Locked On Irish - Daily Podcast On Notre Dame Fighting Irish Football & Basketball

Notre Dame's historic SoFi jersey sponsorship, Chris Ash's first season as defensive coordinator, and some of the biggest recruiting misses in modern Irish football headline another loaded Friday Mailbag. Tyler Wojciak breaks down why Notre Dame embraced corporate jersey patches, whether in-stadium advertising is the next step, and if Lou Holtz could still be honored this season before diving into Chris Ash's defensive outlook, whether the Irish offense or defense is more likely to finish No. 1 nationally, how travel rosters actually work, the biggest recruiting disappointments Tyler believed in, and a pair of fascinating national championship "what-if" scenarios.

Can Bill O'Brien rebuild Boston College, revive one of Notre Dame's oldest rivalries, and make the Eagles a legitimate threat before they travel to South Bend? Tyler Wojciak is joined by AJ Black, publisher of Eagle Insider at 247Sports and host of Locked On Boston College, to continue the early opponent preview series by breaking down the state of the Eagles program, the significance of the Notre Dame rivalry, Boston College's new-look offense led by dual-threat quarterback Mason McKenzie, the biggest strengths and weaknesses on both sides of the ball, and what the Eagles must do to stay competitive...

Notre Dame's decision to add a jersey patch for the first time in program history has sparked one of the biggest debates in college football, while the Irish also landed another 5-star recruit and found themselves at the center of comments from Steve Sarkisian and Lincoln Riley. Tyler Wojciak breaks down whether Notre Dame's historic SoFi partnership is a sign the program is selling out or simply adapting to the modern era, then explains why 5-star EDGE Darieon Prescott is another major recruiting victory for Marcus Freeman. Finally, he reacts to Steve Sarkisian questioning the future Texas series and...

Andrew Luck's vision, Tavita Pritchard's new era, and Stanford's attempt to reclaim its physical identity headline this early preview of one of Notre Dame's longest-running rivalries. Tyler Wojciak is joined by Ben Parker of CardinalSportsReport.com to examine the state of the Stanford program, discuss how Andrew Luck has reshaped the direction of Cardinal football, evaluate the biggest strengths and weaknesses on both sides of the ball, and explain where Stanford could challenge Notre Dame when the two teams meet in South Bend.

(0:00) - Intro

(1:11) - Stanford's New Era Under Andrew Luck

Steve Sarkisian said "we'll see" in regard to Texas playing the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in 28 and 29, how do the Irish handle this? Does Texas have a point? CJ Carr is the strength of the offense, but what is next? SEC threatening to leave NCAA and more on this episode of the Irish Squad Show! 
 

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Notre Dame faces one of its most dangerous home games of the 2026 season as Rhett Lashlee's SMU Mustangs arrive in South Bend with College Football Playoff aspirations, an explosive offense led by quarterback Kevin Jennings, and one of the ACC's premier offensive lines. Tyler Wojciak is joined by Grayson Singleton of Locked On SMU to continue the opponent preview series by examining the Mustangs' rise into an ACC contender, breaking down Jennings and SMU's offense, evaluating a rebuilt defense under former Notre Dame linebacker Maurice Crum Jr., and discussing what it will take for SMU to challenge the Irish...

Marcus Freeman's long-term commitment to Notre Dame, College Football Playoff strategy, defensive vulnerabilities, roster-building hypotheticals, and the Irish's biggest 2026 X-factors headline another loaded Friday Mailbag packed with Notre Dame football analysis. Locked On Irish host Tyler Wojciak breaks down Freeman's comments about wanting to retire at Notre Dame, discusses how many national championships he could realistically win, explains what opposing offenses should attack against the Irish defense, debates whether a first-round bye is better than hosting a Playoff game, ranks Notre Dame's most indispensable players, builds the ultimate dream roster by poaching stars from around college football, revisits the 2022...

Notre Dame has officially landed 4-star defensive tackle Brayden Parks, completing the best defensive line recruiting class the Irish have had in of the modern recruiting era. Tyler Wojciak reacts to Parks' commitment over Oregon, explains how Marcus Freeman and the Irish won one of their biggest recruiting battles of the 2027 cycle, breaks down Parks' film and long-term projection, examines what this commitment means for Notre Dame's loaded 2027 recruiting class, and looks ahead at what's next for the Irish on the recruiting trail.

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Could Notre Dame and Navy meet on Halloween with both teams undefeated? This early 2026 opponent preview breaks down Brian Newberry's rising program, Navy's AAC championship hopes, the Midshipmen's revamped offense and defense, and what Notre Dame should expect from one of the most unique matchups on its schedule. Tyler Wojciak is joined by longtime Capital Gazette Navy beat reporter Bill Wagner to continue the opponent preview series. Together, they discuss the history and significance of the rivalry, examine why Navy has become one of the top Group of Five programs in college football, evaluate how the Midshipmen replace quarterback...

Notre Dame recruiting is operating at an elite level as Marcus Freeman continues to stack blue-chip talent, the Irish battle Oregon for four-star defensive tackle Brayden Parks, and the 2027 recruiting class continues to build national championship potential. Tyler Wojciak, the host of Locked on Irish, joins Brian Smith, the host of The Portal, for a crossover episode to break down the significance of the Brayden Parks decision, compare Notre Dame's loaded 2027 defensive line class to the elite 2026 defensive back haul, discuss the most exciting defensive line prospects in the class, examine where the Irish should expand their recruiting footprint...

Mike Golic joins the show to preview the Notre Dame season and how Marcus Freeman and CJ Carr can win the national championship. His return to ESPN Radio, our number 1 player in Fighting Irish history and more! 
 

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Notre Dame and Miami are on a collision course for one of the biggest games of the 2026 college football season as two national championship contenders prepare for a November showdown that could shape the College Football Playoff race. Tyler Wojciak is joined by Alex Donno of Locked On Canes to continue the Locked On Irish opponent preview series by breaking down Miami's rise under Mario Cristobal, discussing the Hurricanes' championship expectations, evaluating Darian Mensah, Malachi Toney, and the explosive Miami offense, analyzing whether the rebuilt offensive line and revamped defensive front can replace elite NFL talent, and explaining why...

Barry Odom is rebuilding Purdue from the ground up with a completely overhauled roster, a new-look coaching staff, and hopes of making the Boilermakers competitive again before Notre Dame arrives in West Lafayette for the Irish's first true road game of the 2026 season. Tyler Wojciak is joined by Nick Arvin of Locked On Boilermakers to continue the opponent preview series by breaking down the state of Purdue football under Barry Odom, what this rivalry game means to the Boilermakers, evaluating Ryan Browne and Purdue's rebuilt offense, and examining whether a revamped defense can give Notre Dame a much tougher...

Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oregon, Georgia, and Indiana headline a debate over which college football programs are best positioned to dominate the next five years, while bold predictions include Lincoln Riley's future at USC and why Texas and LSU could fall short despite championship-caliber talent. Locked On Irish host Tyler Wojciak joins Spencer McLaughlin of Locked On College Football to first rank the five programs with the brightest long-term outlook before shifting to an "Anything Can Happen" discussion featuring fearless predictions on the Trojans, the SEC, and the 2026 college football season.

(0:00) - Intro

Brian Kelly's controversial interview, Notre Dame's biggest recruiting "what if" stories, the state of the Irish wide receiver room, and a Heisman debate featuring Manti Te'o, Rocket Ismail, and Jeremiyah Love headline another loaded Notre Dame Football mailbag packed with recruiting analysis, roster breakdowns, and season predictions. Tyler Wojciak answers viewer questions about the wide receivers, Bryce Young's breakout potential, the Brian Kelly interview, Notre Dame's biggest missed recruiting opportunities, and even builds the perfect Fighting Irish quarterback before wrapping up another week and looking ahead to the continuation of the opponent preview series.

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Notre Dame's trip to Provo could be one of the defining games of the 2026 college football season, as the Irish prepare to face a BYU team loaded with returning production, a rising star at quarterback, one of the nation's best running backs, and legitimate College Football Playoff aspirations.  Tyler Wojciak is joined by Jake Hatch of Locked On Cougars to continue the opponent preview series by breaking down the state of the BYU program, the emotion surrounding this matchup, Bear Bachmeier's rise, LJ Martin and the Cougars' offense, the strengths and questions surrounding the defense, and what each team m...

Bill Belichick, Bobby Petrino, a completely rebuilt roster, and one of Notre Dame's most intriguing opponents headline this in-depth North Carolina football preview as the Irish prepare for a pivotal 2026 matchup in Chapel Hill. Tyler Wojciak is joined by Isaac Schade of Locked On Tar Heels to continue the opponent preview series, breaking down where the Tar Heels stand entering Year Two under Belichick before diving into the offensive outlook under Bobby Petrino, the quarterback battle, Jordan Shipp and the skill talent, the rebuilt offensive line, Steve Belichick's defense, the biggest defensive playmakers, North Carolina's weaknesses, and how the...

The Notre Dame-Michigan State rivalry returns to South Bend in 2026, and this episode provides a complete early preview of the matchup by breaking down the Spartans under Pat Fitzgerald, the outlook for Marcus Freeman and the Fighting Irish, the biggest storylines surrounding both programs, and what fans should expect when these longtime rivals meet under the lights at Notre Dame Stadium. Tyler Wojciak joins Matt Sheehan of Locked On Spartans to discuss the significance of renewing the rivalry, examine Notre Dame's roster and expectations heading into the 2026 season, then flip the conversation to Michigan State's revamped team, key players...

Texas? Georgia? Miami? Who is the biggest threat to Notre Dame to stopping them from winning the college football national championship this year?? Our number 2 player in Irish history and our favorite Notre Dame win of all time! 
 

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Notre Dame opens the 2026 season against a completely rebuilt Wisconsin team, and this episode breaks down everything Irish fans need to know about Luke Fickell, transfer quarterback Colton Joseph, the Badgers' revamped roster, biggest strengths, biggest weaknesses, and what to expect when these two programs meet at Lambeau Field. Tyler Wojciak is joined by Ryan Harings of Locked On Badgers for the first installment of a new opponent preview series. They discuss the current state of the Wisconsin program and Luke Fickell's future, dive into the Badgers' new-look offense led by transfer quarterback Colton Joseph, break down the defense...

Notre Dame football just landed one of its biggest recruiting commitments of the 2027 cycle as 4-star linebacker Roman Igwebuike gives Marcus Freeman another blue-chip defender and helps fill the Irish's biggest remaining need at linebacker. Tyler Wojciak breaks down how Notre Dame won the battle over Clemson, Missouri, Tennessee and others, evaluates Igwebuike's scouting report, projects where he fits into the future linebacker room, explains what his commitment means for Notre Dame's top-ranked recruiting class, and looks ahead to the biggest remaining target still left on the board.

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Is CJ Carr truly a legitimate Heisman contender, which transfer portal additions and freshmen are poised for breakout seasons, and what is the most heartbreaking regular-season loss in Notre Dame football history? Tyler Wojciak breaks down whether Carr's Heisman hype is justified, debates Kenny Minchey's future, identifies the Irish newcomers most likely to make a major impact, and revisits Notre Dame's biggest heartbreaks.

(0:00) - Intro

(1:26) - CJ Carr Heisman Hype

(12:19) - Most Impactful Newcomers

(23:22) - Biggest Heartbreaks

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The countdown reaches its conclusion as Tyler Wojciak and Tim Murray from VSiN reveal the two Notre Dame football victories that meant the most to them as lifelong Fighting Irish fans, then react to memorable submissions from fans and friends of the show. In part two of this series, Tyler and Tim finish their personal top-five countdowns, debate what made these unforgettable wins so satisfying, and highlight favorite memories submitted by Notre Dame fans, media members, and fellow members of the college football community.

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What are the most satisfying Notre Dame football victories of the past two decades? Tyler Wojciak is joined by Tim Murray of VSiN to each reveal their personal top five favorite Fighting Irish wins, looking back at unforgettable moments, iconic upsets, rivalry victories, College Football Playoff triumphs, and the games that defined them as Notre Dame fans. Tyler and Tim explain the criteria behind their lists, count down their favorite wins one by one, debate why certain games stand above the rest, and share the memories that made those victories so unforgettable.

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Who are the best players on Notre Dame's 2026 football roster? Tyler Wojciak ranks Notre Dame's top 10 players entering the season, breaking down future NFL stars, All-American candidates, breakout performers, and the biggest difference-makers expected to lead Notre Dame's College Football Playoff pursuit in 2026.

(0:00) - Intro

(1:15) - Top 1-3

(11:23) - Top 4-6

(21:30) - Top 7-10

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College football could be on the verge of another massive shift as the SEC and Big Ten push new legislative recommendations tied to the Protect College Sports Act, while Notre Dame's 2026 outlook and the biggest games of the upcoming season are also on the table. Tyler Wojciak of Locked On Irish joins Spencer McLaughlin on Locked On College Football to break down Ross Dellenger's latest reporting on the SEC and Big Ten's proposed changes, including the debate surrounding media-rights pooling, before Spencer gives his official prediction for Notre Dame's 2026 record and the two wrap up by ranking the college...

Marcus Freeman recently said he wants to retire at Notre Dame. How much do you believe that is really the future for the Fighting Irish? Our number 3 player in Notre Dame history and the wildest college football stories we have heard! 
 

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The latest Notre Dame Football mailbag breaks down Trey Tagliaferri's shocking decommitment, the future of the Fighting Irish's 2028 quarterback recruiting, captain predictions, Kedren Young's recovery, wide receiver expectations, Shamrock Series uniforms, and much more. Tyler Wojciak explains what really happened with Tagliaferri before predicting this year's team captains, discusses the running back depth chart, answers over/under questions for Notre Dame quarterbacks, debates the best Irish wide receiver room of the modern era, shares his dream Notre Dame documentary, reacts to the leaked Shamrock Series uniforms, and finishes with a Cleveland sports vs. Notre Dame championship debate.

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Notre Dame recruiting is surging toward another elite class, and today's show breaks down whether the Fighting Irish can finish with the No. 1 recruiting class in America, evaluate five-star commits Albert Simien and Segun Alexander, analyze the remaining 2027 recruiting targets, and look ahead to the future of Notre Dame football recruiting. Tyler Wojciak is joined by Locked On recruiting expert Brian Smith from the Portal to discuss what it would take for Notre Dame to overtake the nation's top-ranked classes, the biggest remaining priorities in the 2027 cycle, why Simien and Alexander could become cornerstone prospects, whether the Irish have...

The glowing reviews of CJ Carr at the Manning Passing Academy headline another massive offseason update as Notre Dame football continues to generate national buzz heading into the 2026 season. Tyler Wojciak reacts to McShay naming Carr the clear MVP of the Manning Passing Academy and explains why the praise goes far beyond arm talent. Then, Tyler shares the latest on several Irish players building momentum this summer, including Ian Premer, Mylan Graham, Rodney Dunham, Ebenezar Ewetade, Matty Augustine and Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, before wrapping up with updates on DJ McKinney, Quincy Porter and Charles Jagusah as Notre Dame continues preparing...

Who is the most important player for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish defense after Leonard Moore? Our number 4 player in Irish history and one thing you would change about college football right now? 
 

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How can Notre Dame create the best game day atmosphere in college football? Tyler Wojciak is joined by Luke Smith to reimagine every part of a Fighting Irish football Saturday, from the stadium experience and tailgating traditions to the NBC television broadcast. They discuss what Notre Dame should change inside Notre Dame Stadium, debate music, traditions and fan engagement, build the ultimate tailgating guide for fans heading to South Bend, and finish by breaking down how NBC could improve its television presentation for Irish games.

(0:00) - Intro

(1:34) - ND Stadium Experience

Notre Dame football added two cornerstone commitments as five-star offensive lineman Albert Simien and four-star quarterback Trey Tagliaferri joined the Irish, giving Marcus Freeman another major recruiting victory and strengthening one of the nation's top 2027 and 2028 classes. Tyler Wojciak breaks down how Notre Dame beat out SEC powers for Simien, why Tagliaferri is such an important addition to the future of the quarterback room, evaluates both players on film, projects where they fit in the program, and looks ahead to what's next as the Irish close in on another elite recruiting class.

(0:00) - Intro

College football's new eligibility rules could dramatically impact Notre Dame's roster for years to come, and today's mailbag breaks down the biggest winners, the Irish's highest-ceiling position group, future recruiting implications, and much more. Tyler Wojciak answers fan questions on which Notre Dame players could now stay an extra season, whether reclassified recruits are becoming a trend, the position groups with the highest ceiling and lowest floor, breakout freshman candidates, dream College Football Playoff matchups, future home-and-home opponents, and more.

(0:00) - Intro

(2:00) - Extra Eligibility/Reclassification

(13:48) - Highest Ceiling & Biggest Q...

College football is entering a new era as the NCAA moves toward a simplified eligibility model that eliminates redshirts, restructures athlete eligibility, and could reshape roster management for years to come. On this episode, Locked On College Football host Spencer McLaughlin is joined by Locked On Irish host Tyler Wojciak to break down the new age-based eligibility proposal, discuss Marcus Freeman's long-term future at Notre Dame amid growing NFL interest, and rank the toughest places to play in college football, including LSU, Georgia, Penn State, and several other iconic environments from across the sport.

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Notre Dame recruiting continues to surge as Marcus Freeman and Charlie Partridge land another elite defensive line prospect, position themselves for several more major commitments, and potentially benefit from a significant NCAA eligibility change. On this episode of Locked On Irish, Tyler Wojciak breaks down the commitment of Segun Alexander and what it means for Notre Dame's 2027 recruiting class, examines where the Irish stand with Brayden Parks, Albert Simien, Roman Igwebuike, Trey Tagliaferri, and Greedy James, and reacts to the NCAA's newly approved five-for-five eligibility model and how it could impact Notre Dame's roster building for years to come.<...

Notre Dame recruiting continues to gain momentum as the Irish land elite wide receiver Julius Jones Jr., secure a surprise commitment from rising 2028 safety Andre Jones, and position themselves to add even more top defensive talent in the coming weeks. Tyler Wojciak breaks down why Jones Jr. could be Notre Dame's best wide receiver commitment in more than a decade, explains what Andre Jones brings to the future of the program and the growing "Florida Dame" pipeline, and closes the show by predicting which major targets could be next to join Marcus Freeman's loaded recruiting class.

Notre Dame recruiting is entering a critical stretch as the Irish look to close on several elite 2027 targets following a massive official visit weekend, including 5-star offensive lineman Albert Simien, top defensive line prospects Brayden Parks and Segun Alexander, and wide receiver Julius Jones Jr. Tyler Wojciak is joined by Brian Smith from The Portal for a crossover episode to break down where Notre Dame stands with its remaining top targets, evaluate the impact of potential additions to the class, discuss the fallout from missing on 5-star linebacker Kaden Henderson, and examine Roman Igwebuike's importance moving forward.

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Who is the most important player on the Notre Dame offense after CJ Carr? Aneyas Williams at the top of that list? Our number 5 player in Notre Dame history, and evaluating the first 4 years of Marcus Freeman tenure with the Irish. 
 

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Notre Dame recruiting, NIL strategy, wide receiver recruiting, Charles Jagusah’s recovery, roster building, transfer portal evaluations, and the biggest Notre Dame haters of all time headline another loaded Irish mailbag. Tyler Wojciak breaks down why recruiting ultimatums seem to work against Notre Dame more often than in its favor, evaluates the importance of Quincy Porter and Ian Premer to the offense, discusses which position group he would most like to upgrade through recruiting, shares his ideal Notre Dame running back duo, provides an update on Charles Jagusah’s recovery outlook, ranks the biggest Notre Dame haters ever, and answ...