JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat | Aug. 13, 2026

Notre Dame Football Live Chat | Aug. 13, 2026

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Eric Hansen

3:03

That's going to have to do it today. I have another commitment coming up I have to get to. Thanks for all the great questions. Remember, we'll be back in the regular Wednesday at noon time slot to do it all again next week.

3:02

Adam, thank you. It's been a fun camp to cover so far!! 1) The teams it's closest to in terms of consistent elite-level talent (eye test) on both sides of the ball are the Holtz teams from 1988-93. 2) That's more of a Loren Landow question and we don't get much time (if ever) with him during or after a season. I do know a lot of defensive linemen are playing leaner this fall. Great question, lousy answer. 3) Due to the very limited practice access we have, things tend to get very distorted when overextrapolating comes into play. From the inside sources I talk to, ND's receivers are going to be very good this year.

Adam, Dayton, OH

2:58

Eric, Hope you are well and the excitement is reaching peak levels for you! 1.) Have heard postive remarks of how this team looks as far as the "eye test". What is your assessement and do you recall an ND team looking like this before? If so, what team? 2.) Have heard reports of Bryce Young and Keon Keeley looking more explosive with their respective weight losses. Curious about the art/science of how coaches assess/develop players as far a weight gain while maintaining or increasing explosiveness? I.e., what made them think at one point that Bryce Young would be a better player at 270+ than 260? What made them think (apparently correctly) that they could bulk up Jaden Greathouse and make him MORE explosive? 3.) I've seen some about the wide receivers and certain names not being mentioned like it was thought they would be. Also, have seen the voicing of calmness due to the fact thet are praticing against maybe the best defensive back group in the country. What is your take on the wide receiver room?

Eric Hansen

2:57

Thanks, more info on The Gold Standard (or to order) is at bluegoldonline.com. ... Tyler James interviewed him, and he is a hoot (funny). I like his athleticism and skill. I watched him punt last week and was very impressed with his hang time, his athleticism, his distance, his ability to locate and his little crowhop on his follow through.

RK from Minnesota

2:55

Can’t wait to read the book! Hope it is selling well. Have you had any interaction with our new Aussie punter? Do you believe he will be in an elite contributor?

Eric Hansen

2:55

Of the freshman group working in the interior, I'd give the nod to Ben Nichols, even though he didn't get here until June.

RK from Minnesota

2:50

Of the incoming freshmen, who can step in and take over a role at RG2 or RG3?

Eric Hansen

2:47

But you have to teach your scheme well, get buy in and then adaprt if the personnel at your new school don't match the skills from your own skills. Marcus, in fact, had to make that change. And another difference in an NFL players approach ... they don't have to go to class and have more time to prepare. So fit is very important at the college level. If I completely botched what you were looking for as far as an answer, please forgive me.

2:45

Len!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love the question, but am not sure I understand what you're asking of me. So I am going to take a wild stab, which might make me look like I'm taking advantage of the rescinding of the "no drinking" rule. There are more than one way to build a successful defensive scheme. And I think when you look at Notre Dame's last five defensive coordinators and elite ones at that — Elko, Lea, Freeman, Golden and Ash, the only one that really mirrored the scheme of the predecessor's was Lea picking up after Elko. So there's not a right way or a wrong way. (more)

Len from the Jersey Shore

2:42

Hello Eric!! I had some comments on Jack Soble's article about Chris Ash changing the way linebackers play. Probably hurt the team early games last season. I understand the importance of keeping gap integrity and avoiding big gainers by leaving your gap and creating openings. Works for linemen as well as linebackers. Think in 2025 QB Reed of Texas A & M 9 yard run on third and 8 with 1 minute left as an example. I also remember in 2020 against Clemson JOK diagnosing the play and going to the ball and scoring a TD. It is a two edged sword that cuts both ways, that you want to cut in the right direction most of the time. With experienced LB's and a safety like Brontae J to cover mistakes, it makes more sense. From the LB point it works if you play like recent HOF Luke Kuechly "who did not choose between playing the gap or the ball; instead, his genius was using pre-snap gap discipline and elite film study to instantly transition from his assigned gap straight to the ball." What does Eric say?

Eric Hansen

2:40

I have not and need to ask ... soon.

Gabe from Walkerton

2:40

Eric, last one, have you heard of anything ND may be considering doing to honor coach Lou this season, i.e, the helmet branding for Ara?

Eric Hansen

2:40

And then (I think I did these out of order) when will the ND offense face a defense as good as theirs? The Irish were 22nd in total defense and 11th in scoring defense last season and that didn't fully reflect the improvement they made after scuffling in the early part of the schedule. I think again Miami would be the best on the ND regular-season schedule. And they'd tend to face some elite defenses in the playoff.

2:36

OK Mike, I hot the RG question earlier, but wanted to get to your other ones. 2) Thanks for the reminder of the deep dive on opposing teams. I need to do that, but it is more difficult given how much some of these rosters turn over from one year to the next. ... but to answer your question, ND had the No. 2 scoring offense in the nation last year and No. 1 among P4 teams, so the answer is that the Irish defense wouldn't face an offense as good as the one they face in practice until maybe the playoff if then. Miami will be the best of the regular-season opponents. They were 35th last year. (more)

MikeD from Rochester NY

2:29

Sorry, Eric, I think I hit send accidentally. Anyway, a third question, when is the first game the defense faces an offense as good as ND’s? Based on all the reporting from you and your excellent co-journalists, I’m guessing tge answer is Miami for both offense and defense and no one else is close. Thanks for the chats, I’m always amazed at your knowledge and insights!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MikeD from Rochester NY

2:29

Happy fall camp, Eric!!!!!!!! It’s exciting to see how strong ND football looks this year, players, coaches, and staff! Two questions, who becomes #2 at RG with Augustine out (and knowing Jagusah’s probably not ready on Sept6)? Given how strong the team looks on both sides of the ball and recognizing you haven’t done your annual deep dive into the opposing teams on the schedule, when is the first game that the offense faces a defense as tough as the one they go against every day? S

Eric Hansen

2:29

Matt, let's start with the bar right. I'm riding with Cooper Flanagan. If I prefer that the fight never started in the first place, I'd go with Tionne Gray. I think he'd scare them off from starting one. ... The first part of your question is tough. Porter if he's not in the starting lineup on Sept. 6 on offense, but we don't know that yet. Augustine or Jagusah maybe. On defense, the starters have not been picked on the interior DL. KVA is probably a safe choice to come off the bench on Sept. 6 and start at linebacker at some point.

Matt from Muscatine

2:24

Also, who do you think will not be a starter vs Wisconsin but will be by the end of the regular season, including currently injured players and players who you expect to rise? And which player would you want to defend you in a bar fight? Thank you!

Eric Hansen

2:24

Hi Matt. It does factor in. Big time. But very differently for the preseason poll than the regular polls. It is difficult for me to tease out all the different threads on this, but I'll give you an example. There might be a team ranked in the top 10 that gets upset. And the team that knocked them off benefits in the polls. Like LSU winning a tight game with Clemson in the opener. Then Clemson loses to Ga Tech and the Yellow Jackets benefit. And then Clemson loses to Syracuse at home by double digits. You then have to re-evaluate the LSU win over Clemson. Hope that makes sense. It's that part of the process that adds about an hour to my poll voting time each week.

Matt from Muscatine

2:12

Hi Eric. I hope you’re enjoying the start of fall camp. I have a follow up from my question last well re: strength of schedule. When looking at last year, Alabama had a strong sos and got extra credit for it, despite losing spectacularly in the SEC championship and struggling at times throughout the season, while Texas Tech had a weak sos but was ranked 4. Both teams got exposed. How do you weigh in sos when you are ranking teams? Could you give some concrete examples of when it definitely impacted your rankings and why it did so in those cases?

Eric Hansen

2:11

Hi KJ, and thank you! It's a Shamrock Series game, so it's technically an ND home game ... and in this instance, the ticket split was 50-50 between athletic departments. So the only way that balance slides one way or another is through the secondary ticket market. I can't wait to get started either.

KJ from near the Channel Islands

2:07

Hi Eric! Thanks for all the great ND coverage. Do you think the Irish will be overwhelmed by the Wisconsin fans at Lambeau? I understand Camp Randall is a difficult venue for visiting teams, but do you expect that to translate to Lambeau? Can't wait to get started!

Eric Hansen

2:07

Hi Don. Thanks for the compliments. The reason I had Notre Dame so high on my preseason AP poll ballot and why I am predicting the Irish to go 12-0 is the lack of apparent weaknesses and how proactive Marcus Freeman has been to make sure they don't pop up surprisingly early in the season. The one thing that they can't control, largely, is a run of injuries at a particular position group. I think the transfer portal and the way ND uses it, along with the way the Irish are recruting, developing and retaining have kept larger weaknesses from developing.

Don in Scottsdale, AZ

1:59

Eric, the season is getting closer. The off-season doldrums are fading. It's great to read the content you and the staff are delivering. Based on what I'm reading the team seems stacked. If there is a weakness, what is it? Thanks....

Eric Hansen

1:57

2) I think he's fast, physical and versatile, but I'm not sure covering a shifty slot receiver is the best matchup for him. 3) It probably has already happened when the media wasn't there to watch. And he brings the fire all the time. Jaylen Sneed is No. 2 on the "start a skirmish" hot list. 4) Yes I do, although the secondary is so good even in a tight game that it's going to create problems for a QB who wants to hold onto the ball.

1:53

Thanks for the compliments on the stuff with Charlie Partridge. Fascinating guy to talk to as well as watch in practice. ... to your questions. So typically Moore would line up against one of these five in practice ... Quincy Porter, Micah Gilbert, Cam Williams, Jerome Bettis Jr., and Devin Fitzgerald. Once he is healthy, the answer would be Porter, because of his length. Tall receiver with long arms and very good speed. But Moore is really good at working on his own, through technique drills and film study to continue to push himself. And if he wants a speed challenge, there is plenty of that. (more)

Tom F, Kennesaw, GA

1:44

Hi Eric. Some questions as we get closer to Wisconsin. 1) We know that LM makes the WRs better going against him. Which WRs help to make him better? 2) As versatile as Talich is, why isn't he being tried at Nickel? 3) Now that they are in pads, how many practices before Cooper Flanagan gets into a scuffle? I love his toughness! 4) I think that the O being elite and getting leads will force opponents away from their game plan and lead to more sacks and TOs by the Defense. You agree?? Loved the recent interview with Coach Partridge. Thanks for your responses. Go Irish!!!!!!!

Eric Hansen

1:43

I think Notre Dame will uptempo the offense in spots, but not a steady diet of it. Why? Because CJ Carr playing chess at the line of scrimmage is more of a problem for defenses to deal with that ND playing fast. More under center and more play action. Both of those are very much in play, and they connect to each other. They've had the time to get Carr (and the other QBs) good at it. It's a nice option to have, because it adds another valuable dimension. Thank you for being on the chats every week, even when you were in Italy!

1:41

Hi Marie, great questions ... let's unpack them. Let's start with the storms. Colleague Tyler James got hit a lot harder to the west of me in LaPorte (where both my kids were born), because they had 100 mph wind gusts. They are still without power since Tuesday. We had 80 mph gusts and it moved thru pretty fast where I am, so just a lot of yardwork to do this weekend but I have power. ... Now you realize on the injury question, if those players get injured, I'm going to be dubbed a jinx? That's why I always phrase it, "if adjucted by aliens." So those two players would be Will Black at LT because of the shifting you'd have to do to replace him, and Boubacar Traore on defense, because he's still the elite pass rusher on this team. (more)

Marie from Atlanta

1:32

Hi Eric,

I hope you’re having a fantastic football week and that you survived the storms without too much damage up there. Since You’ve been able to go to a couple of practices by now who are a couple of players that surprised you in a positive way on both offense and defense. Excluding CJ Carr and Leonard Moore which one player on offense and defense can the Irish least afford to lose to injury for the season? Finally, do you think we will see more up-tempo, under center, and play action this year? Why or why not? Thanks so much for hosting the chat, they are the best. We all really appreciate your great insights!

Eric Hansen

1:32

Too early to call on the wide receiver rotation beyond Faison, Graham, Greathouse and Porter... and Micah Gilbert. Two reasons, we haven't seen Porter at 100% yet and there are so many good options to sift through for spots 6-7 in that rotation. And yes, Mike Singer, I did type 6-7 in purpose. We mentioned the O-Line. I had a story yesterday on the D-line. Linebackers and safeties are set. So cornerbacks .. .figures to be Moore, McKinney and Gray as the starters with Adams, Sanders, Golden, Adams and Pouncey all jostling for position in the next wave.

1:29

Gabe, first of all thanks for the heads-up you sent me. I owe you one ... To your question ... The battle for backup QB will come down to the two true freshmen, Teddy Jarrard and Noah Grubbs, and too close to call. Redshirt freshman Blake Hebert has missed some practice recently with a "personal issue" per Notre Dame. RBs? I'd say the only one not in the mix right now is freshman Javian Osborne, in part because of the injury/surgery that took spring away from him. I would not rule him out later, but I think the top four is set. (more)

Gabe from Walkerton

1:25

Eric!! Thanks for these chats, I really appreciate your work. Right before camp I asked about the backup corner battle, backup running back, and how the o line. Unfortunately it seems we got our answer on the o line with an injury but how are the other battles shaping up across the team?

Eric Hansen

1:23

Matt Augustine's injury puts Chris Terek in a valuable backup role at guard, and he is that much closer to competing to start. I don't see it breaking that way without an injury prompting that, but he is a valuable depth piece at either guard spot.

1:22

Hi Ryan, of the three players you mentioned, I think Cooper Flanagan has had the most consistent performances during the media viewing windows and the one who is on track to play the most of those three, likely as the starting tight end or a co-starter. Bettis at wide receiver is so interesting, because he has big-play potential and refuses to get lost in a numbers game at boundary receiver, and yet there are deep numbers and talent at his position. (more)

Ryan Frankfort Illinois

1:11

Good afternoon Eric how has cooper Flanagan Chris Terek and Jerome Bettis jr looked during camp i think Irish fans are ready to see cooper Back on the field this Season GO IRISH ☘️☘️🏈🏈

Eric Hansen

1:10

Chuck, thanks for doing the math for me! To your questions... 1) Luke Talich is a stud and will play a lot, but I don't see him starting unless ND is in a niche package to start the game. 2) I have never put the words "super excited" and "kicker muscle pull" in the same sentence in my life, but for you I will make an exception. I feel a 9.5 with starting kicker Spencer Porath and 7 with Micah Drescher and/or Erik Schmidt being feasible backups in case of a muscle pull or worse. 3) I love your scouting report on me, but the best reason is I wouldn't want to. I like my job way better.

Chuck from "The Land"

1:07

Eric, 257 days since the Irish crushed Stanford, 257 LONG days! You are the Maestro, blessed to have you "in the house". Questions: 1) Luke Talich is a stud, will he start? 2) Scale of 1-10, 10 being super excited, how do you feel about the Kicker and Kicker depth if he pulls a muscle? 3) Why shouldn't you replace Paul Finebaum? Better looking and more connected, say I!

Eric Hansen

1:07

Hi Jeremy. I am not sure where that info is coming from re Mylan Graham. If I was responsible for casting the impression he's running with the 2s or is somehow fading in fall camp, I need to be sent to my room without supper. I am predicting quite the opposite for Graham. Maybe you read or heard about practice reports when he lined up with the 2s in a drill. That happens all the time in camps with players at various positions at this point in camp, just to give other players exposure. I do not think you will be disappointed by this group of receivers.

Jeremy from Goshen, IN

1:04

Hi Eric. Thanks for doing thes chats As an additional avenue to go along with the podcasts you are involved with. In the spring Mylan Graham was the talk of the town. Now I hear he is running with the two’s. What are you hearing with the developments in the wide receiver rotation? For the past decade we have heard positive things about the wide receiver room just to be let down on game day.

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Horka Burning Love, Austin, Texas

6:18

Which ND coach has the cutest love handles and is Jack Soble trying way too hard to take Tyler’s place?

Art vandelay

10:19

How good is Grayson McKeogh

Jim From Springfield, IL

11:01

Media reports and message boards are full of 12-0 and playoff talk. Seems like it is national championship or the season is a failure. Do you get a sense of how the coaches and players are handling this? Is their any sign of taking teams lightly because they were "reading their press clippings"? Conversely, can you see this team wilting under the expectations? Thanks

Matt from Muscatine

3:40

Matt from Muscatine

3:56

2581

6:07

Gabe from Walkerton

12:21

Eric!!!! (Im on the trend now) As a whole, so far are you stock up, down or right on track for the 2026 ND football team?

Gabe from Walkerton

12:23

Eric!! I realize that the off the record sit down with CMF was well, off the record, but without sharing his answers can you share what type of questions were asked i.e., more specifics in injury status, HS recruiting, etc?

Gabe from Walkerton

12:24

Eric!!! I personally think ND will go undefeated in the regular season, but think Navy may be a bit more of a trap then people realize. Do you have any games you see that way?

Aaron, Washington DC

1:01

Hi Eric, thanks for today’s chat. I think most ND fans were fairly surprised by the early struggles last season. What has Coach Freeman changed about his approach in the offseason and in camp to ensure the team doesn’t have a slow start like last season (and 2024 to some extent)? Who is stepping up in the wide receiver and tight end rooms and how are those groups progressing? Will there be high impact starters that can contribute to the same magnitude that Will Pauling, Malachi Fields, and Eli Raridon did last season? I appreciate it.

Scott from Mamou, LA

2:26

Happy Thursday Eric!! Also thanks for hosting the chats, not often I get to submit questions but always enjoyable to read the transcripts after the fact. I have noticed in several of the clips we have been allowed to see that the defense seems to be playing lights out. I know as a unit one grouping tends to benefit from the other. So which unit is benefitting the others the most at this point? example DT push up the middle forcing QB out the pocket disrupting time allowing for DE's to get more pressure and DB's to cover better. Next question, with the defense playing so well the flip side is the offense doesn't seem to be taking a step forward we may have wanted to see at the beginning of camp. Is it just an illusion that I'm seeing with Carr and other QB's being flushed from the pocket? Running lanes seem to open which is a good thing but pass protection seems to be a bit undesirable at the moment. and last but not least, what is the timetable for the Matty & Chaz to possibly return? Go Irish!!!!

Jeremy from Goshen, IN

3:14

What's going on with Blake Hebert missing practice? Should we be reading into this?

Bill from St Joe, MI

3:27

Hi Eric!

Tom F, Kennesaw, GA

3:40

Hey Eric, a second question if allowed: last year general opinion was the CJ would be much better 4 or 5 games into the season than he would be in games 1 and 2. Please give us 2 players on Offense and 2 on Defense that you think might progress that way in 2026!!!!! Thanks for all your insight. It looks like your Chatters were able to follow your audible and make the adjustment to Thursday. Go Irish!!!!

Patrick M. - Traverse City, MI

3:52

Hi Eric, thanks so much for the chats and the great work you do. Since last year's defense seemed to need an adjustment period getting used to Chris Ash's scheme, playcalling, etc., do you expect some level of adjustment this fall too given the new position coaches at every level? Or do you think it will be more seamless since it's still Ash's defense? Also, do you see any significnat upsides to the new hires (new ideas, fresh coaching approaches, etc.)?

Guest

4:10

I do not believe Carr has every passed for 3,000 yards in a season (HS/ND). Over/Under on 3K passing for Carr in 2026?

Brent

4:12

I do not believe Carr has passed for 3,000 yards in a seadon on any level so far (HS/ND). Over/Under on 3K passing yards for Carr in 2026?

Dave from Mitchell, GA

4:37

Eric, love all the content you and others are producing since practice started. How many practices does ND actually have from the time fall camp opens until game time? Do they get days off or is there some sort of "practice" happening every day since there is a limited amount of time to prepare for game 1? The practice part of football has always intrigued me because it's what makes teams great. Unfortunately, I still remember the "two a days" pain from back in the day when I played and wondered if that is still a thing. Thanks and keep up the great work!

Gabe from Walkerton

4:40

FYI in the article with this chat embedded in it, it says "Chad" dialogue box instead of "chat"

RK from Minnesota

4:47

Part Two:

RK from Minnesota

4:47

Will the Oline be ready to open the holes for our new backs?

Mike, Alexandria, VA

4:55

Disappointed to hear about this week’s injuries that will require surgeries. Injuries appear to be a significant threat to Notre Dame and other contenders in the National Championship hunt. In your opinion, what offensive and defensive positions would be most impacted by season ending injuries, and what actions are being taken to protect the health of our athletes. Thank you for the great work and the excellent insights,

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