THE ECHOES: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish

By Jessica Smetana, Mike Golic Jr.Sports News Sports News Football

THE ECHOES: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish episodes

October 19 What Went Wrong and Why for Notre Dame at BYU | The Echoes
Notre Dame's First Loss: What Went Wrong and Why vs BYU in a tense 28-24 road defeat in Provo.
On The Echoes, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana break down what went wrong for the Fighting Irish and what it means next.
What went wrong for Notre Dame vs. BYU? CJ Carr's uneven night — some throws he'll want back, but also a brilliant two-minute drive that gave Notre Dame a chance to win it late. The hosts discuss the missed holding call on Jaden Greathouse and the Big 12's admission that time should have remained on the clock after the final pass fell incomplete.
They also examine a Notre Dame defense that struggled early after losing Boubacar Traore, then adjusted and played winning football in the second half, including an interception that gave the Irish a chance to build a two-score lead. Credit to BYU too — the Cougars made key plays, and their defensive front won important battles.
With the loss making Notre Dame's College Football Playoff path more difficult, what do the Irish need to do next? A look ahead to the bye week, the playoff picture and a pivotal matchup with Miami.
Subscribe to The Echoes for Notre Dame football analysis, BYU game reaction and College Football Playoff coverage all season.
#NotreDame #BYUFootball #CollegeFootball
00:00 Notre Dame’s first loss of the season
02:24 BYU’s home-field advantage and game recap
04:03 Boubacar Traore’s targeting penalty
07:48 Notre Dame’s defensive adjustments
10:27 CJ Carr’s performance and early offensive struggles
15:00 Missed chances and Notre Dame’s offensive execution
24:00 Halftime adjustments and the second-half turnaround
29:28 The defense gives Notre Dame a chance to win
35:35 The final drive and Big 12 clock controversy
40:00 Personnel decisions and play-calling questions
54:00 College Football Playoff picture and the road ahead
57:18 Why the Miami game matters for Notre Dame’s playoff hopes
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1 hr 4 min
October 12 Notre Dame Destroys Stanford 58-7 Ahead of HUGE BYU Showdown | The Echoes
Notre Dame football DOMINATED Stanford 58-7 as Jonaz Walton ran for 181 yards & 2 TDs! Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana break it all down on The Echoes.
Notre Dame closed the first half of the season in emphatic fashion, routing Stanford 58-7 for its 16th straight double-digit win. On this episode of The Echoes, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana break down how the Irish dominated on both sides of the ball in the Notre Dame vs Stanford win.
Freshman running back Jonaz Walton had a record-setting breakout with 181 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns, highlighted by a 97-yard scoring run — the longest in program history. Boubacar Traore set the tone up front with a disruptive performance to lead the Notre Dame defense.
Mike and Jessica also hand out midseason grades for Notre Dame football through six games, from the improving run game and CJ Carr-led offense to a defense finding its stride.
Plus, a full BYU football preview: College GameDay is headed to Provo for Notre Dame's biggest test of the year, with huge College Football Playoff stakes. What will it take for the Irish to win on the road in that atmosphere?
Subscribe to THE ECHOES: A Podcast on the ND Fighting Irish for Notre Dame football recaps, previews, interviews and college football analysis every week. Go Irish!
#NotreDameFootball #GoIrish #collegefootball
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57 min
October 05 5-0! Notre Dame’s Dominant Win Over Bill Belichick and UNC + Stanford Preview | The Echoes
Notre Dame football is 5-0! Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana break down the Fighting Irish's rain-soaked 37-26 Notre Dame vs North Carolina win in Chapel Hill and 15th straight double-digit victory on The Echoes: A Notre Dame Football Podcast.
Notre Dame took care of Bill Belichick's Tar Heels behind a dominant ground game and the offensive line's most complete performance of the season. Mike and Jessica break down Notre Dame football highlights from Chapel Hill, including run-game dominance, a defense that shut down the opponent's run game again, pass rush and key takeaways, and CJ Carr's continued growth at quarterback.
Then it's a Stanford preview as Notre Dame returns home to South Bend. Can the Irish get more playmakers involved and avoid a letdown vs Stanford quarterback Davis Warren and the Cardinal?Plus, an early look at the huge primetime top-15 showdown with BYU football in Provo on October 17 — what makes BYU's physical lines and talented backfield a serious test, and why Notre Dame has to handle Stanford first.
Subscribe to The Echoes for Notre Dame football analysis, reactions and previews all season long with Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana — two ND alums talking all things Fighting Irish.
#notredamefootball #GoIrish #collegefootball
00:00 Notre Dame beats North Carolina, moves to 5-0
04:35 Notre Dame’s run game takes over against UNC
08:45 Offensive line delivers its most complete performance
13:20 Breaking down Notre Dame’s goal-line play calls
16:10 Defensive concerns: UNC’s big tight end and late-game scores
19:30 How Bill Belichick and North Carolina found some offensive success
24:10 What the UNC win says about Notre Dame’s season so far
28:40 Skill-position rotation and getting more players involved
34:20 Injury updates and Notre Dame’s defensive depth
46:50 Stanford preview: what to expect from the Cardinal
51:45 Looking ahead to Notre Dame vs. BYU
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47 min
September 29 Notre Dame Pounds Purdue, UNC and Bill Belichick Next, NDWBB Star Jacy Abii Joins the Show!
Notre Dame football stays rolling! Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana react to the Fighting Irish's dominant 49-10 win over Purdue — Notre Dame's program-record 14th straight double-digit victory.
Marcus Freeman's defense delivered again. The guys break down the disruptive defensive line play and the emergence of Bryce Young as one of Notre Dame's most dynamic pass rushers.
On offense, Mike and Jess discuss the tough news that wide receiver Quincy Porter will miss the rest of the season following knee surgery, what it means for receiver depth, and why Micah Gilbert's production is now even more important. Plus, they revisit the viral CJ Carr touchdown vs. Purdue — his competitive response after getting shoved at wide receiver — and why the Irish quarterback continues to look poised and decisive.
Later, Notre Dame women's basketball freshman Jacy Abii joins The Echoes to talk her transition from Dallas to South Bend, the standard set by head coach Niele Ivey, and the excitement around a talented new Irish roster. Abii shares what she's learning from Hannah Hidalgo, her goals for her freshman season, Notre Dame's WNBA pipeline, team chemistry, campus life and more.
If you live for Irish football, traditions, and stories that make Notre Dame different, this is your full Notre Dame vs Purdue recap.
🎙️ THE ECHOES: A Podcast on the ND Fighting Irish with Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana
🔔 Subscribe for weekly Notre Dame football breakdowns, highlights and interviews all season long!
00:00 Intro
03:35 Notre Dame dominates Purdue, 49-10
05:10 Breaking down the Irish running back rotation
08:51 Quincy Porter ruled out for the season
13:00 Marcus Freeman’s fourth-down decisions
15:12 CJ Carr’s viral Wildcat touchdown moment
18:36 Bryce Young’s breakout and Notre Dame’s defensive front
21:25 Jacy Abii interview
23:58 Notre Dame vs. North Carolina preview
28:32 College football weekend recap: Wisconsin, Michigan, USC and more
Thank you to our sponsors Holy Cross Village at Notre Dame and Bar Louie.
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#notredamefootball #GoIrish #CollegeFootball

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58 min
September 22 Notre Dame Football Is Rolling, 13 Wins in a Row, Micah Gilbert, Nolan James, KVA Shine | The Echoes
Notre Dame football is rolling. Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana break down the biggest takeaways from the Fighting Irish's latest win on The Echoes.
Is Notre Dame's backfield battle changing? Aneyas Williams vs. Nolan James Jr. is heating up, with James forcing his way into a bigger role. Mike and Jess debate what the depth chart really says, react to Micah Gilbert's breakout, and explain why CJ Carr is playing like one of the best young quarterbacks in college football.
On defense, Marcus Freeman's group delivered again — turnovers, pressure, and a fast, physical secondary built to travel. Plus, KVA is back making plays with bad intentions, and the guys sound off on that ridiculous excessive-celebration penalty.
If you live for Irish football, traditions, and stories that make Notre Dame different, this is your full Notre Dame recap.
IN THIS EPISODE:
Aneyas Williams vs Nolan James Jr: who leads the backfield?
Micah Gilbert breakout + CJ Carr's leap Notre Dame defense: turnovers, pressure, physical secondary
The excessive celebration flag debate
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Intro - Irish roll again
02:15 RB battle: Williams vs James Jr.
10:30 Micah Gilbert breakout
14:45 CJ Carr playing like a star
22:10 Marcus Freeman's defense travels
30:05 KVA is back + penalty rant
SUBSCRIBE for weekly Notre Dame football breakdowns with Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana on THE ECHOES: A Podcast on the ND Fighting Irish.
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52 min
September 15 Adon Shuler Joins the Show! Notre Dame Depth on Display, Rice Recap, Michigan State Up Next
Notre Dame football DOMINATED Rice 52-0 in South Bend! Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana break down the Fighting Irish shutout on The Echoes: A Notre Dame Football Podcast.
Marcus Freeman's team avoided the trap-game letdown, coming out prepared, physical and focused from the opening snap. The Irish defense set the tone early — forcing four fumbles, scoring a defensive touchdown, and pitching a complete shutout against Rice's option attack.
Notre Dame safety and captain Adon Shuler joins the show to talk about the defense's fast start, preparing for a unique offense, leadership in the secondary, and why trusting every player to do his job was the key.
Mike and Jessica also break down CJ Carr distributing the football, the expanding receiver rotation, the run game and offensive line play, plus standouts Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, Bryce Young, Rodney Dunham and the young players who shined in extended action. Adon also shares insight on Chris Ash, Aaron Henry, Luke Talich, and the NFL safeties he studies — Derwin James, Troy Polamalu, Ed Reed and Brian Dawkins.
The show closes with an early look ahead to Notre Dame vs. Michigan State.
Subscribe to THE ECHOES for Notre Dame football breakdowns every week with Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana.
#NotreDame #NotreDameFootball #FightingIrish #CollegeFootball #GoIrish
Thank you to our sponsors Holy Cross Village at Notre Dame and Bar Louie.
Retire like a champion. Learn more at HolyCrossVillage.org.
00:00 Notre Dame crushes Rice 52-0
03:20 Defense sets the tone: Adon Shuler, takeaways and shutout
06:00 Notre Dame run game and offensive line breakdown
13:15 CJ Carr, passing game and offensive identity
18:00 Which Notre Dame receivers stepped up vs. Rice?
26:35 Irish defense shines; KVA, Bryce Young and young contributors
29:20 Rodney Dunham’s breakout flashes
31:55 Adon Shuler joins The Echoes
33:20 Notre Dame vs. Michigan State preview
37:30 Why Michigan State is a meaningful Notre Dame rivalry
39:00 Early prediction and what to expect against the Spartans
39:55 Notre Dame’s strong start under Marcus Freeman
40:50 College football and women’s basketball conversation
43:55 Closing thoughts: Michigan State week

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58 min
September 08 Notre Dame Crushes Wisconsin. Carr, Shuler, Porath (!) Shine, Barry Alvarez Joins the Show!
Notre Dame is 1-0 and still unbeaten in the Shamrock Series after a 41-13 win over Wisconsin at historic Lambeau Field. On this episode of The Echoes: A Notre Dame Football Podcast, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana react to the Fighting Irish’s second-half surge, break down the uneven start, and hand out game balls following a statement win over the Badgers.
Mike and Jessica discuss why Notre Dame struggled to find rhythm early against Wisconsin’s physical defense, what changed after halftime in Green Bay, and how the Irish turned a 13-10 halftime lead into a decisive victory. They also break down quarterback CJ Carr’s calm, efficient performance, his command of the offense, and why he continues to show the poise Notre Dame needs at the position.
The conversation also focuses on Notre Dame’s search for new offensive playmakers, including the emergence of Nolan James and the impact of Aneyas Williams, while examining why the offensive line could still become one of the team’s biggest strengths as the season progresses.
On defense, Adon Shuler delivered an emotional, physical performance that earned game-ball consideration, while Spencer Porath may have provided an answer at kicker after going 2-for-2 on field goals, including a 52-yarder, and making all five extra points.
And stay tuned until the end for our conversation with college football legend Barry Alvarez, the Hall of Fame former Wisconsin head coach and athletic director, recorded during our live show in Green Bay.
#notredame #NotreDameFootball #GoIrish #ShamrockSeries #WisconsinFootball #CJCarr #AdonShuler #SpencerPorath #LambeauField #CollegeFootball
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00:00 Notre Dame Beats Wisconsin 41-13
04:24 Lambeau Field and Shamrock Series Atmosphere
09:31 Why Notre Dame Started Slow vs. Wisconsin
11:49 Irish Offense Searching for New Playmakers
17:22 CJ Carr’s Poise and Command of the Offense
22:00 Nolan James, Jordan Faison and Offensive Playmakers
23:44 Offensive Line Breakdown and Adjustments
29:28 Notre Dame Defense Shuts Down Wisconsin
33:23 Spencer Porath Provides an Answer at Kicker
39:36 Adon Shuler’s Emotional, Physical Performance
44:35 Looking Ahead to Rice
46:30 Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin Game Balls
49:46 Barry Alvarez Interview

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1 hr 2 min
September 01 Game Week! Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin Preview + 2026 Captains Named | The Echoes
The Echoes Podcast is back for game week! Notre Dame football is officially headed to Lambeau Field as the Fighting Irish prepare to take on Wisconsin in one of the most anticipated games of the early 2026 season.
In this episode, we get you ready for kickoff with a full Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin preview, breaking down the matchup, the Badgers, and what the Irish need to do to leave Green Bay with a statement victory.
We also discuss Notre Dame naming its four captains for the 2026 season, what each leader brings to the team, and what their leadership could mean as the Irish chase another College Football Playoff appearance.
Plus, we look ahead to the atmosphere at historic Lambeau Field, where we'll be on the ground in Green Bay for Notre Dame-Wisconsin.
It's finally here. Game week has arrived!
The Echoes is your home for Notre Dame football coverage, analysis, and conversation. Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen!

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52 min
August 25 Caroline Pineda Joins the Show! ND on NBC Sideline Reporter, Camp Ends, Shamrock Series | The Echoes
School is back in session at Notre Dame, fall training camp is officially in the books, and college football season is right around the corner.
On this episode of The Echoes: A Notre Dame Football Podcast, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana break down what Marcus Freeman had to say as the Fighting Irish shift from camp mode into game-week preparation.
New Notre Dame sideline reporter Caroline Pineda joins the show. The 2022 Notre Dame graduate shares what it means to return to South Bend in her new role, the mentors who helped shape her career, and how Fighting Irish Media and student opportunities at Notre Dame helped launch her path to NBC. Pineda also explains what she believes makes great sideline reporting, previews storylines for Notre Dame-Wisconsin, and shares why this Irish team feels different heading into a highly anticipated season.
Plus, The Echoes is headed to Wisconsin for Notre Dame’s season opener against the Badgers at Lambeau Field. Mike and Jess will host a live show in Green Bay on game day, so stay tuned to the show’s social channels for full details on how to join them before the Shamrock Series matchup.
#sports #football #notredame #collegefootball #marcusfreeman #NBC #cjcarr #heisman #NFL #lambeaufield #wisconsin #badgers #bigten
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00:00 INTRO
03:00 Best time of the year
05:30 Jess' ND class schedule
10:00 Freeman presser reax
21:00 Caroline Pineda interview
38:19 Notre Dame & eligibility

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53 min
August 18 Notre Dame #4 in AP, Cignetti’s Shot, KVA & Jeremiyah Love Injury Updates | The Echoes
On this episode of The Echoes, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana break down the Fighting Irish landing at No. 4 in the preseason AP Poll, Notre Dame’s highest preseason AP ranking since 2006. The Irish received six first-place votes, but what separates Marcus Freeman’s team from Ohio State, Oregon and Georgia at the top of the rankings? And does Notre Dame have everything it needs to make a run at the College Football Playoff and a national championship?
There’s also encouraging news surrounding Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa (KVA). After suffering a torn ACL last November, the Notre Dame linebacker is back participating in full-contact practice and working without a knee brace. We discuss what a healthy KVA could mean for an already talented Notre Dame defense and linebacker room.
The rivalry conversation heats up with Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti taking a shot at Notre Dame following the cancellation of the Notre Dame-Indiana series. Cignetti said he’d like to play the Irish, but suggested Notre Dame should travel to Bloomington twice while Indiana visits South Bend once because the Fighting Irish aren’t in a conference.
Mike and Jess react to the provocative comments, question the logic behind Cignetti’s scheduling proposal, and discuss why Notre Dame’s football independence continues to be an easy target across college football.
Plus, former Notre Dame superstar Jeremiyah Love is dealing with a high ankle injury after his NFL preseason action with the Arizona Cardinals. Love recorded 11 carries and three receptions before the injury, sparking debate about preseason workloads for high-profile rookies.
Subscribe to The Echoes for Notre Dame football news, analysis, injury updates, AP Poll reaction, College Football Playoff discussion and everything Fighting Irish.
#NotreDame #NotreDameFootball #FightingIrish #CollegeFootball #CFB #APPoll #KyngstonnViliamuAsa #KVA #JeremiyahLove #GoIrish #CollegeFootballPlayoff
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00:00 INTRO
02:00 AP Poll
10:45 Injury updates
22:00 Cignetti takes shot
27:00 New pace in CFB
42:00 Jeremiyah Love injured

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52 min