Notre Dame will open its fall training camp on August 6, kicking off a season that arrives with high expectations for the Irish program.
Director of athletics Pete Bevacqua said the coaching staff is eager to see how the roster responds to the rigors of preseason work, noting that the energy in the facility has been palpable.
Quarterback Landscape
Senior quarterback CJ Carr is slated to resume his role as the team’s starter, entering what many anticipate will be his final collegiate campaign.
Behind him, a competition is brewing for the backup position, with Blake Hebert, Noah Grubbs and Teddy Jarrard each getting early reps.
Center and Line Play
Joe Otting has continued to perform well at center since Ashton Craig suffered an injury, though Craig’s own timeline for reclaiming the starting spot remains unclear.
Leadership and Captaincy
Leadership will likely be shared among a group of seniors who are expected to wear the captain’s badge: CJ Carr, Leonard Moore, Drayk Bowen and Adon Shuler.
On defense, graduate transfer DJ McKinney, who arrived from Colorado, is expected to contribute depth and experience to the front line.
Special Teams Evolution
Special teams have also been reshaped, as Purdue transfer Spencer Porath has been added to compete for kicking duties, while Australian punter Jasper Scaife has taken on new responsibilities.
Coaching Perspective
Coach Marcus Freeman emphasized that every position will be contested throughout camp, a philosophy that could shape the Irish’s approach heading into the fall.
Looking Ahead
With a blend of returning starters, emerging competitors and fresh additions, the Irish enter the new season poised to contend, and the early practices will provide the first clear indicators of how the roster will respond to the challenges ahead.