Irish Breakdown

Notre Dame has a chance to make a major statement against the Big Ten in 2026, but with Wisconsin and Michigan State down and Purdue struggling, the Irish need to dominate the conference's lower-tier teams while proving they can compete with its best. We also break down Notre Dame's biggest Big Ten matchups, why the SEC presents a different style challenge, and the absurdity of using the Irish's schedule as an argument for joining a conference.

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Irish Breakdown makes predictions on what Notre Dame's offensive depth chart could look like when the Irish open their season against Wisconsin.

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Today's Rapid Fire topics include: Notre Dame ranks among the top teams in the nation in wins against ranked foes during Marcus Freeman's tenure, what are the chances the Irish will have both a 1,000 yard rusher and a 1,000 yard receiver this season, what's the "best" thing about ND heading into the season, thoughts on players cut by NFL teams being allowed to return to college to play, have we reached the point of Pat McAfee fatigue as sports fans?

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The IB team answers questions about Notre Dame football, Irish recruiting and college football in the latest installment of the Daily Mailbag.

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The Big 12 once again looks like one of college football's most unpredictable conferences, and we're breaking down our complete 2026 projections from the bottom of the standings all the way to our conference championship picks. We also hand out our preseason Big 12 awards, recognizing the top players, breakout stars, newcomers, quarterbacks, linemen, skill players, and our choice for Coach of the Year.

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The 2026 ACC season is loaded with intriguing teams and storylines, and we're making our predictions from No. 17 all the way to No. 1 before picking our conference championship matchup and winner. We also hand out our preseason awards, including the top offensive and defensive players, breakout stars, newcomers, quarterbacks, linemen, skill players, and our pick for ACC Coach of the Year.

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Notre Dame has an opportunity to make a major statement against two of college football's biggest conferences in 2026, with key matchups against the ACC and Big 12 carrying significant implications. We break down how the Irish have rebuilt their standing against the ACC, why BYU represents a crucial test against the Big 12, and how victories over the top teams on this schedule could strengthen Notre Dame's résumé.

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In this best of the week segment, we look back at the discussion the Irish Breakdown team had discussing how Notre Dame's defense has plenty of proven talent heading into 2026, but several critical questions remain about how the unit will perform when the stakes are highest. We examine the impact of the new coaching staff, the defensive back rotation, whether the defensive line can develop enough star power, how the Irish will fare against elite offenses, and whether Chris Ash will unleash the front seven.

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In this best of the week segment, we look back at the discussion the Irish Breakdown team had discussing how Notre Dame enters 2026 with a high floor on defense under Chris Ash, thanks to elite star power in the secondary, a stout linebacker corps, and outstanding depth along the defensive line. We break down what we already know about this defense and why its talent, depth, and veteran leadership give the Irish the foundation of a championship-caliber unit.

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In this best of the week segment, we look back at the discussion the Irish Breakdown team had discussing how several key players on Notre Dame's defense have the talent to become difference-makers in 2026, but they must take the next step for the Irish to reach their championship ceiling. We identify the defensive standouts under the microscope, including Boubacar Traore, Bryce Young, Armel Mukam, Jason Onye, Drayk Bowen, DJ McKinney, Jayden Sanders, and Christian Gray.

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