JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat | Aug. 19, 2026

Notre Dame Football Live Chat | Aug. 19, 2026

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Pogo from Madison

2:19

Excited as always to hear your thoughts later today Eric! My question surrounds expectations for the boundary receiver. The more I’m hearing about Porter’s injury and slower recovery, the less I’m expecting to see him this year,

Eric Hansen

2:17

Hi Jeff. Thanks for watching last night. "Leave No Doubt" is getting some great reviews. Here's the link if you missed it earlier:

To your question, I think what you chearacterized re the 2029 recruits is exactly what is happening, building relationships. And I think that's a good idea. But no school can verbally offer a scholarship to a kid until June 15 after his sophomore year. These kids are just starting their sophomore seasons. Now there have been players commit in junior high school before (rare). As far as ND, I would have to do some deep research and get back to you, but usually the early ones have been juniors and its contingent on maintaining and meeting academic benchmarks. So I think you are on point with your concerns, but now know Notre Dame is right in step with your thinking.

Jeff from Phoenix

2:08

Hey Eric! Before I throw out my question, I just want to plug the Monday Football Never Sleeps and the special musical guest - good stuff for those that havent seen it. My question...we are starting to see news on 2029 recruits, and I have concerns. I see no problem with contacting and building relationships with these kids and ND; thats expected. But, would ND take a commitment in the next few months from a 2029 recruit? What is the earliest a recruit has ever committed? I suspect ND would have a long list of contingencies (esp academics) that any early recruit would have to agree to. Thoughts? Thanks!

Eric Hansen

2:08

Hi Mark. One of the disappointing aspects of man of not making the CFP last year, was this team was built to thrive. They were in the top 25 in all of those key metrics 17th in rush offense, 4th in team pass efficiency, 12th in run defense, 22nd in total defense and 4th in turnover margin. I think the toughest to replicate or improve upon is rush offense, but I think ND will be surprisingly good in that category. I think the big mover will be total defense. I would be surprised if that's not top 5.

Mark Czar /Grand Rapids mi

2:06

Eric, thank you for getting us ready for Irish Football!!!!! Of the 5 team stats that you track for championship football- which are ND going to excel in and which are going to be the toughest for this team to be elite.

Eric Hansen

2:03

Great questions. CJ would be my pick. And if I had to pick from the other QBs in the post-Holtz Era, Quinn would be my next pick. I do think Quinn would have had a much higher efficiency rating if he had this year's surrounding cast on both offense and defense. He had some good players, like Samardzja and Ryan Harris on offense, Zibby and Abiamiri and Laws on D. But he camouflaged a lot of holes in that roster. Where he would have benefitted from a pass efficiency standpoint even more is playing in the modern spread offenses.

Matt from Muscatine

Accidentally hit return… anyway… Thank you! Quick question, I know Carr’s efficiency rating last year was better than Brady Quinn’s best year, but Quinn also had a ton of intangibles. If you had to choose between Brady Quinn at his best or CJ Carr as he is now, who would you take to be QB1 for this year’s team? Do you think Quinn would have had a significantly higher efficiency if he had this year’s team as his surrounding cast? Thank you!

1:55

Hi Eric. Thanks again for doing these!

Eric Hansen

1:55

Hi Ryan. When each of those guys are healthy, they really shine. Micah Gilbert has to go against Leonard Moore in practice a lot, but it makes him better in the long run. Boubacar Traore is going to be a problem for opposing teams this year.

Ryan Frankfort Illinois

1:53

Good afternoon Eric how has Micah Gilbert and Boubacar Traore looked during practice I’m excited to see what they do during the season GO IRISH ☘️☘️🏈🏈

Eric Hansen

1:53

JJ!!! I can imagine you wearing a hat today, that you get a free bowl of soup with? Great question on Faraimo. If Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa had not had such a quick recovery timeline for his November ACL tear, we would have been talking a lot about Madden Faraimo in August and beyound. Even then, I think this kid is a future All-American, just not this year. KVA and Drayk Bowen are ranked as the No. 1 and No. 6 LBs in all of college football. Jaiden Ausberry and Jaylen Sneed have both surged this offseason, so Faraimo is a piece of the rotation, but not the star of it. Next season, if the linebacker roster turns off with a heavy NFL Draft exodus, it will be Faraimo's turn to shine big time.

JJ - Bushwood CC (New Jersey)

1:49

Ahoy Eric!!! I hope all is well. Our whole family is getting excited for season kickoff... A name that isn't talked about much in preseason coverage is Madden Faraimo, the former top 100 recruit who had a solid freshman season with the Irish. We know he is part of the five man rotation at LB, but what can we expect from him this year and beyond? Is he developing and on an upward trajectory? Thanks Eric.

Eric Hansen

1:49

Paul::::: Chat in Italian looks and sounds so much more eloquent in Italian, maybe I should change the name to Notre Dame Football Live Chiacchierate? I led the chat off with some stuff about "why under center?" This is also an occasion where it would be a great option -- not necessarily a default option, but one you'd like to be good at. ... And I don't think we'll see hiccups with the position coaches. Especially not the defensive line. That has been amazing to watch in practice.

Paul from Knoxville

1:44

Ciao Eric: Le chiacchierate sono tornate -- che meraviglia!!! A couple of questions for you. I've read about emphasis on the offense converting 3rd and short during camp. Do you anticipate QB under center may be used more in these situations? I'm also wondering whether/how having all new position coaches on defense may affect overall defensive play, especially during the first few games. I recognize that a new D coordinator probably has more impact, as we saw early on last year, but could multiple new D coaches also run a risk of hiccups initially? Thank you for getting us ready for the new season!

Eric Hansen

1:43

Strebig has a window to make a move right now and get into the two-deeps and make an impression with Augustine down. There are some very good young OTs in the freshman class and some 5-stars coming in 2027, so that window may not be open forever. But never count any of those guys out. Mukam, at the same stage? Never would I have pictured him playing meaningful snaps. Some of his teammates felt the same way, and yet here he is.

1:41

Hi Pat, and thank you for the brain teaser. Challenging question, and I love those as long as they don't involved advanced math. Of the eight guys you mentioned, WR Jerome Bettis Jr. and C Cam Herron. I think long term, Herron followed by Bettis will make the most impact. The two most intriguing to me of the others are OT Owen Strebig and S Brandon Logan. Logan is an elite athlete playing at such a loaded position (safety) and yet there's a chance there could be some turnover at that position after the season if Shuler, Talich and Johnson all leave for the NFL. But the question is whether Logan's best future is baseball. I suspect it is. (more)

Pat, Philly

1:36

Hey, thanks for the time. I asked this question last year and appreciated your answer...every year, there are a group of sophomores who were lower-rated coming out of high school and whose value to the program will most likely not be this year, but in the future (Armel Mukam would be a great example). Can you share a quick thumbnail on whether the following players may have a role this year, but more likely, who could develop into an important piece down the line: Bettis, Dixon, Herron, Hulak, Logan, Reiff, Strebig, Sulfsted

Eric Hansen

1:35

Hi Tom! Were you on the nice or naughy list? ... 1) If they have, I wasn't present for it. That is a great question and probably better once DJ McKinney has played in some games with Leonard Moore, so I will save that one. 2) Offense... RB Jonaz Walton, WR Quincy Porter. Defense: DE Keon Keeley, S Joey O'Brien. 3) Because they commit to the process of growth on and off the field, instead of giving in and running when things get hard and/or scary. Choose Hard.

Tom F, Kennesaw, GA

1:30

Hey Eric, one week closer to the Opener. I feel like a child on Dec. 1st waiting for Christmas to get here. Lots of anticipation. Q1) Has anyone asked DJ McKennie to compare playing opposite LM verus opposite Travis Hunter?? Q2) 2 players on O and 2 on D that you expect to be much better week 4/5 versus week 1??? Q3) Saw Jaylon Sneed interview the other day. He was very impressive. He's come a long way. What is it about ND that so many players grow like he has since coming to ND??? Now, Goooo Irish!!!!!!!!

Eric Hansen

1:28

As far as Rice, I know ND plays to a standard so that they don't discount an opponent. Rice does not seem imposing, even with the modernized version of the option. They were 119th in scoring offense (19.3 points per game) with that offense in 2025. They have a transfer QB in Jacurri Brown now who they think will help them be more two-dimensional in that attack. The other problem Rice has is that the Owls are even worse on defense. .... I am excited to watch every game. After 2020, you don't take anything for granted. But of the ones beyond the three you mentioned, easily Wisconsion ... Lambeau Field, season opener.

1:24

Hi Marie. Having a great week. Now I preface your first question with the notion my expectations might be different than others' going into camp. But the two defensive surprises for me are DT Armel Mukam and DE Loghan Thomas, the latter of whom is still very undersized but also very productive. On offense, more guys down the depth chart -- WR Matt Jeffery and TE Jack Larsen. (more)

Marie from Atlanta

1:10

Hey Eric, I hope you’re having a fantastic week. Now that camp is coming to a close and prep for Wisconsin begins. Can you name a couple players on offense and a couple of players on defense that completely outperformed your expectations? I know Rice, is probably the least talented team on the schedule, however, are you at all concerned about playing them given the fact that they run the option and it is following a short week of practice? Do you think that Notre Dame could struggle a little bit in that game? Omitting the Miami, BYU, and SMU games, which game are you most excited to watch and why? Thanks for hosting the chat and giving us such great coverage during camp. And for all the great insights.

Eric Hansen

1:09

With the ability to use iPads on the sideline to teach, the regular assistant coaches and coordinators see a big advantage to being on the sideline.

1:08

Hi Ced, they are still sorting through the options in both the punt return and kickoff return games. We saw punt return drills recently, and the guys in it were Jordan Faison, Aneyas Williams, Brayden Robinson, Mylan Graham, Bubba Frazier and Dallas Golden. I think Faison is the favorite and Golden is the wild card. I think we'll have a good feel for both when we talk to STs coordinator Marty Biagi on the 25th. Aneyas Williams will be in that mix ... maybe someone like Jonaz Walton or Bubba Frazier. ... As far as the pressbox, there are a lot of analysts and assistants to the assistants on both sides of the ball up there. (more)

ced

1:04

ced walker Saginaw Michigan aka sagnasty Saginaw pride who will the players be on kick return and punt return we know quarterback coach Gino was in the press box last year who will be in the press box for the defense (D-Boyz) 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

1:04

As far as national title opponent, to me I don't have a preference. The only thing I am rooting for is for the game not to go into triple-overtime.

1:02

On defense: DE Isaiah Foskey and Boubacar Traore (edging out Jean-Baptiste), DTs Mills and Cross (but I love the current crop, including Brewu), LBs Bowen and Viliamu-Asa, S Xavier Watts and Brauntae Johnson, CBs Moore and Morrison. One more on defense, for a third LB or a nickel. I went with Jack Kizer. Punter James Rendell edging out Jon Sot. (more)

12:58

Happy Wednesday, Scott!! This was a tough exercise only because I wanted to include players from the 2026 roster on it, and some of them haven't peaked in their production or are newcomers. So, I had to do some projecting, and that's where the debate likely will be loud LOL. But here we go: QB Carr, RB Love, WRs: Fields, Faison and Graham over Greathouse (can I cheat and have them both?), TE Mayer, OT Alt, OG Knapp, C Coogan, OG Schrauth, OT Fisher (I think both Blake and Lambert will EVENTUALLY be better) K Spencer Porath (more)

Scott, Greenville SC

12:52

Happy Wednesday Eric!!!! I hope you are doing well and are ready for a memorable season ahead! Great coaches! Probably the best I've seen since I started watching ND football in 1966. And now we have the players they can mold into a great team! Marcus has done an amazing job hiring highly qualified coaches and recruiting talent at every position. Speaking of Marcus and the talent pool, he enters his 5th season. He's had some great players in that time! If you had to pick an All Marcus Freeman team, who would be those players? I suspect Love leads the pack, with Ash, Morrison and Moore right behind. But who would be the rest of your team? I would guess there are more than a few on the current team. And for your softball question of the day, who do you want ND to play in it CFP game? Indiana? USC? Bama? I know, way ahead of myself. Buts it nic

Eric Hansen

12:52

Gabe!! I think I am actually higher, and that's even with Quincy Porter's recovery timeline a little fuzzy. The reason is Jordan Faison is everything as advertised, but Jaden Greathouse is looking better than I've ever seen him, Mylan Graham is becoming more consistent, and then there are all these young receivers who are surging ... included, but not limited to, Bubba Frazier, Devin Fitzgerald, Jerome Bettis Jr., lacrosse star Matt Jeffery. really like this group.

Gabe from Walkerton

12:49

Eric!! Compared to the Spring, are you are higher, lower or about the same as far as expectations for the WRs this year?

Eric Hansen

12:48

Thanks for the heads-up, Gabe. We have some new software for the front page, and this is a huge help. I see you have some questions, and we'll get to one of those now.

Gabe from Walkerton

12:48

Howdy, could you pin this article on the home page so more people could easily find it? THanks!

Eric Hansen

12:45

Hi Patrick, and thank you. Marcus Freeman talked about this earlier in the offseason, and I think it's harder on the players to replace the coordinator and install a new scheme than it is to replace three position coaches on the same side of the ball. Here are some of my reasons for this:1) Two of them — Charlie Partridge (DL) and Aaron Henry (DBs) has historys with DC Chris Ash, with Partridge and Ash being almost connected at the hip over the years even when they weren't coaching together. 2) Then there are the analysts and assistants to the assistants, like Tre Reader, who provide additional continuity.

Patrick - Traverse City, MI

12:41

Thanks for the chats! Do you expect an adjustment period for the defense given the new position coaches at all three levels?

Eric Hansen

12:41

Manny!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Tyler James is the Swiftie. I love the Ramones, and none of them had a wedding recently. In fact, only one of them is still with us. So no, I was not at her wedding, but I would have crashed it if there was an elite-level taco bar. ... I think there are going to be different targets everywhere, Manny, but I will go with Jordan Faison for receptions and Mylan Graham for receiving TDs.

Manny from San Pedro

12:36

Eric!!!!!!!!! We got a classic two parter!!! With all your public support for Taylor swift on your road trips did you get invited to the wedding and if so. Did they have a taco bar? As for nd. Who leads this team in receptions and receiving tds? Is it same guy or do we expect it to be different targets around the goal line

Eric Hansen

12:35

Hi Patrick. Joe Otting or Sullivan Absher, whoever is not a starter on Sept. 6. The only other two possibilities are players who are currently injured, and you ruled that out of your hypothetical.

Patrick Young

12:34

Who could you see on the offensive line that could not start day one, but be starting and playing at a high clip by the middle of the season? And no one that is currently injured.

Eric Hansen

12:33

Hi Joe. Those are always difficult hypotheticals, because other factors help determine the answer. Like, he was ND's other loss to and when? If it was before the Miami game, I can't see a scenario in which Miami would have a higher seed, no matter who it came to. Miami does not play a Top 25 team in the regular-season other than the Irish. But here's a tricky scenario. What if ND ekes by Miami on Nov. 7, but loses to a ranked SMU team at home two weeks later. And then Miami obliterates SMU in the ACC title game. That could give Miami the edge, because the head-to-head goes three ways, not just two.

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