Fall Camp Preview
The summer heat in South Bend has given way to the crisp anticipation of fall camp, and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish are already drawing up the first playbooks of the season. Coaches have turned the practice field into a laboratory where every drill is measured against the backdrop of last year’s successes and the looming expectations of a national audience.
At the center of the conversation is quarterback CJ Carr, who enters camp as the clear starter and the early Heisman frontrunner. Carr’s 2025 campaign saw him complete two‑thirds of his passes for 2,741 yards, 24 touchdowns and just six interceptions, a performance that has turned heads in the college‑football community and put him at the top of many watchlists for the upcoming year.
The backup role remains unsettled, with Teddy Jarrard and Noah Grubbs locked in a duel for the second spot on the depth chart. Both have shown flashes of playmaking ability, but the coaching staff is watching closely to see who can consistently move the offense forward when called upon.
Running back Aneyas Williams, a true freshman last season, returns as the starter after posting 18 receptions for 172 yards and a strong ground‑game presence. He will be pushed by Nolan James Jr., the projected backup who brings a different skill set and will look to carve out a larger role in the rotation.
At wide receiver, Jordan Faison stands out as the most accomplished pass catcher, having logged 640 yards and four touchdowns on 49 receptions in 2025. His route‑running precision and ability to create separation have made him the player to watch as the Irish aim to diversify their aerial attack.
The tight end position will be anchored by Cooper Flanagan, who is slated to start after a promising preseason. Flanagan’s blend of size and receiving skill gives the offense a reliable option in the middle of the field, while the depth chart behind him includes several promising candidates.
The offensive line presents a mix of experience and uncertainty. Veteran linemen provide stability, but injuries have left the unit with questions about depth. The staff is evaluating younger players and newcomers to ensure the protection schemes remain robust throughout the grind of the schedule.
Beyond the starters, the roster is filled with a host of names — from Blake Hebert and Jaden Greathouse to Mylan Graham, Quincy Porter and the rest of the squad — who will battle for every snap. The depth chart is fluid, and the intensity of practice will ultimately determine who earns the coveted starting spots.
With the organization’s official website, ndfootball.com, tracking every development, fans can follow the progress of each player as the team fine‑tunes its identity. The combination of established talent like CJ Carr and emerging contributors promises a dynamic season, and the upcoming fall camp will be the crucible where the final lineup is forged.