The prospect of a 2026 season that mirrors the most dynamic offenses in the NFL has begun to circulate among Notre Dame analysts and fans alike. The idea is not merely a cosmetic change but a fundamental re‑imagining of how the Fighting Irish might exploit mismatches and create new avenues for play‑action.
The NFL Trend
Over the past few years, professional teams have increasingly deployed multiple tight ends on the field, using their size and receiving skill sets to stretch defenses horizontally and vertically. This approach has proven effective in creating mismatches against linebackers and safeties, and its popularity has filtered down to college programs seeking similar advantages.
Personnel Ready for the Change
Notre Dame’s roster includes several athletes whose physical profiles align perfectly with the demands of a multi‑tight end scheme. Cooper Flanagan and James Flanigan bring the requisite bulk for inline roles in jumbo formations, while Ian Premer offers the agility to line up as a flex option. Adding Ty Washington further deepens the group, giving the staff flexibility to rotate players without sacrificing strength.
Coordinator’s Vision
Offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock has long favored 11‑personnel sets, a formation that emphasizes a single back, one tight end and three receivers. Yet the talent pool available for the 2026 class may tempt him to deviate from that established foundation. How aggressively he embraces the multi‑tight end concept versus preserving his 11‑personnel roots will become one of the season’s most compelling storylines.
Depth at Receiver
Beyond the tight ends, the receiving corps is stacked with proven playmakers. Recent additions Quincy Porter and Mylan Graham, both recruited from Ohio State, bring speed and route‑running precision that could keep defenses guessing. This breadth of talent provides the necessary complement for a scheme that relies on varied personnel groupings to maintain offensive unpredictability.
Strategic Implications
If the Irish decide to implement this approach, the resulting offense could become markedly more dynamic, blending power running with sophisticated passing concepts. The shift would not only reflect a tactical evolution but also signal a broader willingness to adapt to the modern game’s emphasis on versatility and mismatch creation.