JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat Nov. 26, 2025

Notre Dame Football Live Chat Nov. 26, 2025

Eric Hansen

3:23

OK, that's going to do it for today. The next assignment beckons. Thanks for all the great questions. We WILL chat next week, but it won't be Wednesday. I'll have the lay of the land by Monday and will announce the chat day then. My guess right now it'll be Thursday or Friday, and I'll let you know on the site and on social media. Happy Thanksgiving everyone and thanks for putting up with me!

3:21

Hopefully in my haste, I didn't miss anyone.

3:20

OK, here are the guys who can redshirt regardless of whether they play on Saturday: JaDon Blair, Blake Hebert, Jerome Bettis Jr., Scrap Richardson, Elijah Burress, Cree Thomas, Ethan Long, Nolan James Jr., Dominik Hulak, Christopher Burgess, Anthony Sacca, Ko'o Kia, Cam Herron, Davion Dixon, Will Black, James Flanigan, Gordy Sulfsted and Joe Reiff. S Brandon Logan has been injured, so he can redshirt too.

3:17

First let's start with two juniors. Jaden Greathouse can redshirt if he doesn't play against Stanford. TE Cooper Flanagan can redshirt whether he plays or not. Neither of those guys had previously redshirted. Of the freshmen only one with a redshirt still in plat CAN'T play against Stanford. That's offensive tackle Owen Strebig. Now all of these guys can play in all the postseason games. (more)

3:15

OK Tom, not a quick answer LOL. It would have been easier to name that guys who have blown their redshirt years. But that's not what you asked, so here goes ...

Tom F, Kennesaw, GA

3:10

Eric, a quick question regarding preserving a Red Shirt year: seems like Marcus discussed some players prior to the Syracuse game that only had one regular season game left to play to preserve an extra year. Who were they and did they play against Syracuse?? Are there any other players who could play against Stanford that were close to using that Red Shirt year. Go Irish!!!!!!!

Eric Hansen

3:10

Thanks Rob for following me over from the SB Trib. Thanks for the holiday wishes and for the extra stuffing. Happy Thanksgiving to you!

3:07

Hi Rob, let me do these really quick. So you want ND, Ohio State, Georgia and Indiana. If you want teams 5-10 in the AP poll plus Miami, I did those in my Behind The Ballot column this week. You can read that HERE.
OK here's ND ... sequence, rush offense, rush defense, total defense, pass efficiency, turnover margin: 19-13-22-5-5
Ohio State: 56-2-1-2-32
Indiana: 14-4-4-1-1
Georgia: 29-5-13-27-75

IrishRob Scranton, PA

3:00

Happy Thanksgiving Eric and to all of ND Nation. I am thankful for many things, and being able to talk about another successful Irish season, thus far, is one of them. As a long time reader of the chats to back at the SBT days, I remember you talking about 5 metrics that national contenders score well in throughout the season. At this point in the season, I wonder where the Irish are compared to teams like Ohio State, Georgia, Indiana are? Also, while I think the Irish are on firm ground for the playoffs, what is the one thing or things that could happen this weekend or next to cause the ground beneath our collective feet to loosen up or swallow us whole? Thanks for the time and once again, Happy Thanksgiving to all! Bring on the stuffing!!!!!!

Eric Hansen

3:00

Hi Glenn, not sure which comments you're referring to, so I'm going to have to disappoint you. I talked to him Monday night, maybe those were the comments?

Glenn from Santa Monica, CA

2:59

Eric, Coach Denbrock implied he tried everything on solving the goal line challenges. How do you interpret his comments and what might be next for goal line solutions?

Eric Hansen

2:59

Happy Thanksgiving, Steve. ... I don't think they coach to have him win the Heisman. They coach to win the game. And if the score gets lopsided, they have Aneyas Williams and Nolan James Jr. eager to come on and show their stuff.

Steve from St Louis

2:57

Happy Thanksgiving to you and the family. How do you anticipate the coaching staff balancing giving J.Love one last opportunity to make a heisman statement and protecting him for a possible playoff run?

Eric Hansen

2:57

Thanksgiving has always been a great holiday for me, and not just because of the food. I have only missed one in my entire career, as I've made it a priority. Some of the other holidays, we just move around to fit them in. ... Thanks for sharing your traditions. To your questions ... Pitt's offensive line is a horrible matchup for them against Miami. But I love Pitt's linebackers. I also am curious how Miami is going to handle the cold, cold weather in Pittsburgh. I still think the Hurricanes win, but this could be very interesting. ... I do think Ohio State handles this Michigan team. ... keep your eye on Madden Faraimo ... Jeremiyah Love gets the ball for me BUT NOT LINED UP IN THE WILDCAT!

Roger from Peoria

2:52

Eric: Happy Thanksgiving to your entire family. Here's hoping your valued Thanksgiving traditions are renewed in 2025! My Mom made the best from-scratch noodles, involved her two granddaughters beginning at age 5, and now they make them with their little ones. Great memories for which I am thankful. The Irish D rendered Pitt QB Heintschel ineffective. He sure showed up against Ga Tech. Do you think he continues to perform well against Miami and leads the Panthers to a win as a 6.5 dog? For what I believe will be the first time ever, I am rooting for your Buckeyes to win. Do you think they will take down the Wolverines? The loss of KVA hurts! Who do you project to fill the void for the Irish? Third down, goal to go for the Irish on the 2-yard line. While many variables including what the Cardinal D has been doing are involved, and with Riley Leonard now gone, what play do you call? While not the same as being thankful for family, thanks on behalf of all Chatters for your work!! GO IRISH!!

Eric Hansen

2:51

Hi Bob, there were times this past Saturday I was wondering if we'd get to 110-10 .... James Flanigan does indeed have pass-catching skills. It's one of the reason why the coaching staff really wanted to redshirt him. He's a rare tight end that comes into college so strong at both the receiving and blocking skills sets. Most guys are one or the other and then evolve over time. I'm expecting a big sophomore season from him and some good stuff in the playoff as well in a more supporting role.

Bob (Oxnard CA)

2:49

Do you think Stanford will care if they lose 100-10 given the non-conference nature of the game? Just kidding, does our freshman tight end have pass catching skill from what you can glean from recruiting tape or otherwise? Thx

Eric Hansen

2:49

Ciao Paul. THANK YOU!
E che domani tu possa ricevere una coscia di tacchino gigante e tanti abbracci.
Translation: And may you be the receipient of a giant turkey leg and lots of hugs tomorrow.

Paul from Knoxville

2:47

Ciao Eric: No questions today -- not even about WBB! -- as I figure you deserve a break from my crazy queries. But I would like to say that I am thankful for your hosting these chats and for sharing your journalism talent with us as well as for the many chatters who ask interesting questions in a respectful manner. Although I can seldom join the chats live, and typically submit my questions in advance, I really look forward to reading the transcripts. So Eric, tanti auguri e buona festa di ringraziamento a te e tutta la tua famiglia!

Eric Hansen

2:47

Happy Thanksgiving Len!

Len from the Jersey Shore

2:46

Eric, my question came before Tyler Horka’s article. Similar thoughts tho

Eric Hansen

2:46

Hi Matt. I don't really sort through the matchups. I really try to focus on what has actually happened on the field. But there is a little bit of that going into my thinking when the schedule are so divergent in their strength, for example. Georgia Tech is an example of this. In no way does their defense profile as a playoff team, and it finally caught up to them. Early in the season, I rely on this more when there's not enough data from games played. I look at a team and wonder is this sustainable. The Big 12 as a group is hard to evaluated because they have zero wins out of conference against any AP top 25 teams and barely played any. BUT Texas Tech's numbers look great. I mean, really great. So it is something I'll reference.

Matt from Muscatine

2:41

Hi Eric! I have a question related to your use of metrics in looking at good and bad match ups and how you rank teams on your ballot. For instance, you’ve pointed out last year and this year that certain teams would be bad statistical match ups for ND. When you look at teams in general, how does that factor into how you rank them? For instance, if I were an AP voter (I’m not), I’d be tempted to rank teams based on who I think would beat whom (based on what they’ve shown on the field up to that point) on a neutral field the majority of the times they played. However, your point about match ups throws a wrench into that. I could think that, overall, a certain team is the 5th best (they would beat the 6th ranked team a majority of games played between them) but that the 7th ranked team (whom I think number 6 would beat a majority of the time) is a bad match up for them and would probably beat number 5 a majority of the time. How do you resolve/think through situations like that when you rank teams? Thank you!!!!

Eric Hansen

2:41

Happy pre-T Day to you. Unless it's someone who's injured and wouldn't play anyway, there's not real advantage to doing that. I would be shocked if it were anyone else. Keep in mind the portal window is much later this year. Last year it was early December, the day after Selection Sunday. This year it's Jan. 2-16, so two rounds of the playoff would already in the book. Plus, as was the case last year, players involved in the playoff have a special five-day window after their team is either eliminated or they win the title.. ... As to the second question, I apologize, I have not done the math yet, but keep in mind the new ideal number for scholarship players is 95, with the limit being 105, no longer 85.

Michael from Chicago

2:35

Happy pre-t-day from Chitown! If you're already answered this in a previous article or chat ty in advance for pointing me in the right direction. Do you anticipate any players entering the portal when the window first opens even if they're still in a playoff run, perhaps deep reserves or players that are injured? Bonus question: given the influx of HS talent in this year's recruiting class, do you anticipate the Irish to gain more or lose more net-net in the portal this year? Ty in advance and Go Irish, stuff the Cardinal!!

Eric Hansen

2:34

Hi Tony, yes to an extent, but Madden Faraimo does mimic a lot of KVA's strengths. Now he's closer to last year's model than this one, but he is VERY good in coverage. But yes, there's going to be more picking and choosing than rolling guys in, but all four of those guys can play both inside positions and have some versatility.

Tony, Lake Mary, FL

2:32

KVA's injury seems more drastic to me than I think it might be perceived. I know you and Tyler mentioned on Monday night that LB depth is strong, but I think his skill set in a single package makes it hard to replace. You can get their with more than one other LB but you can only play 11 at a time. Feels like Ash will need to be a bit more choosy in run vs pass personnel choice with KVA out. Do you agree?

Eric Hansen

2:31

Hi Sean. I think this team is more complete. And let me give you an example. I like to track five metrics that championship teams tend to excel in: Rush offense, rush defense, total defense, pass efficiency and turnover margin.
Here's ND 2024's national standing in those five categories: 19-49-11-49-5
And here's 2025: 19-13-22-5-5
So huge gains in run defense and pass efficiency. So if the Irish can get the kicker issue and the short-yardage straightened out, I would agree with you.

Sean, Portland OR

2:26

Would it be fair to describe the 2025 team as having a higher ceiling than the 2024 team, although at this point they should not be considered "as good?" It seems that if the 2025 team finishes strong, finally fixes short yardage/4th down/turnover stuff, they have a higher ceiling based on the downfield passing threats. The 2024 team was almost automatic in short-yardage and redzone... that's the biggest difference I see. Fair or unfair?

Eric Hansen

2:26

Hi Tom and Happy Thanksgiving, and great question. I think if we go back to last January, the two position groups where there was a noticeable gap was defensive line and wide receivers. And especially if ND has Greathouse and Rubio back, those two positions have upgraded. The one that gives me the most pause is how would ND's O-line stand up against an elite front 7. Pitt was a really good test that ND passed, but some of the fronts you mentioned are better and have great secondaries to go with it. Now if ND gets back both Schrauth (expected) and Jagusah (maybe, maybe not). then that could change the dynamic of that matchup.

Tom in Evanston

2:22

Hi Eric. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. Given the play of Carr this year, plus the continuation of a strong defense and running game, is there any area holding back ND at this point from competing with the top-ranked teams? Asked differently, if ND makes it to the title game against tOSU, Indiana, A&M or Georgia, would the outcome be decided by how each team played or would there still be differences between ND and the perceived top tier?

Eric Hansen

2:22

Stanley B, thank you... and you as well!!!

Stanley B from Glen Allen

2:21

No Question; just wanted to wish you and your family a joyful Thanksgiving....

Eric Hansen

2:21

Tom, thanks a lot! Now I want pancakes and I just had lunch! To your concerns. It's happened before ... Northern Illinois last year being the most recent example where the Irish are concerned. But for me, if there was going to be a letdown, it was going to be the Syracuse game. And that didn't happen. This team is on a mission. That's my take. Thanks for the Thanksgiving sentiments including keeping all my fingers intact while doing the carving!

Tom from Toronto

2:17

Hi Eric, while not at the top of anyone's list, I am pleased to advise that Fridays are now "Blueberry and Raspberry pancake Fridays." Of course, they are accompanied by Canadian maple syrup. There seems to be something about the cold Canadian weather that improves the taste of the maple syrup. In looking at all of the chatter, there do seem to be a lot of opinions out there. I like Coach Freeman's approach, shutting out the noise and focusing on the game. A mild concern that I have, as the Stanford game is the last of this weekend, and you may have already addressed it, if the other games break ND's way, and they will be a shoe in for the playoffs, any chance that the team may lighten up, and leave an opening for Stanford to be major spoilers, human nature being what it is? Or do you see them as so focused that will not happen. I appreciate your wisdom. Have a great Thanksgiving and enjoy the carving!

Eric Hansen

2:17

PS I have covered some of these in New York, and it's an epic experience.

2:16

Happy Thanksgiving, Tony (and Loretta)! I love how you were able to twist a Mark Stoops commentary into something about the Heisman presentation. I do think we'll have someone in New York. And whoever represents us, I have confidence will do a great job. I've got great teammates, and I do mean that, and I do think it's important for me to realize that. And so seniority only matters at our place if it pertains to some great discounts out in the world. But I feel I should earn whatever I get, and am willing to do that. Thanks for your support.

2581

2:12

Tony (2581) from Lexington, KY - "Kentucky", by the way, means "A dark and bloody ground" in Native language. If Kentucky doesn't beat Louisville this Saturday, Mark Stoops might contribute to the "bloody ground" legacy... But that's UK's problem - ND has a great coach ! We all appreciate you doing the chat on the day before Thanksgiving, Eric ! As my dad used to say, "You're a gentleman and a scholar"! Now for my question: If Jeremiyah Love gets invited to New York City for the Heisman presentation (obviously he should be), will a member of BGI get to travel there to cover the ceremony? If so, given your seniority as a scribe of ND sports, and the fact that your younger colleagues got to travel to away games this season, it seems only fitting that you should get the chance to attend what could be an historic night !

Eric Hansen

2:12

Happy Turkey Day/Black Friday/Cyber Monday/Judgment Day Saturday/Sleep-in Sunday! It was really a cordial conversation. Marcus Freeman consoled Fran about how he's been there before, and they're going to be better for it. And Fran Brown had nothing but great things to say about ND and Freeman in his press conference and how he hopes his teams look and play like that in the future. Here's a link if you want to watch it.

Mark from t-ville nj

2:07

Mark from T-Ville by way of Plymouth, IN. Happy Turkey day Eric hope you and your family have a wonderful day. What do you think the conversation after the Syracuse game was between coach Freemen and coach Brown? How does the lost of KVA change things on defense? And who will fill in his slot? Thanks for chats appreciate you time and enlightment.

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