The hype surrounding Notre Dame's 2026 season is impossible to ignore, but are we getting ahead of ourselves?

This week, we take a step back and examine the one trend Marcus Freeman must finally put behind him, September losses. Despite leading the Irish to incredible highs, Freeman owns a 9-5 record in games played during the opening month of the season, including several disappointing losses to teams Notre Dame was expected to beat badly. We also revisit last year's 0-2 start against the toughest opponents on the schedule and discuss why proving this team can win the early-season games consistently remains the final hurdle before fans can fully buy into the championship expectations.

We also break down Notre Dame's stunning new football facility, what it means for the future of the program, and discuss the University's landmark $20 million partnership with SoFi that will place a sponsor patch on the Fighting Irish uniforms for the first time in program history.

Is this finally the year Notre Dame puts its September struggles behind it, or is cautious optimism still the right approach? We dive into all of it on this episode of First & Gold.

This week on First & Gold, we break down the biggest storylines we'll be watching as Notre Dame begins preparations for the 2026 season. We dive into the enormous expectations surrounding CJ Carr as he takes the reins of the Irish offense in year two.

On the defensive side, we debate what could become one of the most intriguing position battles of camp: Christian Gray vs. Dallas Golden for the starting nickel spot.

We also take a closer look at the running back room, discussing how the carries could be distributed, who is primed for a breakout, and whether the Irish should lean on a true committee approach or establish a featured back.

Plus, we highlight the recruiting momentum on the defensive line, where Charlie Partridge and Marcus Freeman continue to stack elite talent and build one of the nation's premier defensive fronts for years to come.

Fall camp has arrived, expectations are soaring, and we cover everything you need to know before the Irish take the practice field.

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On this week's episode of "First & Gold," Pete and Clayton discuss Notre Dame's upcoming showdown with No. 16-ranked Army. With a defense playing as one of the best in the country and an offense that continues to gain confidence on a weekly basis, how will the Irish handle the different looks Army features on both sides of the ball?

Plus, following impressive victories over Georgetown and North Dakota, ND's men's basketball team finds themselves off to a hot start, while the No. 6-ranked women's squad continues to roll as well. With challenging schedules ahead for both, what's the ceiling for these talented squads?

The guys break it all down, so be sure to tune in! Go Irish!

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On this week's episode of "First & Gold," the guys touch on Notre Dame's thumping of rival Florida State. Was this the blue and gold's best performance of the season from a collective team perspective?

Plus, with the latest edition of the CFP rankings out, where the Irish slotted at No. 9, are there any surprises to the field? Pete and Clayton break it all down, while discussing the start of the men's and women's basketball seasons, so be sure to tune in.

GO Irish!

PRODUCTION NOTE: Episode 26 of Season 2 can currently be found on the "First & Gold" X page!

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On this week's show, Pete and Clayton recap Notre Dame's victory over Georgia Tech, while highlighting some of the new wrinkles the Irish will see this weekend against the Naval Academy.

Will Al Golden's unit, which has been hampered by injury in recent weeks, be up to the task? Can the offense FINALLY give ND an early lead?

The fellas break it all down, so tune in NOW! Go Irish!

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On this week's show, Pete and Clayton discuss Notre Dame's upcoming matchup with the Yellow Jackets, and how ND's schedule looks a lot more challenging than it did at the start of the season, largely due to strong campaigns from Georgia Tech, Virginia, Army, and Navy.

Plus, the loss of Boubacar Traore last week was a huge blow to the Irish defense. Now without the services of star corner and presumptive first-round draft pick Benjamin Morrison for the remainder of the campaign, what players will be expected to step up in order to keep the blue and gold defense playing at a high level?

The guys are all over these topics and more, so tune in NOW! Go Irish!

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On this week's show, Pete and Clayton dish on how the bye week impacted the Fighting Irish. With major programs losing, including Alabama, Tennessee, USC, and Missouri, it's clear ND isn't the only flawed team in America. What does this mean for Notre Dame's playoff chances moving forward, assuming the Irish win out?

Plus, the loss of Boubacar Traore is devastating blow to the Irish defense. But with loads of talent on the depth chart, where might Al Golden and company turn to fill the void left by the Uber athletic Vyper?

The guys jump on these talking points and much more. Tune in NOW! Go Irish!

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On this week's show, Clayton Stohler dishes on Deuce Knight's, shall we say, interesting flip from Notre Dame to Auburn. What was the driving force behind the change and does it make sense?

Plus, the Irish offense continues to grow. After a sluggish start last week against Louisville, what should the blue and gold be focusing on during the bye week from an offensive standpoint?

Clay talks all this and much more. Trust us, you don't want to miss it! Go Irish!

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On this week's show, Pete and Clayton break down Notre Dame's total domination of Purdue last weekend in West Lafayette. But despite the Irish offense finding the end zone on eight occasions -- largely due to their rushing attack -- are there signs the passing game is starting to develop?

Plus, after suffering more crucial injuries in the win over the Boilermakers -- including losing Jordan Bothelo and Ashton Craig for the season -- what opportunities will these absences present for other playmakers on both sides of the ball?

The guys have you covered with all this and more, so be sure to tune in NOW! GO Irish!

PRODUCTION NOTE: Episode 21 of Season 2 can be found on the "First & Gold" X page!

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On this week's episode of "First & Gold," Clayton Stohler discusses the shocking NIU loss, while sharing his thoughts on how Marcus Freeman and Co. can truly right the ship moving forward. In a game where the Irish passing game was virtually non-existent, will the Irish coaching staff truly do what is needed to get back on track? Clay breaks this critical topic down and much more, so be sure to tune in!

Of course, you can always subscribe to all things Irish Tribune and "First & Gold" at any time as well. Go Irish!

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