For the second straight year the Irish bring in a highly sought after transfer portal QB in Riley Leonard from Duke. Matt & Pete discuss Leonard joining Marcus Freeman’s team and how he will fit in with this offense as well as how he compares to Sam Hartman. Plus, more news out of the portal as well as Sun Bowl opt outs and what other offseason news to expect for the Irish.

Riley Leonard Commits to Notre Dame

The Independent is the essential listen for fans of Fighting Irish football. Pete Sampson of the Athletic and Matt Fortuna of The Inside Zone are back to take you inside the Notre Dame program. With a combined 35 years + of experience on the ND beat, this twice weekly podcast has you covered for everything blue and gold.

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Football

The kickoff times are rolling in and Matt & Pete are back to discuss what to expect from Notre Dame's schedule as well as how the kick times could impact the team. Plus, thoughts on the salary details shared about Marcus Freeman and staff as well as details on Pete's story on Matt Jansen, Irish head of scouting, that you can find in The Athletic.

Notre Dame Kick Times Reaction & Coaching Salary News

Matt and Pete recap Notre Dame’s Blue-Gold spring game and look ahead to the Irish’s summer priorities. Why has QB depth been so important with Riley Leonard, Steve Angeli, Kenny Minchey and CJ Carr? Plus, why Marcus Freeman thinks this is his most talented team in South Bend.

Blue-Gold Spring Game Recap

Matt & Pete return to discuss the Blue Gold game and what they expect to see from Marcus Freeman’s team on Saturday. How will the Transfer Portal impact the Irish and what can we learn from the offense without the expected starting quarterback in Riley Leonard playing on Saturday. Plus, learn more about upcoming new football facilities for Notre Dame and how it will benefit the team.

Blue Gold Spring Game Preview

As we head deeper into March the hoops talk continues on the Independent as Matt & Pete are joined by Irish head Women’s Basketball Coach Niele Ivey. Coach Ivey talks about the ACC tournament win as well as what to expect from Notre Dame in the NCAA Tournament as the team hosts the first two rounds. Plus, Spring Practice rolls onward as Marcus Freeman and company continue to put in work with the squad and Pete shares details from his trip around the South to visit those connected Notre Dame’s past, present and future Quarterbacks.

Tourney Preview with Notre Dame Women’s Basketball Coach Niele Ivey

The Irish were back on the field for the first time ahead of the 2024 season as Spring Practice as begun in South Bend. Tune in for thoughts from Matt & Pete on the new faces for Marcus Freeman’s team, where players were lining up while practicing out of pads and find out their first impression of the 2024 squad. Plus, thoughts on if the wide out group looks to have been elevated in the offseason and is the secondary the strength of this team?

Riley Leonard Commits to Notre Dame

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