JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat | Sept. 23, 2026

Notre Dame Football Live Chat | Sept. 23, 2026

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Mark from Memphis, TN

1:37

Hi Eric!!!!! There’s still a lot of talk about the Irish running game. What 2 or 3 things will you be looking at this Saturday at Purdue that will show you whether or not the Irish run game has turned in a positive direction? As always, thanks for,the chats!

Eric Hansen

1:37

Hi Robert, a couple of points here. You WAY overestimate my influence. and 2) some people want to drown out the "expert" sitting next to them.

Robert

1:36

There once was a time when the fans were supposed to make noise. Now, the stadium loudspeakers are ramped up so high, that it is likely causing hearing loss. Can you, or anyone, communicate with the stadium guy who has his hand on the volume knob to turn it down so that I can hear the expert commentary from the expert sitting next to me ?

Eric Hansen

1:35

Hi Don, thanks for the nice grade. I'm going to show it to my grandkids the next time one of them brags about a C. I think each week you should see apsects that show growth, but it's an ongoing process, not an event. I still believe this team will be ready for the challenges from ranked teams when the time comes. This week's challenge will be the nation's No. 3 pass offense going against ND's pass defense. The pass rush is going to be a big key. Keep your eye on that aspect.

Don in Scottsdale, AZ

1:32

Eric, Blue & Gold certainly earns an A+ for coverage. Great staff, great content! Is this the week for us to see the 2026 ND team or will it take another week or two?

Eric Hansen

1:32

Hi Marie. Having a great week, thank you. Let's dig into your questions and unpack each one, 1) I think it can be boring at times. But I also think there's a method in growing the offense that will play out over the course of the season. You are playing the long game here, not looking for style points. 2) Yes, I think the slot receiver should be and will be a larger part of the offense moving forward. Agree with you there. 3) No, I do not think CJ is doing too much as the line of scrimmage. It's too bad there isn't a graphic to show what the play was that he checked out of. And one delay penalty you can live with. In fact, talking about penalties, there is one team in the FBS accruing fewer penalties per game than the Irish, and that's Kansas State.

Marie from Atlanta

1:26

hi Eric, I hope you’re having a fantastic week. Thanks for hosting the chat. I know we were all excited about this offense in the preseason, but I feel as if the playcalling is very vanilla. No misdirections very little play action, no jet sweeps. In all honesty it’s kind of boring to watch. Do you think this is by design or do you think Denbrock is just conservative? it was great to see the passing game go well but do you feel like they should be using the slot receiver more? Do you think that CJ Carr is doing too much at the line of scrimmage? Definitely cost ND a touchdown on the one play with the delay of game call. as always, thanks so much for hosting the chat and all your great insights.

Eric Hansen

1:24

Hi Jack, both -- and some of it gets execerbated by playing teams early in the season that 1) show new looks and schemes that they hadn't shown previously on film and 2) have lots of transfer portal personnel that makes scouting those teams more difficult and makes in-game adjustments all the more critical. We're at the point now, though, where even a transfer-heavy roster like Purdue's there's enough film from 2026 to make that process smoother. I still remain optimistic about both problem areas you mentioned.

Jack,Strongsvville, Ohio

1:21

Hi Eric. Do you think the lack of production thus far in the running game is more a product of the offensive line or lack of experience at running back? Thanks for your great work.

Eric Hansen

1:21

Aloha Eddie! I think sitting on the beach is the proper place to ponder these kinds of questions. I wish I had access to one. But your observations are correct. Beyond four of the starting O-linemen and reserve Can Herron, along with WR Matt Jeffery and TE Cooper Flanagan, there's no one over the default average PFF score of 60.0 in run blocking. It's a valid criticism and something that needs to show up this week and moving forward. And if it doesn't this week, then I would have some concern, because Purdue has the worst run defense on the Irish schedule (125th out of 138 FBS teams.) UCLA darn near put up 400 on them Saturday night in the Rose Bowl.

Eddie from Honolulu

1:04

Aloha Eric! Do you think a lack of physicality and production from our tight ends is negatively affecting the ground game? (I expected to get sick of hearing announcers twist Flanagan & Flanigan law firm references into every offensive drive—but haven’t heard a peep.) MF referred to Coop as an Alpha and there were reports in spring and fall camp about Coop picking fights at practice. We’ve seen the defense knocking souls out of players’ bodies. Where is that intensity on offense? Now I spend my days sitting on the beach daydreaming about Tommy Tremble burying defenders into the sand.

Eric Hansen

1:04

Ced, thanks for the prediction. I think Ethan Long will get some snaps against Purdue, and I am high on him. I think he'll do well. He did very well in the limited cameos he has last season. I don't have a preference on whether ND throws to 4, 5, 6 or more receivers. I don't think the passing game is a problem, but it can -- and I believe will -- become more explosive over time.

ced

1:01

ced walker Saginaw Michigan aka sagnasty Saginaw pride do u think ethan long will get some snaps with joey o'brien starting at free safety we need to have a 6 man roatation at wr only 4 man rotation vs Wisconsin, michigan st prediction Notre Dame 45 Purdue 19 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

1:01

Bobby, the overall tight end play is overwhelming, considering their August surge in practice. I still think they have good material there and there's lot of upside. But I think you hit on something with Ian Premer. He is a complete tight end as a freshman. Once he has his bearings with the playbook, I think there is a strong opportunity for him to make an impact. Not saying he'll be the starter at some point this season, but I think he will be a significant factor, and ND needs him to be. Larsen has improved, but I think Premer has a much higher ceiling.

Bobby from Springfield, IL

12:58

Hi Eric. Last season, Eli Raridon and the TE position was a vital part of the ND down field pass game. It also added a extra wrinkle for opposing teams to game plan against. So far this season, ND hasn't utilized the TE as much (at least down field passes). Should ND be concerned about this -- especially against BYU, Miami, and if they make the CFP? Additionally, do you think Ian Premer and/or Jack Larson could fill this hole as the season progresses? Thanks.

Eric Hansen

12:58

Hi Packy. I'm not sure I can address the predictable part of that. Maybe you are a savant and always know what's coming. But let's say you're looking for a double-reverse pass? Is a 52-0 win over Rice the occasion you want to pull that out of the playbook? I do think there are areas that need attention, and not related to predictability: Tight end play overall, third-down conversions and obviously the running game, which did take a significant incremental step against Michigan State. More work to do this week.

Packy from Naperrville,Il

12:54

Denbrocks offense seems very bland and predictable, as the competition improves this could prove problematic. Do you see ND increasing the playbooks, all we heard all summer is how they were way ahead of last year, in terms of prep. It sure doesn’t look that way.

Eric Hansen

12:50

Hi James, I appreciate you putting up with me so persistently. I think I have addressed this, but it's hard for me to remember, so I'd be happy to go over this. With many ND football players and WBB players I've covered, the mental hurdle of coming back from an ACL tear can be formidable. One notable exception is Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa. With Kedron, that mental challenge was delayed for some reason. In August, he was surging in practice, to the point where it looked like he might be No. 2. But once the games started, there was a tentativeness that he'll have to work through. I think he eventually will. I just couldn't tell you what that timeline might look like.

James in Louisville

12:46

Hey Eric, I’m a massive fan and try to read about every article you write. First time asking a question and sorry if I missed it. I was hopeful Kedron Young would be more impactful thus far. In Coach Freeman’s Monday press conference he answered Qs about Walton and emphasized his ascension, and we saw him (briefly) for that series after the Adon Schuler INT, but no real signs of Kedron against MSU. I may have missed an article from the staff. Has he had a setback or is he simply being outplayed by the Freshman?

Eric Hansen

12:46

Happy hump day, Dave, though it does not exist in a college football writer's life. Different rhythm to our lives. I think it's reasonable to look at these games won by double digits and extrapolate how that might play against the tougher opponents on the schedule. I do that a lot, but I also discern why we might not have seen certain aspects of the team looking like what I think the November of this team will look like. A good case in point was the 2024 team and look what it turned into. I think perfection in September, especially on offense, is not realistic. I think incremental progress is very reasonable. And I would expect more this week in some of the areas you highlighted.

Dave from Mitchell, GA

12:42

Eric, happy hump day! There are a lot of negative comments from some of the ND fans on how the team has fared so far. I will say it's good to be 3-0. I think some of the negativity could be attributed to the pre-season hype the team received so if we don't win every game by 40 points it's a disappointment to them. That being said, this year's mantra is "leave no doubt". I have to admit that in the first 3 games they have left the door open for some doubt. Just watch the on field post-game interview with coach Freeman and you can see he has some so it isn't a ridiculous thought. The defense looks good but the offense is making me scratch my head a little on the play calling. No TE receptions and no passes to the end zone? Correct me if I'm wrong on that. It seems we play too conservatively at times. Please give me your thoughts and tell me if I'm out of bounds. Oh, and one more thing...off topic but the SoFi patches they wore on the home jerseys is hideous. Get rid of the block white background! Go Irish!

Eric Hansen

12:41

Glenn, I think it's a fair question given the bottom line production, but it's also fair to point out that this was going to be an O-line that grew into that profile, given that not one of those guys started at their current position last November at the end of the season. And you've lost two players to injuries, either of whom would be the starting right guard right now, and that's Charles Jagusah and Matty Augustine. The people I respect inside and outside of the program who know O-line play well believe in Joe Rudolph's ability to get the job done, and so I'm willing to see how that plays out .

Glenn from Santa Monica, CA

12:38

The OL was forecasted by pundits to be a Joe Moore Award considered line. The OL underperform last year. At what point do you put some spotlight on the OL coach?

Eric Hansen

12:38

Hi Beth. Nice to have an afternoon kickoff. I like what I have seen from DJ McKinney in three games and checked the PFF film grades, and they agree with me. What I think he brings so far is two things: Consistency and an upgrade from what they were getting from Christian Gray each of the last two seasons at that field corner spot. Now to Christian Gray. He has both the speed and physicality to be a standout at nickel. I haven't seen that show up yet consistently in games. And if it doesn't soon, I think ND has to consider Dallas Golden or Jayden Sanders. To me, nickel is the biggest remaining question mark regarding the defense.

Beth from Westfield, IN

12:32

Eric: Hopefully you have an earlier wrap up this week with an afternoon game and the short drive to West Lafayette. I know that Leonard Moore is playing shut down corner at boundary. What are your impressions of DJ McKinney at field corner? How do you think that Christian Gray has adjusted to the nickel corner? Why would nickel be a better position for him?

Eric Hansen

12:30

I don't think Michigan State is terrible, but I think Notre Dame had some missed opportunities in that game, particularly on offense. I think this was a case when Max Bullough having been on ND's defensive staff was helpful in creating some looks -- surprises on both sides of the ball -- that actually came into play. Not always is that the case with a former assistant coach.

Joe from Baltimore

12:23

Hi Eric. Thanks for doing this. It seems like most podcasts felt MSU was pretty terrible (and some still do). They looked pretty formidable to me for a lot of the game. Did we misjudge them? Did they throw their biggest punch against us? Or did the use of two QBs and trick plays just make it hard for us? Thanks in advance!

Eric Hansen

12:23

The offense has more work to do, and that could be expected given that CJ Carr and Jordan Faison are the only starters in 2026 who started at their same position on Senior Day last November. And as I wrote in my column, there were times it felt like the Michigan State win was a victory by 1,000 paper cuts. But ND has an elite QB, and I think this offense will grow into its expectations sooner than later.

12:15

I think some of what you point out matches reality and some of it doesn't. The D-line is not getting pushed around. It's a big part of the No. 6 rush defense in the country, No.3 in total defense and No. 4 in scoring defense without having played a team like Portland State. We'll see more sacks from this group in the weeks ahead, but sitting at No. 36 nationally heading into week 4 is way ahead of last year's pace. (more)

12:13

So for me, I think what Marcus Freeman means by Leaving No Doubt is being relentless on those aspects, and relentless in preparation and then being ready to meet the moment. The big moments that come during a season that define you. Notre Dame has been or will be favored by 20 points or more until Game 7 against BYU. And I think Freeman has done a good job of pressing this team to improve each week, with plenty of work ahead. (more)

12:10

Hi Patrick. I love this question, because it gives me a chance to redefine what I think the "Leave No Doubt" mantra means in action and not in theory. I get that some fans were hoping and thinking that motivation of being left out of the 2025 College Football Playoff would result in bottom lines coming out of the gate of the Irish winning by margins like 95 to negative-2. And that's not reality. A great football team evolves over the season, it has its flaw exposed and it fixes them. It plays to a standard, with that bar raising with each successive week. And even the things that aren't broken or haven't been exposed, it seeks those out and is proactive with improvement. (more)

Patrick Fort Wayne, IN

12:06

Good afternoon Eric. I imagine your cue is full of similar questions and thoughts that I have, so I will be (somewhat) brief. After an off-season narrative pushing the mantra of a hungry team wanting to prove themselves at the highest level, the team gives the impression of shaky confidence. I am concerned about the O & D lines as the two Big 10 teams outmuscled the boys in blue too often. My question, have we over-rated this team's ceiling? On a positive note, I think the offense has identified two playmakers in RB James and WR Gilbert. I really enjoy watching them make plays.

Eric Hansen

Off we go ...

12:06

We're continuing to rescind the no drinking rule, for good behavior, and sure go ahead and gamble if you can find a reason to in this chat.

Here are the other rules:

12:05

I'll allow some whining, but it needs to be warranted and/or cleverly stated.

12:04

PLEASE include your NAME and HOMETOWN along with your question(s).

As far as this week's chat ...

12:03

► Finally at WSBT Sports Radio 960, I’m part of the Notre Dame Football pregame show with Tim Grauel, Jim Irizarry and Blue & Gold teammate Jack Soble. The GameDay show kicks off with three hours of news, analysis and special guests live on Saturday ahead of the ND-Purdue game. We’ll start our coverage at 10 a.m. ET. You can listen locally at WSBT-AM 960, Sunny 101.5 FM, and 106.1 FM in Southwest Michigan. And it will be live streaming on wsbtradio.com.

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