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

Rocket Ismail is our number 7 player in Notre Dame Football history. Is any team under more pressure than the Fighting Irish? Brendan Sorsby declared eligible by judge, what's the fallout for college football? 
 

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

Support Us By Supportin...

Notre Dame football's schedule criticism, the Brendan Sorsby controversy, C.J. Carr, Marcus Freeman's recruiting operation, official visit weekends, sleeper candidates, transfer portal targets, and Brian Kelly's path to South Bend headline this Friday mailbag episode. Tyler Wojciak opens the show by breaking down why Notre Dame continues to receive criticism for its schedule despite playing one of the most challenging slates in college football, then discusses how the Irish would handle a Brendan Sorsby-type situation involving C.J. Carr, takes listeners inside a major recruiting weekend, evaluates sleeper candidates for 2026, examines the impact of new assistant coaches Brian...

Notre Dame is hosting one of the most important recruiting weekends of the 2027 cycle, with elite targets like Abraham Sesay, Brayden Parks, Tyler Alexander, Roman Igwebuike, Karnell James, Marcus Fakatou, and Andre Hyppolite all taking center stage as the Irish look to build another top recruiting class under Marcus Freeman. Tyler Wojciak is joined by Irish Sports Daily recruiting insider Christian McCollum to break down why Notre Dame has been so successful with these June official visits, where the Irish stand with each major visitor, how the staff approaches committed and uncommitted prospects during these weekends, and which recruits...

The Brendan Sorsby ruling, Texas Tech controversy, Notre Dame's reported scheduling discussions with the Red Raiders, and the biggest NBA-to-college football comparisons headline a loaded episode of Locked On Irish. Tyler Wojciak is joined by Danny Cunningham of Locked On Cavs to react to the decision allowing Sorsby to remain eligible despite admitting to thousands of sports bets, discuss what it means for Texas Tech and Notre Dame moving forward, debate whether the Red Raiders have become college football's new villain, and wrap up the show with NBA comparisons for Jeremiyah Love, CJ Carr, Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame football...

Notre Dame football recruiting faces a potential shake-up as linebacker recruit Amarri Irvin continues visiting other programs, signaling a likely departure. Brian Smith, the host of Locked On The Portal, is joined by Tyler Wojciak, the host of Locked on Irish, for a conversation focused on recruiting dynamics, high-stakes negotiations, and the crucial role of head coach Marcus Freeman in fostering a winning locker room culture. A key theme that emerged was the evolving NIL landscape, with comparisons to Alabama, Georgia, and Oregon's spending strategies, plus the risks of overpaying recruits. They also discussed major prospects like Abraham Sesay...

College football's future is being debated in Washington, Nick Saban is pushing for major change, Notre Dame is warning against a super league, and a potential Notre Dame-Texas Tech home-and-home series could become one of the sport's most exciting matchups. In this crossover episode, Tyler Wojciak of Locked On Irish joins Spencer McLaughlin of Locked On College Football to break down the latest Protect College Sports Act hearing, discuss whether collective bargaining could finally bring stability to college athletics, react to Pete Bevacqua's comments about the possibility of a future super league, and explain why a Notre Dame-Texas Tech...

Notre Dame football fans are buzzing about a potential Texas Tech series, the massive showdown with Miami, future stars like Devin Fitzgerald and Teddy Jarrard, and the biggest "what if" moments in Irish football history. Tyler Wojciak breaks it all down on this Friday Mailbag, discussing Notre Dame's future scheduling philosophy, why the Miami game feels different than any recent matchup, realistic expectations for freshman receivers, which Brian Kelly-era stars would make this roster unstoppable, quarterback recruiting, sleeper breakout candidates, EA College Football ratings, and the moments that could have changed Notre Dame history forever.

We continue our top 10 Notre Dame player countdown with #8 Brady Quinn, and then part 2 of our interview with Brady. Are Texas Tech and Notre Dame headed towards a home and home?? Could Marcus Freeman do better? 
 

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

Support U...

Notre Dame recruiting is heating up with major developments at linebacker, defensive line, and in the state of Florida as the Irish continue building one of the nation's top 2027 recruiting classes while preparing for Irish Invasion. Tyler Wojciak is joined by Brian Smith of Locked On The Portal to discuss Amarri Irvin's commitment status, Notre Dame's pursuit of elite linebackers, the latest on top defensive line targets, the Irish's growing recruiting success in Florida, and why Irish Invasion could help shape the future of Notre Dame football recruiting.

(0:00) - Intro

(1:06) - Linebacker B...

Notre Dame football summer workouts are about to begin, and the development of several key players could have a major impact on the Irish heading into the 2026 season. Tyler Wojciak breaks down the eight most fascinating players on Notre Dame's roster entering the summer.

(0:00) - Intro

(1:27) - Wild Cards & Dark Horses

(11:40) - Breakouts & Comebacks

(20:59) - Sleeper & Breakout Star

Follow Tyler on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TylerWojciak

Follow Locked On Irish on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LockedOnIrish

Follow Locked On Ir...

Notre Dame football recruiting, transfer portal additions, roster building, Marcus Freeman, Charlie Partridge, playoff expansion, wide receiver concerns, and the biggest offseason storylines are all under the microscope in this full offseason check-in. Tyler Wojciak is joined by Luke Smith to break down the three things they've liked most about Notre Dame's offseason through the first 185 days, including Charlie Partridge's recruiting impact, Notre Dame's evolving roster strategy, Aneyas Williams, Rodney Dunham, and more. Then they turn their attention to the biggest frustrations and concerns of the offseason, from scheduling criticism and playoff politics to questions at wide receiver and...

The Protect College Sports Act sparks fierce debate—will it actually save college athletics or trigger seismic changes? Spencer McLaughlin and Tyler Wojciak break down the proposed legislation’s sweeping effects on Notre Dame, the SEC, and the Big Ten, dissecting the potential end of unlimited transfers, the implications for media rights, and mounting tensions over a possible Super League. Can Congress provide the national standards college sports desperately need, or will power conferences go their own way? They also tackle the top five quarterbacks in college football heading into the season.

(0:00) - Intro

Notre Dame football, the future of the College Football Playoff, Texas potentially backing out of a marquee series, SEC and Big Ten power struggles, recruiting predictions, roster analysis, and major changes coming to college athletics headline today’s show. Tyler Wojciak breaks down a new bipartisan college sports bill and what it could mean for Notre Dame, reacts to concerning comments from Texas AD Chris Del Conte about the 2028 and 2029 series with the Irish, discusses whether a 24-team playoff could revive rivalries with USC and Michigan, answers questions about summer workouts and safety depth, predicts Notre Dame’s next recr...

Notre Dame football recruiting is heating up as the Irish continue building an elite 2027 recruiting class with Jackson Vaughn, David Folorunsho, Aidan O’Neil, and several other top national targets still heavily in play for Marcus Freeman. Tyler Wojciak is joined by Irish Illustrated recruiting insider Eric Thomas to break down Jackson Vaughn’s upside, explain why Notre Dame’s defensive line recruiting has dramatically improved, discuss the latest on Brayden Parks, Abraham Sesay, Albert Simien, Kaden Henderson, Osani Gayles, Greedy James, and more, and preview what could become another massive June recruiting run for the Irish.

 ...

Notre Dame football recruiting is surging as the Irish land elite EDGE recruit Jackson Vaughn, continue building a potentially historic defensive line class in the 2027 recruiting cycle, and push for major targets like Brayden Parks, Abraham Sesay, Albert Simien, Osani Gayles, and Kaden Henderson. Tyler Wojciak breaks down Vaughn’s commitment, explains why Notre Dame could be assembling the best defensive line haul in program history, analyzes the impact of Charlie Partridge on the recruiting trail, and looks ahead at which top recruits could be next to join Marcus Freeman’s loaded 2027 class.

(0:00) - Intro...

Notre Dame football enters the 2026 season with one of the deepest and most talented rosters in college football, featuring elite defensive talent, a potential Heisman-caliber quarterback in CJ Carr, and multiple position groups capable of carrying the Irish into the national championship conversation. Tyler Wojciak breaks down and ranks every Notre Dame position group from No. 1 through No. 10.

(0:00) - Intro

(1:38) - Positions 1-3

(11:21) - Positions 4-7

(22:20) - Positions 8-10

Follow Tyler on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TylerWojciak

Follow Locked On Irish on...

Our Top 10 Notre Dame Fighting Irish countdown continues with number 9, Jeremiyah Love! Does a 12 vs 24 college football playoff make the most sense? What about 16? And former Irish QB Brady Quinn joins the show! 
 

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

Support Us By Supportin...

The future of college football, the proposed 24-team playoff, the battle between the Big Ten and SEC, ESPN vs Fox, and the possibility of a breakaway super league are all discussed in this deep dive with one of the top reporters in the sport. Tyler Wojciak is joined by senior college football reporter Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports to break down how the 24-team playoff gained momentum, why the ACC, Big 12, and Notre Dame shifted toward expansion, why the SEC is resisting it, the media battle between Fox and ESPN, Notre Dame’s role in the negotiations, concerns about th...

Notre Dame football expectations for 2026 are sky high as the Irish look poised to field one of the best offenses and defenses in college football, while major questions surrounding the offensive line, special teams, recruiting, and the future of the program continue to generate buzz across the college football world. Tyler Wojciak breaks down where Notre Dame could rank nationally on offense and defense, dives into the biggest concerns surrounding the roster, explains the origins of Pat Narduzzi’s strange hatred of Notre Dame, discusses the latest recruiting developments involving Jackson Hill and Albert Simien, compares Notre Dame to ic...

We begin our full countdown of the top 10 Notre Dame players of all time with #10 Ross Browner. Stanford is staying on the Irish schedule in 27 & 28 and ACC coaches are upset with Notre Dame! 

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

Support Us By Supporting Our Spon...

Notre Dame football recruiting continues to surge with major crystal ball predictions for Brayden Parks and Julius Jones Jr., while Marcus Freeman and the Irish push for elite 2027 targets like Marcus Fakatou and Abraham Sesay amid concerns about Notre Dame’s future football schedules. Tyler Wojciak breaks down Notre Dame adding Stanford and Kent State to the future schedule, explains why the Stanford “rivalry” no longer feels the same, reacts to the outlook for the 2027 and 2028 schedules, and then dives into the latest recruiting intel surrounding Parks, Jones Jr., Fakatou, Sesay, Karnell James, and more as the Irish continue buildi...

Notre Dame football recruiting, Marcus Freeman, the Class of 2027, Champ Monds, elite recruiting battles, and the future of the Irish are all front and center in this loaded episode of Locked On Irish. Tyler Wojciak is joined by Rivals’ National Recruiting Director Adam Gorney to break down why Notre Dame is recruiting at an elite level under Marcus Freeman, how the Irish compare to programs like Georgia and Ohio State, the ceiling for Notre Dame’s 2027 class, the rise of Champ Monds, and some of the best recruiting stories from Gorney’s decades covering the sport. Plus, Tyler and Adam d...

Notre Dame football suffered a surprising recruiting loss when top-100 offensive tackle Layton Von Brandt committed to Auburn, and the debate over the proposed 24-team College Football Playoff continues to raise major concerns about the future of college football. Tyler Wojciak breaks down what happened with Von Brandt, why the Irish should still be fine on the offensive line, where Notre Dame could turn next in recruiting, and then brings in Spencer McLaughlin of Locked On College Football for a national perspective on why a 24-team CFP could devalue the regular season, make college football feel too much like...

Notre Dame recruiting is surging as Marcus Freeman and the Irish continue stacking elite offensive linemen, defensive linemen, and top-100 talent while out-recruiting programs like Alabama, LSU, and Georgia in the trenches. Tyler Wojciak of Locked On Irish joins Brian Smith of The Portal to break down why Notre Dame’s recruiting strategy is working at such a high level, including the program’s emphasis on high school recruiting over the transfer portal, increased NIL investment, elite relationship-building, and long-term roster construction. The guys discuss what David Folorunsho’s commitment means for the 2027 class, whether Brayden Parks or Marcus Fakato...

Notre Dame landed elite defensive tackle David Folorunsho over Miami and Texas Tech, giving Marcus Freeman and the Irish another massive recruiting victory while continuing to build one of the top 2027 recruiting classes and potentially one of the best defensive line hauls in program history. Tyler Wojciak breaks down why Folorunsho’s commitment is such a major statement for Notre Dame recruiting, how the Irish beat Miami in a heated battle for the Chicago standout, what makes Folorunsho one of the most explosive defensive tackle prospects in the country, where he fits into Notre Dame’s defensive future, and how...

Notre Dame football recruiting continues to roll as the Irish add offensive lineman Jackson Hill, a developmental prospect who fits the exact mold of the tough, culture-driven offensive linemen Notre Dame has consistently developed into quality starters and leaders over the years. Tyler Wojciak explains why the Jackson Hill commitment makes more sense than some fans realize, breaks down the latest ACC and College Football Playoff expansion drama, discusses Marcus Freeman’s trajectory heading into 2026, and answers more questions in the Friday mailbag.

(0:00) - Intro

(1:17) - Jackson Hill Commitment Breakdown

(14:01) - M...

The proposed 24-team College Football Playoff, Notre Dame’s surprising support for expansion, and growing ACC frustration with the Irish could dramatically reshape the future of college football and the importance of the regular season. Tyler Wojciak breaks down why he believes a 24-team playoff would devalue the sport, explains why Pete Bevacqua’s sudden shift from supporting 16 teams to backing 24 is so disappointing, and reacts to anonymous ACC complaints about Notre Dame’s “special treatment” while highlighting the Irish’s dominance over the conference both on the field and in television value.

(0:00) - Intro

...

Notre Dame surges toward a potential top-three recruiting class after landing five-star offensive tackle Olu Olubobola and stacking elite commitments on the offensive line and defensive line. Is Marcus Freeman’s program now competing shoulder-to-shoulder with recruiting powerhouses like Georgia and Texas A&M? In this crossover episode of The Portal and Locked on Irish, Brian Smith, host of The Portal, and Tyler Wojcick, host of Locked on Irish, break down Notre Dame’s dominance in recruiting premium positions, spotlighting prospects like Olu Olubobola and David Folorunsho. Brian and Tyler debate whether the Fighting Irish’s recent run signals a shif...

Notre Dame football recruiting is surging again after the Irish landed 5-star offensive tackle Olu Olubobola, reignited momentum in the 2027 class, and continue trending for several elite prospects while new drama surrounding the Notre Dame-USC rivalry emerges once again. Tyler Wojciak breaks down how Marcus Freeman and the Irish beat out major NIL powers for Olubobola, why this commitment sends a message nationally, the latest on the USC rivalry negotiations, and which top recruits could be next to join Notre Dame’s loaded 2027 recruiting class.

(0:00) - Intro

(1:22) - 5-Star OT Commits!

...

Notre Dame football is receiving massive national championship hype, dominating the recruiting trail, and once again finding itself at the center of major college football debates involving the playoff, television money, and the future of the sport. Tyler Wojciak is joined by recurring guest Luke Smith for a rapid-fire episode of Locked On Irish as they discuss Notre Dame’s newly released NBC schedule, Dabo Swinney’s comments about the Irish’s financial advantages, the growing push for a 24-team College Football Playoff, national media predictions for Notre Dame, and the latest recruiting momentum surrounding Marcus Freeman and the 2027 class...

Our Top 10 Notre Dame players of all-time series kicks off with honorable mentions, Quenton Nelson, Chris Zorich & Joe Theisman fall just outside the top 10, our favorite moments of their careers. The Brendan Sorsby mess and how it effects CFB and more on this episode of The Irish Squad Show! 
 

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your t...

Notre Dame football mailbag breaks down Marcus Freeman’s future, the Irish’s most important non-quarterback, linebacker production, recruiting strategy, transfer portal philosophy, and long-term quarterback outlook heading into the 2026 season. Tyler Wojciak answers fan questions on Notre Dame’s championship ceiling, Freeman’s NFL buzz, roster-building approach, and the best games to watch this season, while also diving into big-picture program direction and fun fan experience topics.

(0:00) - Intro

(1:13) - Most Important Players & Freeman Future
(13:59) - QB Plan & Recruiting Strategy
(25:08) - Best Games in 2026

Follow Tyl...

Dabo Swinney is calling out Notre Dame, but why?? The 2026 home schedule has been released, a 24 team playoff is being given the thumbs up from coaches, any leftovers from the Blue Gold game and more! 
 

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

Support Us By Sup...

Notre Dame football recruiting is on fire as Marcus Freeman and the Irish continue building one of the nation’s top 2027 recruiting classes with elite defensive linemen, top offensive tackles, and explosive playmakers all trending toward South Bend. Tyler Wojciak breaks down his predictions for the next six players to commit to Notre Dame while explaining where each recruitment currently stands, why the Irish are in strong position, and what these additions would mean for the future of the program.

(0:00) - Intro

(1:55) - Elite DL

(12:05) - Top WR & DT

...

Notre Dame football spring practice review delivers major takeaways, breakout players, position group evaluations, offensive identity questions, and updated expectations for the Fighting Irish heading into the 2026 season. Tyler Wojciak is joined by Greg Flammang of Irish Sports Daily to break down the biggest headlines from spring, which players and units stood out, what concerns remain, and how this all shapes Notre Dame’s outlook moving forward after previously previewing spring practice together.

(0:00) - Intro

(1:02) - Biggest Takeaways

(13:15) - Surprises/Risers

(30:33) - Biggest Questions

Fo...

Notre Dame football recruiting is surging in the Class of 2027 with multiple new commitments, including Titus Hawk, Jackson Coleman, Champ Monds, and Aidan O’Neil, while the Irish continue to build momentum with top targets across wide receiver, defensive line, and the secondary. Tyler Wojciak is joined by Locked On Recruiting Insider host Brian Smith on this crossover episode to break down the latest Notre Dame recruiting news, evaluate the newest commits, and project what’s next for the Irish as they push for another elite class.

(0:00) - Intro

(1:01) - Titus Hawk & Jacks...

Notre Dame football’s 2026 national championship outlook, CJ Carr’s development, breakout spring performers, and NFL Draft projections headline a loaded Friday mailbag episode. Tyler Wojciak breaks it all down, diving into what separates this year’s team from 2025, which players made the biggest jump this spring, how many Irish could be selected early in the NFL Draft, whether defensive concerns are overblown, and the ultimate debate: CJ Carr or Ian Book in a game-winning drive.

(0:00) - Intro

(1:25) - Champ Monds Commitment Breakdown

(12:51) - Aidan O’Neil Commitment Breakdown

 ...

Notre Dame football’s 2026 national championship outlook, CJ Carr’s development, breakout spring performers, and NFL Draft projections headline a loaded Friday mailbag episode. Tyler Wojciak breaks it all down, diving into what separates this year’s team from 2025, which players made the biggest jump this spring, how many Irish could be selected early in the NFL Draft, whether defensive concerns are overblown, and the ultimate debate: CJ Carr or Ian Book in a game-winning drive.

(0:00) - Intro

(1:25) - ’26 vs. ’25 & Spring Risers

(15:19:14) - NFL Draft Outlook & Scheme Changes

(25:14) - QB Debate...

Notre Dame football recruiting is heating up in a major way with elite 2027 QB Champ Monds nearing a decision, 4-star safety Zayden Gamble officially in the fold, and top targets like Aidan O’Neil and Julius Jones Jr. trending toward the Irish as momentum builds for a potential recruiting surge. Tyler Wojciak breaks down Gamble’s commitment and what it means for the future of the secondary, analyzes the latest on Notre Dame’s quarterback recruiting strategy with Monds and beyond, and previews key upcoming decisions that could shape the 2027 class in a big way.

(0:00...

Notre Dame basketball transfer portal losses, roster turnover, NIL challenges, and the program’s future under Micah Shrewsberry are all front and center after a dramatic offseason reshaped the Irish roster. Tyler Wojciak is joined by South Bend Tribune basketball beat writer Tom Noie to break down what led to the mass exodus of key players, whether Notre Dame had a chance to retain them, how NIL and administrative support played a role, and what to expect from the new portal additions and incoming freshmen as the program looks to rebound in 2026-27.

(0:00) - Int...