In ‘Notre Dame’s’ absence, ESPN’s unofficial ‘College Football Playoff’ gets off to a lackluster start, risks lapsing into irrelevance as credibility eroded

U.S. Map, adapted from image at usda.gov

It might be interesting to find out how many Americans realize ESPN’s ad hoc, would-be “college football playoff” (CFP) is not actually official and cannot actually award an NCAA national championship. Like the AP and Coaches Polls that have long awarded mythical national titles, or like its BCS predecessor, even the expanded version of the ESPN mini-tournament relies on the

» Read more

Even if 3-loss Alabama won the would-be ‘CFP’ bracket, they still would not qualify for an actual National Championship; Crimson Tide season not good enough, and ‘CFP’ has no official authority to award an actual NCAA National Title

U.S. Map, adapted from image at usda.gov

The would-be “College Football Playoff” (“CFP”) technically does not have the authority to award an NCAA national championship. To have credibility and see its results coincide with third-party rankings and assessments, it would need to include the best teams and have a bracket-winner who qualified for a national title based upon time-honored basic fundamentals. They could only hope that, by

» Read more

VIDEO: Marcus Freeman talks with NY Post about College Football Playoff, NY Giants coaching vacancy, ‘Here Come the Irish’ docuseries, and more …

Marcus Freeman file photo adapted from defense.gov image with credit to Kamran Chotalal

Marcus Freeman talks with the New York Post’s Brandon London in-studio about the upcoming release of Season 2 of the “Here Come the Irish” docuseries; makes the case for the Fighting Irish being in the College Football Playoff; and addresses his name being connected with the New York Giants head coaching vacancy. [“Here Come the Irish” link goes to one

» Read more

VIDEO: Marcus Freeman on the ‘Today Show’ talking about the ‘Here Come The Irish’ docuseries, College Football Playoff, coaching changes, words of motivation and more …

Marcus Freeman file photo adapted from defense.gov image with credit to Kamran Chotalal

Marcus Freeman talks with the Today Show’s Al Roker, Savannah Guthrie and Sheinelle Jones about Season Two of the “Here Come the Irish” docuseries; what it’s like having a film crew follow the team; the College Football Playoff; collegiate coaching shakeups; words of motivation; and more … [“Here Come the Irish” link goes to one online viewing option that, for

» Read more

‘Notre Dame’ drops to #10 in College Football Playoff rankings, just above being eliminated; Irish would play at Texas A&M in first round, then go up against Indiana

U.S. Map, adapted from image at usda.gov

The last nonbinding, interim College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings of the season were released Tuesday evening, to be followed next Sunday by the rankings that actually set the playoff pairings. Despite winning big on the road last Saturday, the Fighting Irish dropped to #10, as Alabama climbed to #9 after narrowly beating an Auburn team with a losing record. ‘Notre

» Read more

NCAA staff falsified last week’s College Football Playoff bracket to include a Miami (Fla.) team that did not qualify

NCAA Headquarters Facade

When last week’s College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings came out, Nov. 25, 2025, NCAA staff, posting at ncaa.com, falsified their provisional College Football Playoff (CFP) bracket to include a Miami (Fla.) team that actually did not even qualify for the Playoff. Even though that bracket was tentative and unofficial, it still was held out as “based on the current committee

» Read more

That time Notre Dame played past 2 A.M. ET — and almost got beaten by a Hawaii team with a losing record, before heading to the Sugar Bowl

File Photo of Moon and Venus in Night Sky adapted from nasa.gov image with credit to Bill Dunford and NASA

So how difficult can it be, for Notre Dame to play in a far-flung western time zone, when forced to play past 2 a.m. Eastern Time? Lou Holtz had Notre Dame going to major bowls on an annual basis, competing regularly for national championships and winning one consensus national title. In 1991, even before the regular season was over, they

» Read more

VIDEO: Jeremiyah Love Joins the Set on ‘Wake Up the Echoes,’ Official Show of the Fighting Irish, also featuring Marcus Freeman, Isaiah Dunn, Tony Simeone

File Photo of Word of Life Stone Mural Mosaic, Featuring Christ with Arms Upraised, On the Hesburgh Memorial Library at Notre Dame

‘Notre Dame’ Football dropped 10 touchdowns in the highest-scoring game in nearly a century, and who better to talk to than the guy scoring half the time he touches the ball? Running back Jeremiyah “J-Love” Love joins Coach Marcus Freeman and (host!) Isaiah Dunn to break down his stellar performance, including an insane 8-carry, 3-touchdown stat line. Jeremiyah shares wisdom

» Read more

‘Notre Dame’ should drop Stanford over abortion; Stanford University is one of four abortion schools on ‘Notre Dame’s’ 2025 football schedule, including three from the ACC

File Photo of Basilica of the Sacred Heart and Golden Dome at University of Notre Dame, with Trees in Foreground

Dropping abortion-school Stanford likely means dropping ‘Notre Dame’s’ partnership with the ACC, a conference riddled by abortion schools. The Catholic Church regards abortion as such a serious matter that procurement of abortion brings about automatic excommunication.  Yet at least one-fourth of ‘Notre Dame’s’ regular season football schedule includes abortion schools — Stanford, Miami (Fla.) and Pitt from the ACC, and

» Read more

VIDEO: Marcus Freeman post-game press conference after Fighting Irish beat Orange 70-7

Marcus Freeman file photo adapted from defense.gov image with credit to Kamran Chotalal

Marcus Freeman talks with reporters after ‘Notre Dame’s’ 70-7 win over the Syracuse Orange …. Related Links: Big-Play First Quarter Leads To Historic Win Over Syracuse … #9 ‘Notre Dame’ Squashes Syracuse Orange in Largest Scoring Output Since 1932 … ‘Notre Dame’ Destroys Syracuse in Historic Blowout … ‘Notre Dame’s’ scorched-earth win over Syracuse was a direct message to the

» Read more

VIDEO: Highlights: Fighting Irish beat Orange 70-7

File Photo of Word of Life Stone Mural Mosaic, Featuring Christ with Arms Upraised, On the Hesburgh Memorial Library at Notre Dame

Highlights from ‘Notre Dame’s’ 70-7 win over the Syracuse Orange …. Related Links: Big-Play First Quarter Leads To Historic Win Over Syracuse … #9 ‘Notre Dame’ Squashes Syracuse Orange in Largest Scoring Output Since 1932 … ‘Notre Dame’ Destroys Syracuse in Historic Blowout … ‘Notre Dame’s’ scorched-earth win over Syracuse was a direct message to the College Football Playoff committee;

» Read more

VIDEO: ‘Notre Dame’ press conference featuring Marty Biagi, Eli Raridon, Jaylen Sneed, Junior Tuihalamaka, Justin Fisher and Malachi Fields, as the Irish readied for Syracuse

"We're # 1" Moses Sculpture at Notre Dame

Special Teams Coordinator and Assistant DB Coach Marty Biagi, TE Eli Raridon, LB Jaylen Sneed, Edge Junior Tuihalamaka, TE Justin Fisher, and WR Malachi Fields talked with reporters Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, as the Irish readied for Syracuse.

» Read more

‘Notre Dame’ should drop Pitt over abortion; University of Pittsburgh one of four abortion schools on 2025 schedule, one of three from ACC

Dropping abortion-school Pitt likely means dropping ‘Notre Dame’s’ partnership with the ACC, a conference riddled by abortion schools. The Catholic Church regards abortion as such a serious matter that procurement of abortion brings about automatic excommunication.  Yet at least one-fourth of ‘Notre Dame’s’ regular season football schedule includes abortion schools — Miami (Fla.), Pitt and Stanford from the ACC and

» Read more

VIDEO: Australia Episode: Wake Up the Echoes, Official Show of the Fighting Irish 11.11.25, featuring Australian punter James Rendell, cornerback Isaiah Dunn, Marcus Freeman, Tony Simeone

Satellite Dish File Photo

“Wake Up the Echoes: The Official Show of the Fighting Irish,” featuring Australian punter James Rendell, CB Isaiah Dunn, Marcus Freeman, Tony Simeone, including life, animals and food in Australia; Marcus Freeman samples vegemite 4.11.25

» Read more

‘Notre Dame’ climbs to #9 in College Football Playoff rankings; would play at Oregon in first round, then have rematch with Ohio State

U.S. Map, adapted from image at usda.gov

The second College Football Playoff rankings were released Tuesday evening, with the Fighting Irish climbing to #9, their same ranking as in the most recent AP Poll and Coaches Poll. Their rise was attributable to BYU’s big loss to Texas Tech and the big Irish win over Navy. If the playoff bracket were formed today, #9 seed ‘Notre Dame’ would

» Read more

‘Notre Dame’ debuts at #10 in first CFP rankings; would play BYU in first round, then Indiana

U.S. Map, adapted from image at usda.gov

The first College Football Playoff rankings were released Tuesday evening, with the Fighting Irish sitting at #10, their same ranking as in the most recent AP Poll and Coaches Poll. If the playoff bracket were formed today, #10 seed ‘Notre Dame’ would be playing #7-seed BYU in the first round, with the winner playing #2 seed-Indiana next. If the Irish

» Read more

Fighting Irish crack top-10 after road win over Boston College and continued attrition among ranked teams; final AP and Coaches Poll before CFP rankings

U.S. Map, adapted from image at usda.gov

After ‘Notre Dame’s’ solid 25-10 road win over Boston College in Chestnut Hill Saturday, the Fighting Irish finally returned to the top-10 in the AP and Coaches Poll, amidst renewed reshufflings occasioned by multiple ranked teams picking up losses. Georgia Tech, Miami (Fla.) and Vanderbilt had been ranked ahead of the Irish but lost in upsets and dropped below them.

» Read more

VIDEO: Irish post-game press conference after victory over Boston College, with Marcus Freeman, CJ Carr, Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa

Marcus Freeman file photo adapted from defense.gov image with credit to Kamran Chotalal

Head coach Marcus Freeman, quarterback CJ Carr and linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa talk with reporters after the Fighting Irish 25-10 road victory over Boston College in Chestnut Hill on All Saints Day 2025. (SCW – Nov. 1, 2025)

» Read more

VIDEO HIGHLIGHT: CJ Carr 44-yard touchdown pass to Will Pauling, temporarily putting the Irish ahead 12-0

"We're # 1" Moses Sculpture at Notre Dame

With 1:53 left in the first half, ‘Notre Dame’ had a 1st and 10 at the Boston College 44. Quarterback CJ took the snap out of the shotgun and dropped back to around his own 46. Meanwhile, wide receiver Will Pauling streaked down the right hash about 12 yards before a quick, smooth move where he stepped one foot to

» Read more

VIDEO HIGHLIGHT: CJ Carr 40-yard touchdown pass to Malachi Fields, Irish go up on Boston College 6-0

File Photo of Word of Life Stone Mural Mosaic, Featuring Christ with Arms Upraised, On the Hesburgh Memorial Library at Notre Dame

Eight seconds into the second quarter, on 4th down and 6 at the Boston College 40, ‘Notre Dame’ quarterback CJ Carr opened the scoring throwing, under pressure, a 40-yard touchdown strike to wide receiver Malachi Fields. After the Irish extra-point attempt hit the upright and bounced wrong, the score remained 6-0. The touchdown capped off an 85-yard drive that took

» Read more

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: ‘Notre Dame’ pulls away from North Carolina State in second half to win by four touchdowns

File Photo of Word of Life Stone Mural Mosaic, Featuring Christ with Arms Upraised, On the Hesburgh Memorial Library at Notre Dame

After leading 10-7 at halftime, the Irish outscored the Wolfpack 26-0 in the second half to win 36-7. They outgained NC State 485 yards to 283 on the day, limiting the Wolfpack to 51 yards rushing. Sophomore QB CJ Carr threw for 342 yards on 19/31 passing (62%) with 2 TDs and 1 INT.

» Read more

College Football Rankings: ‘Notre Dame’ climbs into top-13 in AP Poll after solid win over North Carolina State

U.S. Map, adapted from image at usda.gov

After pulling away in the second half to beat a good, yet unranked, NC State team 36-7, ‘Notre Dame’ climbed three spots in the latest AP Poll to now sit at #13.  With the regular season nearly half-done, the Irish (4-2) are one of only two 2-loss teams in the top-25, and are ranked ahead of multiple undefeated and 1-loss

» Read more

#16 ‘Notre Dame’ Fighting Irish vs. NC State Wolfpack restricted to Peacock streaming service; Peacock free trial period, then $16.99 per month within Amazon Prime Video; also includes NBC, at least some on-demand replays

File Photo of Computer, Tablet and Cellphone, adapted from image at energy.gov

[Click here for info about Peacock online streaming service as a special subscription within Amazon Prime Video] The #16 Fighting Irish and the Wolfpack kick off shortly after 3:30 p.m. ET, 2:30 CT, 1:30 MT, 12:30 PT, in The House That Rockne Built, on the (Comcast-owned, NBC-related) Peacock online streaming service, and on ‘Notre Dame’ Football Radio, SiriusXM 129, online

» Read more

DEPTH CHART: ‘Notre Dame’ Offense vs. NC State

"We're # 1" Moses Sculpture at Notre Dame

According to the latest injury report, starting Wide Receiver Jaden Greathouse is definitively out for the second straight week, apparently with the same thigh injury, even though he was still listed as a presumptive starter in the official depth chart that came out earlier in the week. The alternate starter for his position, with an “or” next to his name,

» Read more

VIDEO: ‘Notre Dame’ players’ post-game press conference after win over Boise State, featuring CJ Carr, Leonard Moore, Jadarian Price, Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa

Golden Dome in Bright Sunlight

Fighting Irish Football student-athletes QB CJ Carr, CB Leonard Moore, RB Jadarian Price, and LB Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa speak with reporters after their 28-7 victory over Boise State in the annual “Irish Wear Green” game on Saturday, October 4, 2025.

» Read more

College Football Rankings: ‘Notre Dame’ climbs into top-20 after solid Irish win over Boise State and upset losses by five then-top-20 teams, including two then-top-10 teams losing to unranked opponents with losing records

U.S. Map, adapted from image at usda.gov

After ‘Notre Dame’s’ solid 28-7 win over Boise State at home on “Irish Wear Green” day, the Irish climbed five spots and jumped well into the top-20 at #16 in the AP and the Coaches Poll. Five top-20 teams lost over the weekend, three of them to unranked opponents. That included two then-top-10 teams, Penn State and Texas, losing to

» Read more

DEPTH CHART: ‘Notre Dame’ Offense vs. Boise State

File Photo of Word of Life Stone Mural Mosaic, Featuring Christ with Arms Upraised, On the Hesburgh Memorial Library at Notre Dame

While the official Irish depth chart released earlier in the week remains unchanged, reports raise the prospect that starting Wide Receiver Jaden Greathouse it out with a thigh injury. The alternate starter for his position, with an “or” next to his name, is senior transfer Will Pauling, who reputedly has 4.4 speed. Average size interior offensive line: 6-6, 312 (average

» Read more

DEPTH CHART: ‘Notre Dame’ Defense vs. Boise State

File Photo of Word of Life Stone Mural Mosaic, Featuring Christ with Arms Upraised, On the Hesburgh Memorial Library at Notre Dame

On defense, sophomore Cornerback Leonard Moore is still listed as questionable on the injury report, recovering from an ankle injuy. Also questionable is junior Defensive Tackle Donovan Hinisch, who only played five snaps last week, after a shoulder injury. Both are still listed as starters on the official depth chart.  Reportedly, as against Purdue and Arkansas, if Moore is unable

» Read more

College Football Rankings: Big ‘Notre Dame’ win over SEC’s Arkansas barely nudges the Fighting Irish in the polls

U.S. Map, adapted from image at usda.gov

After blowing out the SEC’s Arkansas Razorbacks 56-13 on Saturday, the Fighting Irish jumped only one spot to #21 in the AP and merely held steady at #21 in the Coaches Poll. Nevertheless, the Irish are the only 2-2 team ranked at all, and the only ranked team that does not have winning record, sitting at .500. Indeed, they are

» Read more

‘Notre Dame’ Injury Update: Everybody available, except CB Leonard Moore game-time decision

Golden Dome in Bright Sunlight

‘Notre Dame’ Football media has indicated that all players are available for the Irish in their game at Arkansas, with the exception of preseason All-American Leonard Moore being a game-time decision with his recovery from an ankle injury. That could mean they might be stronger on field goals with starter Noah Burnette back. And if DeVonta Smith can play, that

» Read more

‘Diamond-in-the rough’ ‘Notre Dame’ has late-morning game time at Arkansas; Marcus Freeman looking like the right man for the head coaching job

File Photo of Word of Life Stone Mural Mosaic, Featuring Christ with Arms Upraised, On the Hesburgh Memorial Library at Notre Dame

#22 ‘Notre Dame’ Fighting Irish (1-2) vs. Arkansas Razorbacks (2-2) Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, AR Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, 11 a.m. CT ABC, Sirius XM 129, ‘Notre Dame’ Football Radio [PDF 86pp] ‘Notre Dame’ game notes The Fighting Irish road game with Arkansas at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville is scheduled for 11 a.m. local

» Read more

Ara Parseghian: “You know what it takes to win …”

Ara Parseghian file photo adapted from va.gov image

In “Resurrection: The Miracle Season That Saved Notre Dame” by Jim Dent, we are taken back to Hall of Fame Coach Ara Parseghian‘s first team meeting as Notre Dame head football coach, in a Golden Dome auditorium: “… You know what it takes to win. Just look at my fist. When I make a fist, it’s strong and you can’t

» Read more

VIDEO: “Wake Up The Echoes” with Marcus Freeman, linebacker Drayk Bowen, cornerback Isaiah Dunn, hosted by Tony Simeone 9.23.25 – Official Show of the Fighting Irish

Satellite Dishes file photo, adapted from .gov source

“Wake Up the Echoes: The Official Show of the Fighting Irish” welcomes Marcus Freeman; starting “Mike” (middle) linebacker, and team captain, Drayk Bowen; and cornerback Isaiah Dunn; hosted by ‘Notre Dame’ Football Radio announcer Tony Simeone. They talk about what it takes to be a Fighting Irish captain, including the slow grind of daily discipline over instant gratification, and how

» Read more

DEPTH CHART: ‘Notre Dame’ Defense vs. Arkansas

Golden Dome in Bright Sunlight

Sophomore Cornerback Leonard Moore and fifth-year defensive back (Nickel Back) DeVonta Smith are listed as questionable on the injury report, as well as Placekicker Noah Burnette, yet still are listed as starters on the depth chart.  In addition to the injuries, some additional ebbing and flowing has occurred on the depth chart among the defensive backs. (More details follow below

» Read more

DEPTH CHART: ‘Notre Dame’ Offense vs. Arkansas

Golden Dome in Bright Sunlight

While their latest injury report lists two key defensive backs and a placekicker as questionable for Arkansas, the Irish offensive depth chart remains unchanged. Average size interior offensive line: 6-6, 312 (average size OL starters 6-6, 314) [for original PDF click here]   [Jersey Number, Name, Height, Weight, [Eligibility-]Year, unofficial 40 times (from third-party sources; 40 times not necessarily current)]

» Read more

VIDEO: Marcus Freeman weekly press conference as Irish ready for road trip to Arkansas 9.22.25

Marcus Freeman file photo adapted from defense.gov image with credit to Kamran Chotalal

Marcus Freeman talks with reporters as the Fighting Irish prepare to take on Arkansas in Fayetteville. Freeman cited growth in all three phases in a much-needed victory over Purdue. After celebrating, everyone has been getting back to work, looking forward to the opportunity to take on an Arkansas team who could easily have been undefeated, with a top-5 offense and

» Read more

College Football Rankings: Big Irish win barely nudges them in the polls

U.S. Map, adapted from image at usda.gov

After throttling Purdue 56-30 on Saturday, the Fighting Irish merely hold steady at #21 in the Coaches Poll and jump only two spots to #22 in the AP. Nevertheless, the Irish (1-2) are the only team with a losing record ranked at all. Indeed, they are ranked ahead of multiple 4-0 or 3-0 undefeated teams, as well as a team

» Read more

Storm delays might linger for a few hours for Irish and Purdue; primetime beckons for second half

Lightning Means Gave Over, If you're at an outdoor sporting event ... When Thunder Roards, Go Indoors! with yellow artist's renditions of lightning, NOAA logo, background image of empty stadium seats, weather.gov/lightning

This author, of course, already raised the prospect of thunderstorms disrupting the ‘Notre Dame’-Purdue game days ago, and reiterated the issue in the hours before game-time. True enough, the game was suspended with 1:31 to go in the first half, due to lightning and thunderstorm activity across the Michiana region.  Under public safety protocols and NCAA guidelines, the stadium outdoor

» Read more

‘Notre Dame’ injuries: Two Irish defensive backs are “game-time decisions;” preseason All-American cornerback Leonard Moore reportedly not in pads, not warming up; Moore and nickel back DeVonta Smith have ankle injuries

Medical Symbol file image, adapted from .gov image

A ‘Notre Dame’ Football official x/twitter profile announced that both preseason All-American starting cornerback Leonard Moore and lead “nickel back” (defensive back) DeVonta Smith are “game-time decisions” regarding their availability to play.  Both have ankle injuries. Last week against Southern Cal, Purdue threw for more than 300 yards, in game that was 20-10 in the third quarter, with a final

» Read more

Irish might have to score early, score often against Purdue with possible storms rolling in

Lightning Means Gave Over, If you're at an outdoor sporting event ... When Thunder Roards, Go Indoors! with yellow artist's renditions of lightning, NOAA logo, background image of empty stadium seats, weather.gov/lightning

‘Notre Dame’ may be heavy favorites against Purdue, yet, aside from sitting at 0-2, the Irish might literally have storms on the horizon when they take on the Boilermakers. The latest forecast warns of a better-than-even chance of thunderstorms rolling in during the second half. The Irish already have a need for faster starts and sustained momentum, and the prospect

» Read more

VIDEO: After-practice press conference by ‘Notre Dame’ players and QB Coach/Pass Game Coordinator Gino Guidugli, as Irish readied for Purdue; featuring Eli Raridon, Malachi Fields, Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, Adon Shuler

File Photo of Word of Life Stone Mural Mosaic, Featuring Christ with Arms Upraised, On the Hesburgh Memorial Library at Notre Dame

Bob and Leslie Mohr Family Quarterbacks Coach/Pass Game Coordinator Gino Guidugli and Notre Dame Football student-athletes Eli Raridon, Malachi Fields, Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, and Adon Shuler spoke with reporters following practice on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, as the Irish readied for Purdue.

» Read more

Thunderstorms possible for ‘Notre Dame’ vs. Purdue; weather forecasts iffy for Saturday afternoon and early evening in Notre Dame, IN

Lightning Means Gave Over, If you're at an outdoor sporting event ... When Thunder Roards, Go Indoors! with yellow artist's renditions of lightning, NOAA logo, background image of empty stadium seats, weather.gov/lightning

The Fighting Irish might just have to wait a bit longer to make another attempt at their first win of the season, if the elements do not cooperate. They are set to host Purdue in The House That Rockne Built on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET. The actual kickoff presumably comes some minutes later, with the game likely running past

» Read more

VIDEO: “Wake Up The Echoes” with Marcus Freeman and starting LG Billy Schrauth – Purdue Week 9.16.25 – Official Show of the Fighting Irish

Satellite Dish File Photo

“Wake Up the Echoes: The Official Show of the Fighting Irish” continues Season 3 with Marcus Freeman and starting left guard Billy Schrauth. As the Irish ready for Purdue, Billy also takes us from his competitive big-family roots in small-town Wisconsin to his love of golf – before revealing how a stage combat class turned him into Gotham’s most convincing

» Read more

DEPTH CHART: ‘Notre Dame’ Offense vs. Purdue

File Photo of Word of Life Stone Mural Mosaic, Featuring Christ with Arms Upraised, On the Hesburgh Memorial Library at Notre Dame

Several offensive lineman and a tight end are listed on the injury report as unavailable, and another offensive lineman is back from injury, yet that did not impact the depth chart. Average size interior offensive line: 6-6, 312 (average size OL starters 6-6, 314) [for original PDF click here] [Jersey Number, Name, Height, Weight, [Eligibility-]Year, unofficial 40 times (from third-party

» Read more

DEPTH CHART: ‘Notre Dame’ Defense vs. Purdue

File Photo of Word of Life Stone Mural Mosaic, Featuring Christ with Arms Upraised, On the Hesburgh Memorial Library at Notre Dame

Sophomore Cornerback Leonard Moore and fifth-year defensive back (Nickel Back) DeVonta Smith are listed as questionable on the injury report, yet are still listed as starters on the depth chart. [Note: Athough it had been reported in early 2025 that the program was moving beyond a Vyper concept, they do have “Vypers” on the current depth chart. The same players

» Read more

‘Notre Dame’ remains ranked in AP and Coaches Poll even after “loss” to Texas A&M, clouded by SEC officials’ UFO-like non-call on final Aggies “score”; Irish only “winless” team still ranked

U.S. Map, adapted from image at usda.gov

‘Notre Dame,’ still without an official win for the season, somehow remains ranked in the top-25, the only “winless” team to do so. One source indicates this is the first time since 1988 that an 0-2 team has been ranked in the AP. Full rankings are listed at the bottom of the page. The Irish dropped from #8 in the

» Read more

VIDEO: Wake Up The Echoes S3 Ep1 with Marcus Freeman, Will Pauling – Texas A&M Week 9.9.25 – Official Show of the Fighting Irish

Golden Dome in Bright Sunlight

Wake Up the Echoes: The Official Show of the Fighting Irish, kicks off Season 3 with Marcus Freeman and the newest member of the 2025 Notre Dame Football Captains, Will Pauling. Learn about Will’s life growing up in Chicago, the hard work ethic instilled in him by his father, and the time he found himself in over his head in

» Read more

DEPTH CHART: ‘Notre Dame’ Defense vs. Texas A&M

File Photo of Word of Life Stone Mural Mosaic, Featuring Christ with Arms Upraised, On the Hesburgh Memorial Library at Notre Dame

[for original official PDF click here] [Jersey Number, Name, Height, Weight, [Eligibility-]Year, unofficial 40 times (from third-party sources; 40 times not necessarily current)] [Note: Although it had been reported in early 2025 that the program was moving beyond a Vyper concept, they do have “Vypers” on the current depth chart; same players listed as DE on the roster] – CB

» Read more

DEPTH CHART: ‘Notre Dame’ Offense vs. Texas A&M

File Photo of Word of Life Stone Mural Mosaic, Featuring Christ with Arms Upraised, On the Hesburgh Memorial Library at Notre Dame

[for original PDF click here] [Jersey Number, Name, Height, Weight, [Eligibility-]Year, unofficial 40 times (from third-party sources; 40 times not necessarily current)] Average size interior offensive line: 6-6, 312 (average size OL starters 6-6, 314)   – QB – 13 CJ Carr 6-3 210 Fr. – 4.94 8 Kenny Minchey 6-2 208 So. – 4.78 10 Tyler Buchner 6-1 206

» Read more

Irish face urgency, and a pivotal matchup, but does ‘Notre Dame’ really have a “must-win” game with Texas A&M? Only if the Irish become good enough for the playoff

File Photo of Word of Life Stone Mural Mosaic, Featuring Christ with Arms Upraised, On the Hesburgh Memorial Library at Notre Dame

It may be true, at least at the moment, that #16/17 Texas A&M is the only remaining top-25 Irish opponent. Yet it seems a bit silly to couch “must-win” game status within the notion that an 0-1 ‘Notre Dame’ is somehow a playoff contender. Nevertheless, there still should be a sense of urgency to “right the ship” addressing weaknesses and

» Read more

Winless ‘Notre Dame’ rises in AP and Coaches Poll during bye week; Irish now only winless team in Top-25; Reminiscent of unranked Irish jumping into top-20 after losing Lou Holtz’s first game

U.S. Map, adapted from image at usda.gov

Another week into the season, ‘Notre Dame’ is now the only winless team in the top-25.The Irish rise to #8 in both the AP and Coaches Poll, still sitting at 0-1 after an early bye week. One recalls how, in Lou Holtz’s first game at ‘Notre Dame,’ the Irish became the first, possibly only, team to open the season unranked,

» Read more

Marcus Freeman almost always loses the week after a long-distance night game, including against Northern Illinois; This year’s early bye week is a stroke of luck for the Irish

Marcus Freeman file photo adapted from defense.gov image with credit to Kamran Chotalal

During his brief head coaching tenure, Marcus Freeman has gone 2-4 the week after a long-distance night game, 1-3 against unranked opponents. More than a third of Freeman’s total career losses as a head coach have come the week after a long-distance night game, 4 losses out of 11. Curiously enough, the only opponent he has beaten the week after

» Read more