Notre Dame Fighting Irish - A to Z Sports

BTA Sports, Better for Bettors:​​ Notre Dame football could have another important question to answer at safety heading into Friday night's matchup against Purdue. Senior safety Luke Talich is currently listed as questionable with a left wrist/hand injury after playing a major role in Notre Dame's 27-10 victory over Michigan State. Ryan Roberts breaks down the latest on Talich, what his potential absence would mean for Notre Dame's defense and how the Fighting Irish could handle another challenge at safety. Talich has become an increasingly important piece of Notre Dame's defense after Tae Johnson suffered a foot injury in the season opener. Against Michigan State, Talich delivered one of the best games of his Notre Dame career. He finished with three tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, a sack, an interception and a pass breakup. His versatility has also made him particularly valuable. Notre Dame has been able to move Talich around the defense, using him at safety, near the line of scrimmage and as a blitzer. His size and athleticism also give the Fighting Irish another option when matching up against bigger receivers and tight ends. Now Notre Dame could potentially have to play without him against Purdue. Head coach Marcus Freeman said Notre Dame was still evaluating the injury and would have a better idea of Talich's availability after further testing. The current injury report lists Talich as questionable. The good news is that the injury does not currently appear to be viewed as a long-term absence. Freeman indicated that Notre Dame was determining whether Talich could potentially play with the hand taped or casted or whether he would need roughly a week to recover. But even a short absence would matter. Notre Dame is already without Tae Johnson, meaning another injury at safety would put more responsibility on the rest of the secondary. Freshman Joey O'Brien is one potential option who could see his role increase if Talich is unable to play. The situation also raises a fascinating question about Notre Dame's secondary when everyone eventually gets healthy. With Johnson, Adon Shuler and Talich all available, the Fighting Irish could have the ability to deploy three safeties in creative ways. Talich's versatility could allow Notre Dame to move him around the defense while using Johnson as a rangy deep safety and Shuler closer to the box. That could become one of the more interesting defensive packages for Notre Dame as the season progresses. But first, the Fighting Irish need to get through Purdue. Can Notre Dame afford to lose Luke Talich for this game? Who would replace him if he cannot play? Could Joey O'Brien be ready for a larger role? And what does Talich's emergence mean for Notre Dame's secondary once Tae Johnson returns? Ryan Roberts breaks down the latest Luke Talich injury news and what it means for Notre Dame football. Subscribe for Notre Dame Fighting Irish football news, injury updates, game previews, postgame analysis, recruiting coverage, transfer portal news and year-round Notre Dame content. #NotreDame #NotreDameFootball #FightingIrish #LukeTalich #CollegeFootball Make A to Z Sports your preferred source on Google: Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: For More Notre Dame coverage follow us here: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram: TikTok: 0:00 Notre Dame Has Another Safety Injury 0:35 What Happened To Luke Talich? 1:30 Talich's HUGE Michigan State Performance 2:35 Why Talich Has Become So Important 4:00 What The Injury Means For Purdue 5:10 Could Joey O'Brien Step In? 6:15 Notre Dame's Safety Depth 7:30 The Bigger Picture With Tae Johnson 8:40 Could Notre Dame Use 3 Safeties? 9:35 Final Thoughts #notredame #notredamefightingirish #notredamefootball

BTA Sports, Better for Bettors:​​ Is Notre Dame football actually good enough to win a national championship? After three games of the 2026 season, we finally have enough evidence to start answering that question. Notre Dame is 3-0 after wins over Wisconsin, Rice and Michigan State, and Ryan Roberts is putting the Fighting Irish through a five-part national championship checklist to determine whether this roster has what it takes to make a deep College Football Playoff run. The checklist covers five critical areas: Quarterback play Offensive line Defensive line Defensive playmakers Turnovers and the ability to avoid beating yourself And through three games, Ryan believes Notre Dame has checked four of those five boxes. The first box is quarterback play, and CJ Carr has gotten off to an excellent start. Carr has thrown for more than 700 yards with six touchdowns and no interceptions while completing more than 70% of his passes. Ryan believes the redshirt sophomore has taken a significant step forward and looks more confident, decisive and in control of the offense. Notre Dame also has established weapons around him. Jordan Faison has continued to produce, while Micah Gilbert is coming off a huge performance against Michigan State and has emerged as an important boundary receiver for the Fighting Irish. The second and third boxes focus on the trenches. Ryan believes Notre Dame's defensive line absolutely checks the championship box. Boubacar is one of the team's premier pass rushers, Bryce Young has taken a major step forward, and the defensive tackle room has continued to produce despite injuries. Tionne Gray and Francis Brewu have played at a high level, while Elijah Hughes and Armel Mukam have also provided encouraging depth. Ryan believes Notre Dame may have its deepest defensive line in a very long time. The offensive line is a different story. Ryan believes the unit has the potential to become very good, but it has not consistently played at a championship level yet. Anthonie Knapp has been strong at left guard and Ashton Craig has mostly been good at center, but the tackle positions have been inconsistent and the right guard spot remains a major question mark. That is the one box Ryan refuses to check right now. Notre Dame does, however, have the defensive playmakers needed to win big games. A safety has already forced a fumble and recorded an interception, Leonard Moore continues to make impact plays, Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa is getting healthier and more explosive, Drayk Bowen has a knack for finding the football, and Boubacar gives Notre Dame a difference-maker up front. The final box is turnovers. Notre Dame has done a good job protecting the football, with CJ Carr yet to throw an interception. Ryan also expects the Notre Dame defense to continue creating turnovers based on the playmakers it has across the defense. So that leaves Notre Dame at four out of five. Ryan believes the Fighting Irish can win a national championship. But the biggest question is whether the offensive line and running game can come together before Notre Dame reaches the most important part of the season. With BYU, Miami, SMU and a potential College Football Playoff run still ahead, Notre Dame has plenty of time to answer that question. Is Notre Dame a national championship team right now? Which boxes would YOU check? And what does Notre Dame need to improve before the playoff? Ryan Roberts breaks down the complete Notre Dame national championship checklist. Subscribe for Notre Dame Fighting Irish football news, game analysis, recruiting updates, transfer portal coverage, College Football Playoff discussion and year-round Notre Dame content. #NotreDame #NotreDameFootball #FightingIrish #GoIrish #CollegeFootball Make A to Z Sports your preferred source on Google: Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: For More Notre Dame coverage follow us here: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram: TikTok: 0:00 Is Notre Dame A National Championship Team? 0:45 The 5-Part Championship Checklist 2:19 CJ Carr Checks The First Box 3:28 Notre Dame's Offensive Weapons 4:55 Why CJ Carr Has Taken A Step Forward 6:00 Defensive Line Checks The Box 7:22 The Offensive Line Is Still A Question 8:39 Does Notre Dame Have Enough Defensive Playmakers? 9:55 Notre Dame Is Winning The Turnover Battle 10:53 4 Out Of 5 Boxes Checked 11:09 What Notre Dame Must Fix #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. Make A to Z Sports your preferred source on Google: **** Notre Dame football is preparing for another major matchup under the lights at Notre Dame Stadium as the No. 3 Fighting Irish take on the Michigan State Spartans. Both teams enter the matchup 2-0, but Notre Dame is heavily favored to remain undefeated. So how will the game actually play out? Ryan Roberts gives his final Notre Dame vs. Michigan State score prediction, breaks down the biggest storylines to watch and explains why he expects the game to be much closer early than the final score may suggest. Ryan's official prediction is Notre Dame 41, Michigan State 17. That may look like another comfortable Notre Dame victory, but Ryan does not expect the Fighting Irish to dominate from the opening kickoff. Instead, he expects Michigan State to come into Notre Dame Stadium with a physical mindset and a clear plan to run the football. Cam Edwards is the biggest reason for that belief. The transfer running back from UConn has already rushed for 250 yards through Michigan State's first two games, and Ryan believes Edwards is a legitimate NFL-caliber running back who could create problems early for Notre Dame. Notre Dame's run defense has been excellent under defensive coordinator Chris Ash, but Ryan expects Michigan State to have some success on the ground before the Fighting Irish settle into the game. The goal for Michigan State should be simple: run the football, shorten the game, avoid early turnovers and prevent Notre Dame from building a huge lead. Ryan believes the Fighting Irish will eventually wear down Michigan State, create explosive plays through the passing game and then use those explosives to open up the running game. He ultimately expects Notre Dame to finish with more than 200 rushing yards and cruise to a 41-17 victory. Can Michigan State keep Notre Dame from creating an early lead? Will Cam Edwards break off explosive runs? Can Notre Dame's run defense eventually take over? And will the Fighting Irish finally get the rushing attack going? Ryan Roberts breaks down the biggest storylines and gives his final Notre Dame vs. Michigan State prediction. **** Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: For More Notre Dame coverage follow us here: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram: TikTok: 0:00 Notre Dame vs. Michigan State Prediction 0:40 Both Teams Enter 2-0 1:16 The Spread And Why The Game Could Be Close 2:02 Final Score Prediction 2:48 Why Michigan State Could Start Fast 4:14 Why Notre Dame Could Start Slow 5:15 Cam Edwards Is A BIG Problem 6:18 Michigan State's QB And Game Plan 6:55 Notre Dame's Run Game Needs To Improve 7:34 Why Notre Dame Will Pull Away 8:10 Final 41-17 Prediction 8:53 Final Storylines To Watch #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 has a new future opponent. The Fighting Irish and Nebraska Cornhuskers will play a home-and-home series beginning in 2032, with Notre Dame traveling to Lincoln on October 30, 2032 before Nebraska comes to Notre Dame Stadium on October 29, 2033. On paper, Notre Dame-Nebraska is a matchup that should excite college football fans. Both programs have tremendous historical significance, multiple national championships, legendary players and a long history of being among the biggest brands in the sport. But is this actually the type of future matchup Notre Dame should be prioritizing? Ryan Roberts breaks down the new Notre Dame-Nebraska series and explains why the announcement left him somewhat underwhelmed despite the obvious historical appeal. There are plenty of reasons to like the series. Notre Dame is getting another major Big Ten opponent on its future schedule, and locking in home-and-home games this far in advance gives the Fighting Irish some stability in an increasingly unpredictable college football landscape. Conference realignment, changing schedules and uncertainty surrounding the future structure of college football make long-term scheduling increasingly important. There is also the historical component. Nebraska was one of the dominant programs in college football during the 1990s, and the Cornhuskers remain one of the sport's most recognizable programs. Notre Dame-Nebraska carries nostalgia for fans who remember the great Nebraska teams of the past. But that's also where the biggest question comes in. What will Nebraska actually be six years from now? The Cornhuskers have not consistently occupied the same place in college football that they did during their dominant era, and the current state of the program creates uncertainty about how significant this matchup will feel when 2032 arrives. Notre Dame also has a unique opportunity when it comes to scheduling future opponents. The Fighting Irish can choose from major programs across the Big Ten, SEC and elsewhere, and Ryan believes there are other programs that could have generated more excitement for Notre Dame fans. That doesn't mean the Nebraska series is bad. It simply means that, given where college football is headed, Notre Dame may need to think more aggressively about which programs it wants to build long-term relationships with. The series also raises a bigger question about Notre Dame's future schedule. Should the Fighting Irish prioritize historical matchups? Should they prioritize the biggest current brands? Should they focus on programs that are expected to remain nationally relevant for the next decade? And what should Notre Dame's relationship with the Big Ten look like as college football continues to evolve? Ryan Roberts breaks down the Notre Dame-Nebraska announcement, the positives and negatives of the series, and what it could mean for Notre Dame's future scheduling strategy. What do YOU think about Notre Dame playing Nebraska in 2032 and 2033? Subscribe for Notre Dame Fighting Irish football news, game analysis, recruiting updates, transfer portal coverage, schedule analysis and year-round college football content. ****** Make A to Z Sports your preferred source on Google: Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: For More Notre Dame coverage follow us here: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram: TikTok: 0:00 Notre Dame-Nebraska Is Official 0:45 When Will Notre Dame Play Nebraska? 1:18 Why The Series Is Underwhelming 2:33 The Historical Appeal 4:13 Why Notre Dame-Nebraska Still Matters 5:09 Why Future Scheduling Matters 6:30 The Problem With Nebraska 7:55 Is Nebraska Still A Major Brand? 8:46 Notre Dame Needs To Think Forward 9:38 What Should Notre Dame Schedule? 10:09 Final Thoughts #notredame #notredamefightingirish #notredamefootball

BTA Sports, Better for Bettors:​​ Notre Dame football returns to Notre Dame Stadium this weekend for a matchup against the Michigan State Spartans. The Fighting Irish enter the game as heavy favorites after opening the season 2-0 with wins over Wisconsin and Rice, but Ryan Roberts explains why Notre Dame cannot afford to overlook Michigan State. Every team that travels to South Bend will give Notre Dame its best shot, and Michigan State has several players who could create problems if the Fighting Irish are not prepared. Ryan breaks down the Michigan State players Notre Dame fans need to know before Saturday night's matchup. The biggest key starts with stopping running back Cam Edwards. Michigan State's path to staying competitive is built around running the football, controlling possession and limiting Notre Dame's offensive opportunities. Edwards transferred from UConn this offseason after rushing for more than 1,000 yards last season and has already rushed for 250 yards through Michigan State's first two games. Edwards is not the biggest or most physically imposing running back, but he is effective because of his vision, north-south running style and ability to create extra yards after contact. Notre Dame's defensive tackles will be critical in this matchup. Francis Brewu and Tionne Gray have been two of Notre Dame's most impactful defensive linemen early this season, and Ryan believes they will need to create disruption behind the line of scrimmage to slow down Michigan State's rushing attack. Michigan State also has an intriguing weapon in tight end Jaden Savoury The 6-foot-5, 253-pound redshirt freshman has eight catches for nearly 100 yards through two games and creates matchup problems because of his size. Ryan believes Notre Dame may use Luke Talich in coverage situations against Savoury because of his own size and athletic ability. On the offensive line, Conner Moore is the Michigan State player Ryan believes Notre Dame needs to beat. The transfer offensive lineman has experience at tackle and has moved inside to left guard, where Ryan believes he has become Michigan State's best offensive lineman. Defensively, Notre Dame's receivers will get an opportunity to test Michigan State cornerback Charles Brantley. Brantley began his career at Michigan State, transferred to Miami, and has returned as one of the Spartans' top defensive backs. Ryan believes his matchup against Notre Dame's receivers will be one of the more interesting battles to watch. Finally, Notre Dame's offensive line will need to be aware of Eli Coenen. The 6-foot-6, 287-pound defensive lineman has already recorded three tackles for loss and three sacks this season and gives Michigan State versatility in its odd-man defensive fronts. So which Michigan State players could make the biggest impact? Can Notre Dame stop Cam Edwards and the Spartans' rushing attack? Will Notre Dame's receivers win against Charles Brantley? And can the Fighting Irish dominate the line of scrimmage? Ryan Roberts breaks down the Michigan State players Notre Dame fans need to know heading into Saturday night's matchup. Subscribe for Notre Dame Fighting Irish football news, game previews, recruiting updates, transfer portal coverage and year-round college football analysis. #NotreDame #NotreDameFootball #FightingIrish #GoIrish #MichiganState Make A to Z Sports your preferred source on Google: Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: For More Notre Dame coverage follow us here: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram: TikTok:

Notre Dame football is 2-0 after dominant wins over Wisconsin and Rice, but the Fighting Irish fan base is already having some major conversations about this team. Are the concerns legitimate? Are the positives being exaggerated? Or are some Notre Dame fans simply overreacting after two games? Ryan Roberts breaks down the biggest Notre Dame takes after the first two weeks of the season and explains which ones he is buying, selling or somewhere in between. The first major conversation is the offensive line. Some Notre Dame fans believe the offensive line has been a major problem early in the season, especially because of the struggles in the running game. Ryan pushes back on that idea, explaining that pass protection has mostly been very good through two games. While the right guard position remains a question mark, Ryan believes four of Notre Dame's five starting offensive linemen have been solid to good so far. Anthonie Knapp has impressed at left guard, Will Black has been consistent at left tackle, Geurby Lambert has shown positive flashes at right tackle, and Ashton Craig has played well at center. The biggest offensive question may actually be the running game. Notre Dame's running back room has received criticism after inconsistent production through the first two games. Ryan believes Aeneyas Williams should remain an important part of the offense, but he also wants to see more opportunities for Jonaz Walton, Nolan James Jr., Javion Osborne and other backs. Ryan believes Notre Dame needs a true committee approach and more creativity from the running game, including more pre-snap motion and different ways to create advantages. The wide receiver room is another major discussion. Some fans believe Notre Dame does not have a true WR2 behind Jordan Faison. Ryan disagrees. After seeing Micah Gilbert's 39-yard touchdown against Rice, improved play from Mylan Graham, and early involvement for Jaden Greathouse, Ryan believes Notre Dame has multiple receivers capable of impacting games. Defensively, Ryan agrees with one major fan take: Francis Brewu and Tionne Gray deserve bigger roles at defensive tackle. Ryan believes Notre Dame's defensive tackle room is deep, but Brew and Gray have been the most impactful players early in the season and need to be treated accordingly. The biggest "buy" of the episode? Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa. After returning from an ACL injury, Ryan believes KVA showed he is a special football player and needs to be on the field for a significant percentage of Notre Dame's defensive snaps moving forward. So which Notre Dame takes are real? Which are overreactions? Is the offensive line actually a concern? Should the running back rotation change? Is KVA already a star? Ryan Roberts breaks down the biggest Notre Dame conversations after a 2-0 start. Subscribe for Notre Dame Fighting Irish football news, game analysis, recruiting updates, transfer portal coverage and year-round Fighting Irish content. Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: For More Notre Dame coverage follow us here: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram: TikTok: 0:00 Notre Dame Overreactions After 2 Games 0:45 Is The Offensive Line Actually Bad? 3:39 Breaking Down The Notre Dame OL 5:03 Should The RB Rotation Change? 7:08 Notre Dame's Run Game Needs Creativity 8:17 Does Notre Dame Have A WR2? 9:10 Francis Brewu & Tionne Gray Need More Snaps 10:18 Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa Is A STAR 11:40 Final Thoughts #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 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

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 has a perfect opportunity against Rice to get a glimpse of the future. Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: After opening the 2026 season with a 41-13 victory over Wisconsin, the Fighting Irish return home for their first game at Notre Dame Stadium. With Rice presenting a favorable matchup, Ryan Roberts believes Marcus Freeman and the Notre Dame coaching staff should use the game to get some of the program's younger players meaningful opportunities. Ryan breaks down the young Notre Dame players he is most excited to see against Rice and explains why several of them could eventually become important pieces for the Fighting Irish. One of the biggest names is Rodney Dunham. The five-star true freshman defensive end already received some playing time against Wisconsin, and Ryan believes his combination of explosiveness, bend and power gives him the upside to eventually become a high-level NFL Draft prospect. With Notre Dame's defensive end room already featuring Boubacar Traore, Bryce Young and Keon Keeley, Dunham will have to take advantage of every opportunity he gets. Ryan is also excited to see five-star safety Joey O'Brien. O'Brien played only one snap against Wisconsin, but Bryant Johnson's injury has moved him up the depth chart. Ryan expects O'Brien to see the field against Rice and believes his versatility and physical tools could eventually make him a tremendous player for Notre Dame. Freshman cornerback Khary Adams is another player Ryan wants to see. Notre Dame has a deep cornerback room featuring Leonard Moore, Jaden Sanders, DJ McKinney, Mark Zachary and Dallas Golden, which makes it difficult for Adams to find snaps as a freshman. However, a potential second-half blowout against Rice could provide an opportunity to finally see what the highly regarded freshman can do. Ryan also wants to see the young quarterbacks. Noah Grubbs and Teddy Jarrard are both listed behind CJ Carr, and Ryan would love to see one or both get second-half drives if Notre Dame takes control of the game. At running back, Jonaz Walton and Javion Osborne are two more young players Ryan wants to see receive opportunities. Ryan is particularly intrigued by Walton after hearing consistently positive reports about his offseason work, including from Notre Dame running backs coach John McNulty. The player Ryan may be most excited to see on offense, however, is five-star freshman tight end Ian Premer Ryan believes Premer may be one of the most physically gifted tight ends Notre Dame has signed in quite some time. The question is how quickly the 6-foot-6, 245-pound freshman can adjust to the college game. Finally, Ryan discusses freshman wide receiver Bubba Frazier, who brings speed and playmaking ability to a talented Notre Dame freshman class. So which young Notre Dame players should see the field against Rice? Could Rodney Dunham become a future star? Is Joey O'Brien the next major piece of the Notre Dame secondary? Could Ian Premer eventually become a major weapon? And will Notre Dame give its young quarterbacks meaningful snaps? Ryan Roberts breaks down the Notre Dame youngsters he is most excited to watch against Rice. Subscribe for Notre Dame Fighting Irish football news, game analysis, recruiting updates, transfer portal coverage, roster breakdowns and year-round college football content. 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