​This Notre Dame roster, from top to bottom, represents the most talented collection Marcus Freeman has fielded during his tenure. A major factor behind that assessment is the outlook of the 2026 recruiting class, which On3/Rivals ranked as the No. 1 class in the country and No. 2 in the nation according to their composite rankings. The level of talent the Irish added this past cycle on both sides of the ball is exceptional, and they are joining a unit that is already loaded with playmakers. There is real potential that a true freshman could impact the offense, though my confidence in this unit isn’t as high as it is for the defense. That said, there are a couple of players on the offensive side who could make it very difficult to keep them off the field this season.
Notre Dame’s offense is coming off a record-setting year and returns a sizable portion of that production, including their starting quarterback, a strong offensive line, returning receivers, and a cadre of talented running backs. Still, a few true freshmen could work their way into the mix. I expect to see a good portion of the 2026 class early on offense, but tight end Ian Premer sits at the top of my list of players likely to see meaningful snaps this fall. The tight end depth chart is relatively fluid heading into fall camp. Redshirt junior Cooper Flanagan is likely to hold the No. 1 role, but behind him, the competition is wide open. Premer may be the most talented offensive player the Irish brought in this cycle, and if his transition to college life goes smoothly, he’ll see significant playing time early and often this season.
Wide receiver Bubba Frazier is another newcomer who could make an immediate impact on both offense and special teams. His unique skill set stands out in the receiving corps, and his playing style bears some resemblance to Jordan Faison, though Frazier brings more top-end speed. If Brayden Robinson remains healthy for fall camp, he could carve out a role on special teams or be used in a specific offensive package this year. Offensive tackle Grayson McKeogh could also emerge as a factor this season. While he’s unlikely to start unless injuries strike, the Pennsylvania native could quickly rise up the depth chart by November after an impressive spring and the build to project as a high-level tackle at 6-7, 298 pounds.
Finally, the battle for the No. 2 quarterback spot—already generating plenty of offseason buzz—will feature two incoming freshmen, Noah Grubbs, whom we saw in the spring, and Teddy Jarrard, who joined the program in the summer. Both will compete with Blake Hebert to back up CJ Carr this fall.
There are several other players who could make a meaningful impact this season, and the depth and versatility across the roster give Freeman a broader set of options than ever before. As the season unfolds, the 2026 class will be a talking point, but the immediate focus will be on integrating these young talents into a cohesive, productive unit that can contribute in meaningful ways from week to week.