000 yards last season, giving Wisconsin a legitimate weapon in the quarterback run game. Wisconsin also has an explosive running back in Abu Sama III and a talented group behind him, giving the Badgers multiple ways to try to control the clock and shorten the game. But Ryan believes Notre Dame's defense will eventually take over. The Fighting Irish have tremendous depth along the defensive line, particularly at defensive tackle, with players such as Francis Brew, Tione Gray, Jason Onye, Sean Sevillano and Elijah Hughes competing for significant snaps. Notre Dame also has a deep group of defensive ends capable of creating pressure. Ryan believes Notre Dame needs to create negative plays early, make Colton Joseph uncomfortable and force Wisconsin into obvious passing situations. On offense, the biggest question may be how quickly Notre Dame's revamped offensive line comes together. Several starters are entering the season at new positions, including Will Black, Anthonie Knapp, Styles Prescod and Guerby Lambert. Ryan believes the Irish have plenty of talent up front, but their ability to create movement in the run game will be critical. Ryan also expects CJ Carr to make explosive plays through the air. With Carr entering his second season as Notre Dame's starting quarterback and a deep group of wide receivers around him, Ryan believes the passing game can provide the explosive plays that ultimately separate the Fighting Irish from Wisconsin. So can Notre Dame live up to its massive expectations in Week 1? Will Colton Joseph and Wisconsin's running game cause problems? Can the Notre Dame offensive line establish itself? And does Ryan's 37-13 prediction come true? Ryan Roberts breaks down the Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin matchup and gives his official score prediction on A to Z Sports. Subscribe for Notre Dame Fighting Irish football news, analysis, recruiting updates, transfer portal coverage, roster breakdowns and year-round college football content. 0:00 Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin Prediction 0:35 Ryan Roberts' Official Score Prediction 1:17 Why Notre Dame Has Championship Expectations 2:25 Wisconsin's Path To An Upset 3:20 Ryan's 37-13 Prediction 4:06 Wisconsin Will Try To Run The Football 4:25 Colton Joseph's Biggest Weapon 4:47 Abu Sama III & Wisconsin's RB Room 5:50 How Notre Dame Will Attack Wisconsin 6:36 Notre Dame's New-Look Offensive Line 7:54 Notre Dame's Defensive Tackle Depth 8:16 Notre Dame's Pass Rush Must Create Negatives 8:50 Final Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin Prediction #notredame #notredamefightingirish #notredamefootball

Download the Kalshi app and use code ATOZ to get $20 when you trade $20. Kalshi. Trade on anything. Sign up today: Sponsor Disclosure: Kalshi: 18+ only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Event contract trading involves risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Kalshi products are not available in all jurisdictions. Prices, values, and available markets may differ from those mentioned. For more information see kalshi.com/regulatory. Notre Dame football is entering the 2026 season with massive expectations, and Ryan Roberts is making some of his boldest Fighting Irish predictions yet. Ryan is predicting Notre Dame to go 12-0 during the regular season including wins over two of the biggest challenges on the schedule in BYU and Miami. But that's not even his biggest prediction. For the first time since Ryan entered the media industry in 2018, he is predicting Notre Dame to WIN the national championship. Ryan explains why he believes this Notre Dame team has everything it needs to make that kind of run. The Fighting Irish return Marcus Freeman and their coordinators, have a second-year starting quarterback in CJ Carr, have continued recruiting at an elite level and have depth throughout the roster. Notre Dame still has questions to answer. The offensive line needs to develop chemistry, the defensive tackle rotation needs to prove itself, and the Fighting Irish have to replace the production of Jeremiah Love and Dorian Price. The wide receiver room also has plenty of competition and questions heading into the season. But Ryan is buying stock in this team. One of his biggest individual predictions is that Jordan Faison will become Notre Dame's first 1,000-yard receiver in several years. Faison had more than 600 receiving yards in 12 games last season, and Ryan believes focusing exclusively on football after stepping away from lacrosse will help him take another major step forward. Ryan is also predicting a breakout season for Armel Mukim, who he believes can record 10 or more tackles for loss after climbing to the top of Notre Dame's defensive tackle depth chart following an offseason filled with adversity. And Ryan is sticking with one of his biggest Notre Dame defensive predictions: Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa will be an All-American in 2026. Can Notre Dame really go 12-0? Will Jordan Faison become a 1,000-yard receiver? Can Armel Mukem emerge as a dominant defensive tackle? And is this finally the year the Fighting Irish win another national championship? Ryan Roberts gives his boldest Notre Dame football hot takes and predictions for the 2026 season. Subscribe for Notre Dame Fighting Irish football news, recruiting updates, transfer portal coverage, roster analysis and year-round college football content. 0:00 Ryan Roberts' 2026 Notre Dame Predictions 0:29 The 12-0 Notre Dame Prediction 1:24 Notre Dame's Biggest Tests: Miami & BYU 3:05 Notre Dame Will WIN The National Championship 3:44 Why Notre Dame Can Win It All 4:54 Ryan Is Buying Stock In Notre Dame 5:19 Jordan Faison Will Have 1,000+ Receiving Yards 7:18 Armel Mukim Will Have 10+ Tackles For Loss 8:43 Kingston Viliamu-Asa Will Be An All-American 9:32 Ryan's Final Notre Dame Prediction Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: For More Notre Dame coverage follow us here: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram: TikTok: #notredame #notredamefightingirish #notredamefootball

Notre Dame football opens the 2026 college football season against Wisconsin at Lambeau Field, and Ryan Roberts believes the Fighting Irish need to make a statement immediately. Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: For More Notre Dame coverage follow us here: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram: TikTok: Ryan breaks down the biggest things he wants to see from Notre Dame in the season opener. First, Notre Dame needs to start fast. The Fighting Irish have experienced frustrating starts under Marcus Freeman, and Ryan doesn't want to see another slow opening against Wisconsin. Notre Dame enters the season with national championship expectations, while Wisconsin is trying to establish itself under head coach Luke Fickell. Ryan believes the Irish need to come out with energy, physicality and urgency and establish control early. The second major storyline is CJ Carr. Notre Dame's running game could look different in 2026 after losing the explosive production of Jeremiah Love and Dorian Price. Ryan still expects the Fighting Irish to run the football effectively, but believes Notre Dame will need more explosive plays through the air. That puts pressure on Carr and a deep Notre Dame wide receiver room featuring Jordan Faison, Jaden Greathouse, Micah Gilbert, Mylan Graham, Quincy Porter and a talented group of young receivers. Ryan also explains why he will be watching the offensive line closely. Notre Dame has tremendous talent up front, but several players are taking on new roles, including Will Black at left tackle, Guerby Lambert at right tackle and Anthonie Knapp at left guard. The right guard and center combination also remains something to monitor. On defense, Ryan has confidence in Notre Dame's secondary but wants to see how Christian Gray performs at nickel, who emerges at field corner and, most importantly, who becomes the Fighting Irish's second major pass-rush threat behind Boubacar Traore. Ryan also breaks down how Notre Dame can maximize Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa and why his versatility could make him one of the most important players on the defense. What does Notre Dame need to show against Wisconsin? Can CJ Carr create enough explosive plays? Will the offensive line gel quickly? And who steps up as Notre Dame's secondary pass rusher? Ryan Roberts gives his complete Notre Dame football season-opener preview on A to Z Sports. Subscribe for Notre Dame Fighting Irish football news, analysis, recruiting coverage, transfer portal updates, roster breakdowns and year-round college football content. 0:00 What Notre Dame Must Show Against Wisconsin 0:33 Why This Game Is About Notre Dame 1:37 Notre Dame Needs To Start FAST 3:18 Make A Statement At Lambeau Field 3:50 CJ Carr Must Take The Next Step 4:17 Notre Dame Needs More Passing Explosives 5:12 Can The Offensive Line Gel Quickly? 6:23 What To Watch On Defense 6:47 How Notre Dame Should Use KVA 7:35 Who Is The Second Pass Rusher? 8:18 The Biggest Thing Notre Dame Must Prove #notredame #notredamefightingirish #notredamefootball

Notre Dame football opens the 2026 season against Wisconsin at Lambeau Field, and Ryan Roberts is breaking down the Wisconsin players the Fighting Irish need to stop to avoid an upset bid. Marcus Freeman and Notre Dame enter the season with massive College Football Playoff and national championship expectations. Wisconsin enters the matchup as a significant underdog, but that doesn't mean the Badgers don't have players capable of creating problems. The biggest one may be quarterback Colton Joseph. Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: For More Notre Dame coverage follow us here: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram: TikTok: The Old Dominion transfer is a dynamic dual-threat quarterback whose greatest weapon may be his ability to create plays with his legs. Ryan explains why Wisconsin is likely to use designed quarterback runs, zone reads and power reads to get Joseph involved and potentially keep Notre Dame's defense on the field. If Joseph can consistently convert difficult third downs with his legs, Wisconsin can shorten the game and limit Notre Dame's opportunities. Ryan also identifies running back Abu Sama III as a player Notre Dame needs to stop early. The Iowa State transfer brings explosive ability to the Badgers' backfield and could become especially dangerous if Notre Dame's linebackers and safeties begin overplaying Joseph in the run game. Then there's wide receiver Eugene Hilton Jr. The son of former NFL star T.Y. Hilton, Eugene Hilton Jr. gives Wisconsin a potential downfield weapon. Ryan doesn't believe Notre Dame needs to dedicate a defender like Leonard Moore to shadow Hilton around the field, but he does believe the Fighting Irish secondary needs to know where Hilton is on every snap. On the offensive line, Ryan highlights Kevin Heywood. The 6-foot-9, 320-pound tackle is returning from injury and brings significant size and physicality to the Wisconsin offensive front. If Wisconsin can win at the point of attack, the Badgers have a better chance of controlling the clock and keeping Notre Dame's explosive offense on the sideline. Finally, Ryan discusses linebacker Mason Posa, a versatile sophomore who can line up at either linebacker spot and create pressure from different areas of the defense. Which Wisconsin players should Notre Dame be most worried about? Can Colton Joseph create enough with his legs to keep Wisconsin in the game? Will Abu Sama III provide explosive runs? And can Notre Dame's secondary shut down Eugene Hilton Jr.? Ryan Roberts breaks down the five Wisconsin players the Fighting Irish need to stop in the 2026 season opener. Subscribe for Notre Dame Fighting Irish football news, analysis, recruiting coverage, transfer portal updates, roster breakdowns and year-round college football content. 0:00 The Wisconsin Players Notre Dame Must Stop 0:29 Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin Preview 1:23 Colton Joseph Is The Biggest QB Threat 2:41 How Wisconsin Can Shorten The Game 3:09 Abu Sama III Can Create Explosives 4:53 Eugene Hilton Jr. Is Wisconsin's WR Threat 6:05 Notre Dame's Secondary Has The Advantage 6:34 Kevin Heywood Can Set The Tone 7:41 Mason Posa Could Disrupt Notre Dame 8:42 Another Wisconsin Edge Threat To Watch #notredame #notredamefightingirish #notredamefootball

Notre Dame football has several players emerging from fall camp who could play much bigger roles than expected during the 2026 season. Ryan Roberts from A to Z Sports breaks down the biggest Fighting Irish fall camp surprises the players who entered the offseason with limited expectations but have forced their way into the conversation for significant playing time. Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: For More Notre Dame coverage follow us here: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram: TikTok: The biggest offensive surprise starts with wide receiver Matt Jeffrey. The redshirt sophomore entered the offseason as a player many Notre Dame fans were not discussing as a major contributor, but his performance during fall camp has completely changed that. Ryan explains why Jeffrey's competitiveness, ability through contact and versatility could earn him a legitimate role behind Notre Dame's top wide receivers. Ryan also discusses tight end Jack Larsen, another member of Notre Dame's talented 2024 recruiting class who appeared to be buried on the depth chart entering the offseason. Instead, Larsen has developed into a player competing for the tight end three role thanks to his improved physical development, strong hands and ability to make plays. On defense, Ryan highlights Armel Mukam, a former highly regarded recruit who has taken time to develop physically in South Bend. After nearly entering the transfer portal, Mukim returned to Notre Dame and now appears ready to compete for significant snaps at defensive tackle. The Fighting Irish secondary continues to prove its depth as well. Jayden Sanders, a transfer cornerback from Michigan, has emerged as a legitimate competitor for the starting field cornerback job despite Notre Dame already adding DJ McKinney and returning elite talent like Leonard Moore and Christian Gray. Finally, Ryan discusses Styles Prescod, whose strong offseason has unexpectedly put him into the conversation for the starting right guard position. These players represent something bigger for Notre Dame football: improved depth across the roster. Can Matt Jeffrey become a real weapon for CJ Carr? Is Armel Mukam ready for a breakout season? How good can Notre Dame's secondary become? And which unexpected player will make the biggest impact in 2026? Ryan Roberts breaks down the biggest Notre Dame football fall camp surprises on A to Z Sports. Subscribe for Notre Dame Fighting Irish football news, recruiting updates, transfer portal coverage, roster breakdowns and year-round analysis. 0:00 Notre Dame's Biggest Fall Camp Surprises 0:33 Why These Players Matter 1:17 Matt Jeffrey Is Emerging At Wide Receiver 3:02 Jack Larsen's Unexpected Rise 4:51 Armel Mukam Finally Breaking Through 6:29 Jayden Sanders Keeps Impressing 7:57 Styles Prescod Enters The Right Guard Battle 8:47 Final Thoughts On Notre Dame's Depth #NotreDame #NotreDameFootball #FightingIrish #CollegeFootball #GoIrish

Notre Dame football has a GREAT problem at cornerback heading into the 2026 college football season. Ryan Roberts from A to Z Sports breaks down the Fighting Irish field cornerback battle between DJ McKinney and Jaden Sanders and explains why this competition is actually a sign of how far Marcus Freeman's program has come. Entering the season, most expected Colorado transfer DJ McKinney to be the favorite to start at field cornerback. McKinney was brought to South Bend with significant expectations after being viewed as a potential NFL Draft selection, and Ryan explains why he still believes McKinney is the most likely starter for Notre Dame. But Jaden Sanders has completely changed the conversation. After transferring from Michigan, Sanders has impressed throughout the offseason and fall camp, earning a legitimate opportunity to compete for the starting role. Ryan explains why Sanders' development has been one of the biggest surprises of Notre Dame's preseason and why his versatility could make him a major part of the Fighting Irish defense regardless of whether he starts at field corner. The bigger story, though, is what this says about Notre Dame's secondary. For years, Notre Dame fans watched the program search for answers in the defensive backfield. Now, the Fighting Irish have an entirely different issue: too many talented defensive backs competing for playing time. Ryan breaks down how Leonard Moore, DJ McKinney, Jaden Sanders, Dallas Golden, Mark Zachary and a talented safety group have transformed Notre Dame's secondary into one of the deepest units in college football. The field cornerback battle is not a concern. It is evidence of elite recruiting, development and roster building under Marcus Freeman, Mike Mickens and the Notre Dame coaching staff. Who should start between DJ McKinney and Jaden Sanders? How good can this Notre Dame secondary be in 2026? And does the Fighting Irish defense have the best defensive back group in college football? Ryan Roberts gives his full Notre Dame football analysis on A to Z Sports. Subscribe for Notre Dame Fighting Irish football news, roster breakdowns, recruiting coverage, transfer portal updates and year-round analysis. #NotreDame #NotreDameFootball #FightingIrish #CollegeFootball #GoIrish Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: For More Notre Dame coverage follow us here: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram: TikTok: #notredame #notredamefightingirish #notredamefootball 0:00 Notre Dame Has A Great Problem At Cornerback 0:23 The Field Corner Battle Begins 1:12 Why This Position Is So Important 1:37 DJ McKinney vs. Jaden Sanders 2:42 Why Jaden Sanders Is Making A Push 4:14 Why DJ McKinney Is Still The Favorite 5:20 Notre Dame Has Too Much Secondary Talent 6:22 The Evolution Of Notre Dame's Defensive Back Room 7:29 The Future Of The Cornerback Room 8:08 Notre Dame May Have The Best Secondary In College Football

Notre Dame football still has one major offensive line question heading into the 2026 season: who will start at right guard? Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: For More Notre Dame coverage follow us here: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram: TikTok: Ryan Roberts from A to Z Sports breaks down the Fighting Irish's complicated right guard battle and explains why this position has become the biggest unanswered question on Marcus Freeman's roster before Notre Dame opens the season against Wisconsin. For much of the Notre Dame roster, the answers are clear. CJ Carr is the quarterback. The running back room is established. The wide receiver rotation is taking shape. The tackles and left guard spots appear to be settled. But right guard remains a mystery. Ryan explains why this position battle has taken several unexpected turns. Charles Jagusah would likely be the starter when healthy, but his ongoing recovery has created uncertainty. Sullivan Absher entered the offseason as the experienced option after stepping into a starting role in 2025, while redshirt freshman Matty Augustine emerged as a player Ryan believed could win the job before suffering a foot injury. Now Notre Dame is exploring even more possibilities. Could Ashton Craig move from center to right guard? Could Joe Otting become the starting center? Could Styles Prescod earn the starting role despite projecting more naturally as a tackle? Ryan breaks down every scenario and explains why the Fighting Irish coaching staff appears to still be searching for the best possible combination of five offensive linemen. The concern is not that Notre Dame lacks talent. The Irish offensive line has enormous upside entering 2026. The concern is finding the right combination, building chemistry and making sure the unit is ready when Notre Dame opens the season at Lambeau Field against Wisconsin. Could the right guard battle impact Notre Dame's championship expectations? Who should start between Sullivan Absher, Ashton Craig, Joe Otting and Styles Prescod? And should Fighting Irish fans actually be worried? Ryan Roberts gives his full Notre Dame football analysis on A to Z Sports. Subscribe for Notre Dame Fighting Irish football news, roster breakdowns, recruiting coverage, transfer portal updates and year-round analysis. 0:00 Notre Dame's Biggest Remaining Position Question 0:23 Most Of The Starting Lineup Is Set 1:21 Why Right Guard Is Different 1:45 Charles Jagusah Changes Everything 2:29 Sullivan Absher vs. Matty Augustine 4:19 The Ashton Craig Possibility 5:22 Styles Prescod Enters The Battle 6:08 Why Notre Dame Fans Should Pay Attention 7:18 The Concern With Styles Prescod At Guard 9:02 Should Fans Be Worried? 9:24 Final Thoughts On Notre Dame's Offensive Line #NotreDame #NotreDameFootball #FightingIrish #CollegeFootball #GoIrish