Clashmore Four

The Clashmore Four: Notre Dame preseason outlook

Episode 1.1

Four brothers kick off an unapologetically biased Notre Dame football podcast, setting up the season by breaking down the roster unit by unit and asking one big question: how good is this team really? They also establish the show’s rhythm, the family dynamic, and the mindset that will carry through the season - equal parts hope, dread, and brotherly ribbing.

Key topics

• In this episode, Ian introduces The Clashmore Four and explains the show’s purpose - four Notre Dame brothers talking football with emotional honesty, family energy, and no attempt at objectivity.
• Ted frames the season as a rare returning-core year, especially at quarterback, and argues that continuity at quarterback and coordinator gives Notre Dame a real title window.
• The group spends most of the episode on the offense, starting with CJ Carr, who they call a potential Heisman-level quarterback if he can take the next step in late-game command.
• The receivers are the biggest offensive unknown, with Jordan Faison seen as the safest target, Micah Gilbert generating buzz as a potential deep threat, and Jaden Greathouse projected as an important slot and boundary piece.
• The running back room gets strong marks, especially Aeneas Williams, with Kidron Young and Jones Walton also drawing praise as depth options behind a group that should be solid even if it is not Love-and-Price level.
• The offensive line is viewed as promising but still unproven in key spots, with concern centered on chemistry, first-time starters, and the center and right guard battle.
• The tight end room is discussed as a blocking-heavy group, with special attention on Ian Premier and the law firm of Flanagan and Flanagan, plus curiosity about how much freshman Elijah Frazier can contribute.
• Defense is the confidence point of the team, with Leonard Moore and KVA described as elite, impact-level players, and the depth across the secondary and front seven seen as the real difference from prior seasons.
• The defensive line rotation and transfer additions are praised as coaching-driven roster building, giving Notre Dame the kind of depth needed to survive a full season and stay fresh for December.
• The coaching discussion turns to Marcus Freeman and the staff’s continuity, with the brothers arguing that returning coordinators, returning players, and no major scheme overhaul could be the foundation for a playoff run.
• The schedule is treated as dangerous despite outside perceptions, especially with road games, service academy quirks, and a late stretch that includes Miami, SMU, and road trips that could punish any early slip.
• The episode closes with record predictions and season standards: Ted goes 12-0 and says anything short of a national title is a disappointment, Ian and Kevin land on one-loss seasons, and Colin predicts 11-1 with a loss at BYU.