JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat April 18, 2025

Notre Dame Football Live Chat April 18, 2025

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Eric Hansen

2:45

OK, that's all the football questions for today. Thanks for all the great questions, compliments and exclamation points. We'll be back next week to do it again, and I'll have a women's basketball chat as well. I'll announce the timing of those next week on The Insider Lounge and social media when my schedule next week becomes clearer.

2:42

It's up to 78, not to nitpick !!!! To your question re Tyler Buchner. I think you want to make sure Blake Hebert gets developed this year and yet if you go down to QB No. 3 in a game, Buchner is probably the better option at this point in his career. But until there was an injury, I'd have Buchner 4, sharing scout reps with Hebert. And if there was an injury, then maybe rethinking the order and getting him game ready.

Mike D from Rochester NY

2:39

Eric, hope you get a chance to get out and enjoy the 75 degrees!!! I was happy and sad to see Steve A going to the portal. Sad because he’s been a great team-first player and steady backup, happy because he deserves a chance to start somewhere and because I worried that Kenny M might have left if Steve stayed. I don’t think Minchey wins the QB battle but he has a lot of potential plus he’d stay on track for his degree. My question, if TB moves back to the QB room is he ahead of or behind Blake H?

Eric Hansen

2:39

Hi Mike/Mo. I do not see Minchey being a second running back or third or fourth or fifth or sixth, since they have J-Love, Price, Aneyas Williams, Kedren Young, Gi-Bran Payne and Nolan James Jr. Maybe on a special teams fake?

Mike AKA "Mo" from Maumee OH

2:37

Hi Eric! Minchey's skill set certainly lends itself for Red Zone play. Can you envision any other use of Minchey, such as lined up as a second running back- will he be a passer...a runner? I'm of course assuming that Carr wins the starting job, but with the two precision passes he completed to TE's in the Spring Game.........wow.......mic drop.

Eric Hansen

2:37

But I think it helped some players -- Tae Johnson is a better safety from having played corner. I think Jaylen Sneed has benefited at linebacker by playing different positions. I think Sullivan Absher will benefit from the cross training. So we can see examples of each.

2:34

Jordan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for the compliments and for mentioning my grandkids. They are the six people on this planet that make me smile the most. 1) There is a little gray area on the position group question. There's collaboration discussion in meetings during the week, but on game days, it's usually the position coach. Marcus could overrule, but given everything that's going on in a game, I think he would trust his position coach in most situations. The coordinators might have opinions postgame that become discussions the next week. 2) I think there are positives for some players and not so positives for others, and you as a coach hope it benefits both the player and the team, but sometimes it only benefits the team. I don't know that Rylie Mills benefitted from the bounce back and forth early in his career. I'm not sure Brenan Vernon is. Jury is out on Cole Mullins. I think it probably hurt Tyson Ford. (more)

Jordan, from Seattle

2:26

Eric!!!! What a busy couple of weeks for you - thank you for your tireless coverage of all things Notre Dame. I hope you get a chance to put your feet up or chase the grandkids, or both, soon!!!! Two questions: 1). Who decides which players in a positional group-say linebacker- play in a game, and how much playing time they get? Is it the positional coach, the OC/DC? A combination, or perhaps game situation specific? 2) Do you perceive any downside to cross-training players at multiple positions (say linebackers or OL)? Is there a concern that it creates players who are good at many things but masters of nothing? Thanks for running this chats for us, and for your objective and humorous work.

Eric Hansen

2:26

He played hurt for most of 2024, so I don't think you've seen him at his physical best. I believe he'll play in the NFL, and barring injury this season, I think you'll agree with the version of Schrauth you see on the field this season. We don't use CBS's ratings. We use Rivals. For the players you mentioned, here were their rankings (in different classes): Carr was No. 50, Schrauth 87, Wagner 126, Jagusah 157 and Craig unranked. Will CJ Carr be special. I've been saying that for a while. How soon? Couldn't tell you. Thanks for your questions!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2:19

Len, you lively minx, saving all your exclamation points for the very last sentence of your monster question that took more than one screen. Happy Easter to you. I'm going to save mine for the end too. Let's take the Billy Schrauth question on its own first. Players with high ceilings don't always trend their at identical speeds ... due to the nature of their position, due to opportunity, due to health, due to culture shock, all kinds of reasons. A case in point as offensive lineman. Tommy Kraemer shined much earlier at ND than Liam Eichenberg, but Eichenberg ended up being the better college player and the better NFL player (and now they're in the real estate biz together and both great guys). Schrauth got lost in details in training camp of 2023, but finished 2024 strong (more)

Len from the Jersey Shore

Thanks for hosting and have a Happy Easter!!!!!!!!!!!!

2:11

Hello Eric, a few questions today. Did, or would, Steve Angeli enter the portal if he was told he was legitimately still part of the QB competition, no worse than a legitimate 1/3 chance to be named the starter in August? Or would he enter to the portal to give himself a much higher percentage chance to lead a D1 program somewhere else, say greater 50% or greater? I am trying to understand how these players weigh their options. Second multiple part question. Who had a higher high end when recruited, CJ Carr or Billy Schrauth. I know they are different positions. Frankly Billy S has not hit his expected high level yet. CBS ranked both Charles Jagusah and Ashton Craig in their top 150 players. In limited time I think a lot of both of their high sides and agree with this ranking. I also like the consistent season Aamil Wagner had. If BIlly S is that good, this line can be special. Will he be? Will CJ? These are two of the players that Eric H likes a lot. So no one better to ask.

Eric Hansen

2:11

Mike, I would really have to give that a lot of thought. It's not something that's floating around off the top of my head. And I only get to pick 4? Even if we restricted it to my time covering college football, do you know how old I am and how many players that would entail in the pool? It is a really great question, but one of those that my brain is not wired for. As to your second question, it delights me that you are taking advantage, perhaps, of the relaxation for the "no drinking" rule. Otherwise, you would know there's multiple correct pronunciation of the world "The" as it is clearly stated in the Merriam-Webster dictionary:

the
1 of 4
definite article
before consonants usually t͟hə before vowels usually t͟hē, sometimes before vowels also t͟hə; for emphasis before titles and names or to suggest uniqueness often ˈt͟hē

Mike, Phoenix

2:04

Eric, Happy Friday. Who would be on your Mt. Rushmore of former ND players? Maybe your list is best players or favorite players. Best, Hornung, Bradley, Browner, Tim Brown. Favorites, Bettis, Tate, Bryant Young, Watts. As a journalist and alum does it bother you that Ohio state calls themselves THEE and spells it THE? cheers!

Eric Hansen

2:03

There are only four players on the 2025 roster from that class -- Kia, Rubio, Onye and Tyler Buchner, who transferred back from Alabama. Alt, Fisher and Estimé were early draft entries and all got drafted. Mitchell Evans is a likely day 3 pick in this draft. There are some very good players who were more recent transfers, including Coogan and Spindler. So offensively, there was success. And defensively, probably more misses than hits. That was the cycle right before Marcus Freeman became DC at ND.

1:59

Hi Pat. I think the 2021 class was a real crapshoot for everyone, because of COVID. Kids couldn't take visits in that cycle, couldn't go to camps, couldn't be evaluated in person or at their schools. Some didn't have senior seasons at all or had abbreviated deferred ones. Chance Tucker had to send a video of himself doing specific drills to seal his ND scholarship offer. The first time Khari Gee visited campus was when he was moving into his dorm in in June of 2021. Twenty of the 27 players in that class either transferred, were medical hardships or walked away from football to focus on academics. And a lot of those defections came very early/ (more)

Pat, Philly

1:55

With the high school class of '21 graduation approaching (obviously many are playing a 5th year at ND or elsewhere), it seems that group was generally a miss for ND. There won't be a single defensive player drafted - also i guess the optimist holds out hope for a big year from Onye or Rubio. o you think that was a result of COVID

Eric Hansen

1:54

Thanks, Ed. Really appreciate that. Because of the spacing and the passing lanes it shouldn't be a major difference between a 6-5 center, which ND has won with and a 6-7 kid. Ashton Craig is 6-5. And the guards are tall too ... Jags is 6-7 and Billy Schrauth 6-4. Sometimes the concern with a taller guy inside is bend. That was something Tosh Baker, for instance, at 6-8 did not show enough of to compete inside for a spot, but Jagusah at 6-7 definitely does.

Ed from Sayville

1:51

Happy Easter Eric. Great story on Peter Schivarelli. Quite a story and one that really shows non football life benefits for individuals willing to buck the odds, take the challenge and gain the confidence in future endeavors. Thanks for bringing that one to us. My question centers around Sullivan Absher and specifically about how successful he could be when setting his 6 foot 8 inch frame in pass protection. Is there any concern about blocking what QB1 might be able to see downfield?

Eric Hansen

1:51

Mike D, you give me a question that you think might hurt my head and then say, "Have a great weekend?" Hmmmm . OK, I'll try to avoid the first and enjoy the second. What is being pushed for in this new world of college football is a roster limit of 105. Last year, ND had 118, 85 of whom were on scholarship. If the new roster limit is passed, there are walk-ons who would have to be cut. And if the scholarship limit is raised (schools would have the latitude to do that beyond 85, but how much and how soon is unclear), there might not be any walk-ons. So that should keep your head from hearting, but maybe not your heart, because walk-ons are SUCH a cool part of the fabric of college football, especially at Notre Dame. Which is why I did the Peter Schivarelli story.

Mike D from Rochester NY

1:45

Hi, Eric!!! Can you explain the current status of roster limits? I would try to figure this out myself, but it all just makes my head hurt, as it probably does make your head hurt too thanks and have a great weekend.

Eric Hansen

1:44

I agree with all of this. thanks.

Robert, Dunedin,Fl

1:44

Just a comment on Steve Angelli transfer. Logically he rode the train as far as he felt it could go. Classy kid, and I think ultimately demonstrates every thing ND looks for in a student athlete. Not an end but a new beginning for him. The team he chooses will be much the better to have a player who embodies what sports should be teaching us. Tip of the hat to Coach Freeman as I feel not an easy situation to be in, but I am absolutely certain one that only has his best intentions towards his players. Not an easy thing to do in today's world. Rock on Steve Angeli! Go ND!!

Eric Hansen

1:44

Thanks for your input, Ced.

Guest

1:44

ced walker Saginaw Michigan aka sagnasty c.j. carr and kenny minchey did pretty good in the blue & gold game this will be a very interesting quarterback battle in training camp God Bless this football team here come the irish trust the process the golden standard rally we are nd god country go irish love thee notre dame our mother pray for us

Eric Hansen

1:43

Hi Mike/Mo. Assuming health for everybody is difficult because the Guerby Lamber timetable is a bit fuzzy. So, I am going to not project him as a possible starter on opening night, but maybe later ... but your question is for Miami. So I'll go with Wagner, Jagusah, Craig, Schrauth, Knapp, with Absher, Black and eventually Lambert next men in.

Mike AKA "Mo" from Maumee OH

1:37

SOOOO impressed with the talent level displayed in the Spring Game. Assuming all are healthy for the season opener, what is your starting offensive line for the Miami game? What two or three offensive linemen are "next men in"?

Eric Hansen

1:37

Happy Easter to you Tom, and thanks for your Facebook comment and insight into the speech class you and Pete took at ND. How cool? To your question, yes up and down is a good way to describe Gary's season and consistency needs to be a big part of 2025, and I think the coaches are confident that will happen. And just based on his talent and personality and inner strength having gotten to know him, I'm a believer he will as well. But there are other options. Karson Hobbs as surged into the depth picture. Really strong spring for the sophomore. Cree Thomas is a very impressive freshman and Mark Zackery IV and Dallas Golden were both rated higher by recruiting analysts, and they arrive in June. So there are options and depth, and a DBs coach who is elite, and that's a really good place to be.

Tom F, Kennesaw, GA

1:30

Eric, first I want to wish everyone a Happy & Blessed Easter!!! My concern is about Christian Gray. He had more ups and downs last year than the Stock Market. IMHO, his focus should be on being consistent as the Good Christian Gray. However, if he is more consistent on the bad side, who do you see taking his spot opposite Leonard Moore?? We have been hearing high praises for many of the other CB's in spring plus a couple of very good ones coming in June!!! Really enjoyed the article and info on Pete Schiverelli. Thank you. Go Irish!!!!

Eric Hansen

1:29

Hi Tony. I will see Pete in a couple of weeks, so I'll ask him then. He's in the Carolinas with them on tour right now, though we texted this morning. Thanks for the kind words on the articles. One of the most fun projects I've worked on in my career. Privileged he trusted me to tell his story.

2581

1:26

Tony from Lexington, Kentucky, the Horse Capital of the World ! --- Is Chicago gonna be playing at halftime of a Notre Dame home game this season? It would be nice if ND would honor Pete Schivarelli ! I knew that he had been a walk-on at ND, but until I read your great article, I had no idea that he is part of the statue of Ara at ND Stadium !

Eric Hansen

1:26

Micah Gilbert missed all of the contact work this spring with a hand injury/surgery, and I think he has a chance to surge. Elijah Burress is coming ... The real intrigue for me comes from two who were here for spring practice... sophomore Cam Williams and grad transfer Will Pauling. Pauling was limited coming back from in injury/surgery. Williams is a raw talent who's going to break through at some point, I believe. Those two could really lift the collective unit in August and are worth keeping an eye on.

1:23

Hi Bob and thanks. To me, I do think there's a potential surge from that group and I feel safe saying it'll be an improvement over last year. How much? I need to see more, specially more of Faison and Virginia transfer Malachi Fields, who arrives in June. CBSsports.com, for instance, rated Fields as the No. 2 player on the Irish 2025 roster behind only RB Jeremiyah Love and No. 19 in all of college football. That's All-American good if it comes to pass. Again, I need to see it, but I think Fields could be ND's leading receiver in 2025. (more)

Bob Rodes

1:20

Manchester, Tennessee Hi Eric. What with the uptick in Greathouse's performance and also hat of Faison, as well as the other incoming receivers (and the WRs I've left out) I'm getting the feeling that our WR corps is turning a corner, and will be one of the stronger groups on the team this coming season. Can you comment on that? And I know that we're all expecting Greathouse to shine, but who stands out to you that maybe we're not paying attention to?

Eric Hansen

1:20

Tom, wow thank you. If you ever want to eat blueberry pancakes in South Bend, I'll find a way to join you. Thanks again.

Tom from Toronto

1:18

Hi Eric, just finished our blueberry pancake Friday with Canadian maple syrup, so things are going well today in the Great White North. I was getting ready to thank you for the excellent article on Peter Schivarelli and see that you posted another one today on his connection with the band Chicago. Reading that will be icing on the pancakes. And 75 degrees in South Bend. Can all of these things be omens of more good things in line for ND football? Manny got ahead of me in wishing Steve Angelli well. You had pointed out a few weeks ago that he may have pro football aspirations and it would be good to have two years as a starter to flesh those out, rather than waiting for an opportunity with ND that may never come. I will just thank you again for your excellent work in writing, analysis and predictions. You often make my day. And I loved the insight in Ara's question to Peter as to whether he knew how they counted votes in Chicago? A gem. Thanks again.

Eric Hansen

1:12

Hi Christopher. The whole roster limit question is still tied up in court as of today, so consequently the scholarship question has no clarity either. But let's say it stayed at 85 max, ND is currently at 93 and doesn't have to get down to 85 until the start of fall classes. The max could go as high as 105. But where it is now, ND would be subtracting not adding.

Christopher Kashnig

1:10

Christopher Kashnig from Madison, WI Eric, do you think Notre Dame will move the walk-on QB to scholarship status?

Eric Hansen

1:10

Oh gosh, I am horrible at this scales and grade things. I expect CJ to win the job. I'd say it's a 3.84762 on your scale of 1 to 10 (hehe). Mentioned earlier, it makes sense of Buchner to be a QB. There's not playing time for him at WR. If anyone could sneak a 16-parter in, it's you. Based on my emails, the other chatters love your questions.

1:07

As far as breakouts for the fall, I wouldn't want to Junior Jabbie myself and base it one a game that's an intentional mirage. But based on what I saw all spring ... Tae Johnson, Jared Dawson, Elijah Burress perhaps and maybe big comebacks for Jason Onye and Kevin Bauman. ... CJ Carr improvement ... more of a continuation of things ... his understanding the RPO game, his understanding of pre-snaps reds and making those adjustments. ... MInchey needs to improve on consistency in performance, understanding coverages and how to attack them, what the right counterpunch is. (more)

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