Irish Breakdown

The Irish "jersey scrimmage" and Blue & Gold game are the final opportunities before August camp for Notre Dame players to impress Defensive back Jayden Sanders (12) during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.

Notre Dame has had more than a couple players make it big after being selected on the final day of the NFL draft Nov 24, 2018; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback Julian Love (27) during the game against the Southern California Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images The NFL draft makes its hay on the first night, when every team with a pick convinces its fan base that the next "franchise guy" just put on their hat.

Notre Dame is among the finalists for one of the best high school wide receivers in the Midwest Sep 13, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; A gold Notre Dame Fighting Irish helmet on the field before a game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Notre Dame Stadium. | Michael Caterina-Imagn Images One of Notre Dame's biggest recruiting targets in the 2027 cycle has narrowed his list of potential schools to just four, and the good news for the Fighting Irish is they made the cut.

Notre Dame's chances of signing quarterback Kamden Lopati skyrocketed on Monday after the four-star recruit decommitted from Illinois. Head coach Marcus Freeman during Notre Dame football's Pro Day at Irish Athletic Center on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in South Bend.

Cassandre Prosper went earlier than most pundits thought she would after the Washington Mystics took the Notre Dame guard with the 19th overall pick in Monday's WNBA Draft. Mar 6, 2026; Duluth, GA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Cassandre Prosper (8) shoots against the North Carolina State Wolfpack in the second quarter at Gas South Arena.

Marcus Freeman revealed a secret as to how to land big-time recruits in today's college football world, and it starts at home Nov 1, 2025; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback CJ Carr (13) and Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Donovan Hinish (41) after the game against the Boston College Eagles at Alumni Stadium.

Joey O'Brien has all the physical tools to become a special college football player, but his biggest attribute can't be taught or measured. La Salle's 2025 football roster includes standouts like wide receiver Joey O'Brien. | Michele C. Haddon / Bucks County Courier Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images One of the most interesting parts of spring football involves projection.

The Irish have one of the most talented rosters in the country; it's now up to the staff and players to hold themselves to a higher standard and perform at an elite clip. Head coach Marcus Freeman, right, greets running back Aneyas Williams during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Friday, March 20, 2026, in South Bend.

Notre Dame's portal pickups put the final touches on a roster that is ready to compete for a national title Sep 14, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers defensive lineman Francis Brewu (95) celebrates after defeating the West Virginia Mountaineers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Image Images | Barry Reeger-Imagn Images Notre Dame will never be a program that flips 40-50 players on its roster from one year to the next.

The Irish roster is talented and deep, with many players who are flying under the radar that could contribute in a major way. Safeties coach Jevaughn Codlin, center, during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend. | MICHAEL CLUBB/SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images The 2026 Notre Dame roster is one of the most talented in the entire country.