Irish Breakdown

Today's Rapid Fire topics include: Notre Dame ranks among the top teams in the nation in wins against ranked foes during Marcus Freeman's tenure, what are the chances the Irish will have both a 1,000 yard rusher and a 1,000 yard receiver this season, what's the "best" thing about ND heading into the season, thoughts on players cut by NFL teams being allowed to return to college to play,...

The IB team answers questions about Notre Dame football, Irish recruiting and college football in the latest installment of the Daily Mailbag. Shop for Irish Breakdown gear at our online store: https://ibstore.irishbreakdown.com/ Join the Irish Breakdown premium message board: https://boards.irishbreakdown.com Stay locked into Irish Breakdown for all the latest news and analysis about Notre Dame:...

The Big 12 once again looks like one of college football's most unpredictable conferences, and we're breaking down our complete 2026 projections from the bottom of the standings all the way to our conference championship picks. We also hand out our preseason Big 12 awards, recognizing the top players, breakout stars, newcomers, quarterbacks, linemen, skill players, and our choice for Coach of the...

The 2026 ACC season is loaded with intriguing teams and storylines, and we're making our predictions from No. 17 all the way to No. 1 before picking our conference championship matchup and winner. We also hand out our preseason awards, including the top offensive and defensive players, breakout stars, newcomers, quarterbacks, linemen, skill players, and our pick for ACC Coach of the Year. Shop for...

Notre Dame has an opportunity to make a major statement against two of college football's biggest conferences in 2026, with key matchups against the ACC and Big 12 carrying significant implications. We break down how the Irish have rebuilt their standing against the ACC, why BYU represents a crucial test against the Big 12, and how victories over the top teams on this schedule could strengthen Not...

In this best of the week segment, we look back at the discussion the Irish Breakdown team had discussing how Notre Dame's defense has plenty of proven talent heading into 2026, but several critical questions remain about how the unit will perform when the stakes are highest. We examine the impact of the new coaching staff, the defensive back rotation, whether the defensive line can develop enough...

In this best of the week segment, we look back at the discussion the Irish Breakdown team had discussing how Notre Dame enters 2026 with a high floor on defense under Chris Ash, thanks to elite star power in the secondary, a stout linebacker corps, and outstanding depth along the defensive line. We break down what we already know about this defense and why its talent, depth, and veteran leadership...

In this best of the week segment, we look back at the discussion the Irish Breakdown team had discussing how several key players on Notre Dame's defense have the talent to become difference-makers in 2026, but they must take the next step for the Irish to reach their championship ceiling. We identify the defensive standouts under the microscope, including Boubacar Traore, Bryce Young, Armel Mukam,...

In this best of the week segment, we look back at the discussion the Irish Breakdown team had discussing how Notre Dame's 2026 offense has plenty of talent, but several critical questions remain before we know just how good this unit can be. We examine CJ Carr's ceiling, whether the high-upside receivers can deliver, the tight ends' impact in the passing game, the offensive line's toughness and co...

In this best of the week segment, we look back at the discussion the Irish Breakdown team had discussing how Notre Dame's 2026 offense has plenty of known pieces, from new offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock and an established CJ Carr to a talented group of skill players and an offensive line loaded with potential. We break down what we already know about Jordan Faison, Jaden Greathouse, the tight...

In this best of the week segment, we look back at the discussion the Irish Breakdown team had discussing how Notre Dame has plenty of talent on offense, but several key players and coaches must take the next step if the Irish are going to reach their championship ceiling in 2026. We identify the biggest offensive standouts who need to step up, including CJ Carr, Jaden Greathouse, the battle for th...

Irish Breakdown discusses several comments from Notre Dame football Marcus Freeman's end of fall training camp press conference. Freeman discusses wide receiver Quincy Porter's status as well as the offensive line battle between Joe Otting, Ashton Craig and Sullivan Absher as well as Micah Gilbert and other wide receivers. Shop for Irish Breakdown gear at our online store: https://ibstore.irishbre...

Today's Rapid Fire topics include: Thoughts on former Notre Dame defensive end Junior Tuihalamaka committing to LSU and comments from Marcus Freeman. More comments from Freeman on the running back depth chart, the field cornerback battle between transfers Jayden Sanders and DJ McKinney, depth at different defensive positions, and tight ends. Shop for Irish Breakdown gear at our online store: https...

Irish Breakdown answers questions about Notre Dame Football, College Football, Irish Recruiting and much more in the latest Notre Dame Football Mailbag! This is part four of the show. Shop for Irish Breakdown gear at our online store: https://ibstore.irishbreakdown.com/ Join the Irish Breakdown premium message board: https://boards.irishbreakdown.com Stay locked into Irish Breakdown for all the la...

Irish Breakdown answers questions about Notre Dame Football, College Football, Irish Recruiting and much more in the latest Notre Dame Football Mailbag! This is part three of the show. Shop for Irish Breakdown gear at our online store: https://ibstore.irishbreakdown.com/ Join the Irish Breakdown premium message board: https://boards.irishbreakdown.com Stay locked into Irish Breakdown for all the l...

Irish Breakdown answers questions about Notre Dame Football, College Football, Irish Recruiting and much more in the latest Notre Dame Football Mailbag! This is part two of the show. Shop for Irish Breakdown gear at our online store: https://ibstore.irishbreakdown.com/ Join the Irish Breakdown premium message board: https://boards.irishbreakdown.com Stay locked into Irish Breakdown for all the lat...

Irish Breakdown answers questions about Notre Dame Football, College Football, Irish Recruiting and much more in the latest Notre Dame Football Mailbag! This is part one of the show. Shop for Irish Breakdown gear at our online store: https://ibstore.irishbreakdown.com/ Join the Irish Breakdown premium message board: https://boards.irishbreakdown.com Stay locked into Irish Breakdown for all the lat...

Today's Rapid Fire topics include: We predict who we think will be CJ Carr's backup at quarterback when Notre Dame opens the season, former Irish defensive end Junior Tuihalamaka has entered the transfer portal after being ruled eligible to play this season by a court ruling, ESPN's Peter Schrager and Irish linebacker Jaylen Sneed have thoughts on Carr, we hear ND defensive coordinator Chris Ash's...

Irish Breakdown discusses some of the questions facing Notre Dame at the end of training camp as the Irish prepare to open the 2026 season. Shop for Irish Breakdown gear at our online store: https://ibstore.irishbreakdown.com Join the Irish Breakdown premium message board: https://boards.irishbreakdown.com Stay locked into Irish Breakdown for all the latest news and analysis about Notre Dame: http...

The 2026 season features a loaded group of defenses with elite talent, depth, and championship-level potential, but which units stand above the rest? We rank the top 10 defenses in college football, weighing returning production, star power, coaching, depth, and the ability to dominate when the biggest games are on the line. This show breaks down teams five through one. Shop for Irish Breakdown ge...

The 2026 season features a loaded group of defenses with elite talent, depth, and championship-level potential, but which units stand above the rest? We rank the top 10 defenses in college football, weighing returning production, star power, coaching, depth, and the ability to dominate when the biggest games are on the line. This show breaks down teams ten through six. Shop for Irish Breakdown gea...

Several key players on Notre Dame's defense have the talent to become difference-makers in 2026, but they must take the next step for the Irish to reach their championship ceiling. We identify the defensive standouts under the microscope, including Boubacar Traore, Bryce Young, Armel Mukam, Jason Onye, Drayk Bowen, DJ McKinney, Jayden Sanders, and Christian Gray. Shop for Irish Breakdown gear at o...

Notre Dame's defense has plenty of proven talent heading into 2026, but several critical questions remain about how the unit will perform when the stakes are highest. We examine the impact of the new coaching staff, the defensive back rotation, whether the defensive line can develop enough star power, how the Irish will fare against elite offenses, and whether Chris Ash will unleash the front seve...

Notre Dame enters 2026 with a high floor on defense under Chris Ash, thanks to elite star power in the secondary, a stout linebacker corps, and outstanding depth along the defensive line. We break down what we already know about this defense and why its talent, depth, and veteran leadership give the Irish the foundation of a championship-caliber unit. Shop for Irish Breakdown gear at our online st...

Today's Rapid Fire topics include: NBC announced the TV announcer booth for Notre Dame games for the season, thoughts on media reports after Wisconsin held an open football practice Tuesday night, reaction to Dusty Dvoracek and Paul Finebaum's ND title hopes this season, thoughts on Indiana's No. 6 preseason ranking after winning last year's championship. Shop for Irish Breakdown gear at our onlin...