As the final whistle blew on Notre Dame’s spring game and the players filed off the field, it was clear that something different was taking shape in South Bend. The energy was sharper. The chemistry, tighter. The execution, cleaner. Now, with spring practices wrapped and the summer countdown underway, Notre Dame Football is earning major national praise — not just from inside the program, but from analysts, scouts, and insiders across the country who believe the Fighting Irish might be on the verge of something special.
Under head coach Marcus Freeman, now entering his third season at the helm, the Irish appear to have turned a significant corner. The spring sessions were filled with intensity, precision, and perhaps most importantly, competition. From top to bottom, the depth chart saw battles that not only raised the level of play but also underscored the depth and talent this roster now boasts. Freeman and his staff emphasized physicality and discipline throughout March and April, and the results were visible in every phase of the team.
Much of the buzz surrounding Notre Dame’s spring stems from the improvement and leadership on the offensive side of the ball. With a new offensive coordinator in Mike Denbrock — returning to South Bend after successful stints at LSU and Cincinnati — the Irish offense showed a renewed commitment to tempo, misdirection, and balance. The quarterback room, often a topic of scrutiny in recent years, looks more settled than it has in some time.
Junior signal-caller Riley Leonard, a transfer from Duke, has quickly emerged as a fan favorite and a team leader. His command of the huddle, poise under pressure, and deep-ball accuracy were on full display during spring practices. Analysts have noted how Leonard’s dual-threat capabilities could open up a more dynamic version of the offense, allowing Notre Dame to stress defenses vertically and horizontally. His rapport with receivers like Tobias Merriweather and Jaden Greathouse has only added to the optimism. While Leonard still has areas to sharpen, there’s no doubt that his presence gives the Irish a legitimate shot at winning big games this fall.
The offensive line — historically a source of pride for the Irish — appears ready to maintain its elite status. Anchored by Joe Alt and Blake Fisher, the unit was consistent throughout spring, showing dominance in both run blocking and pass protection. That consistency allowed the running back room, led by the bruising yet elusive Audric Estimé, to find its rhythm early. Estimé looked sharper than ever this spring, showcasing an improved first step and greater patience behind his blockers. National outlets have taken notice, with several publications listing Estimé as a dark horse Heisman candidate heading into the fall.
Tight end continues to be a position of strength, with Mitchell Evans looking every bit the successor to the school’s long lineage of elite talent at the position. Evans’ size and catch radius make him a nightmare matchup in the red zone, and his work ethic has reportedly set the tone for the offense in meetings and practice sessions.
On the defensive side of the ball, Al Golden’s unit has received widespread national praise for its aggressive style and situational awareness. The front seven looked fast, physical, and disruptive throughout the spring period. Junior linebacker Jaylen Sneed took a major leap forward, drawing comparisons to former Notre Dame greats with his sideline-to-sideline range and explosive playmaking ability. Alongside him, junior JD Bertrand provides the leadership and consistency needed to stabilize the group.
The defensive line, led by Howard Cross III and Rylie Mills, consistently collapsed the pocket during scrimmages. Their ability to generate pressure without blitzing has given the secondary room to thrive — and thrive it has. Notre Dame’s secondary, once considered a weakness, now looks like a potential strength. Freshman phenom Leonard Moore has been the talk of camp, earning reps with the first team and blanketing receivers in man coverage. Veterans like Benjamin Morrison and Xavier Watts have brought stability and playmaking ability, creating multiple turnovers during intra-squad scrimmages.
The Irish defense, collectively, has shown a knack for swarming to the football and making smart decisions in coverage. Multiple national scouts have remarked on how coordinated and cohesive the group looked during open practices. That chemistry and communication are products of Freeman’s defensive background and Golden’s NFL pedigree — a pairing that now seems to be in perfect sync.
Special teams were another point of emphasis this spring, and the early results are encouraging. New special teams coordinator Marty Biagi has implemented a more aggressive approach, encouraging returns and seeking hidden yards. Punter Bryce McFerson and kicker Spencer Shrader both delivered consistent performances during practices and the spring game, reinforcing confidence in Notre Dame’s kicking game. The return game could be particularly exciting this fall, with early signs suggesting freshman wideout Micah Bell could take on that role after flashing big-play ability in space.
Beyond the Xs and Os, it’s the culture around the program that has analysts raving. The team’s energy is palpable. Players are holding each other accountable, celebrating small victories, and competing with a passion that’s hard to fake. Freeman’s fingerprints are all over the team’s attitude and work ethic. He’s created an environment where development, transparency, and growth are paramount. Several national media figures — including ESPN’s Greg McElroy and FOX’s Joel Klatt — have praised Freeman’s evolution as a head coach, noting how the team appears more focused, more physical, and more prepared than it did at this time a year ago.
Recruiting momentum has also played a part in Notre Dame’s national attention. The Irish have landed several high-profile commitments in recent weeks, bolstered in part by the clear on-field progress the team has made. Recruits and their families see a program on the rise — one that combines academic excellence with NFL-caliber preparation and facilities. Freeman has continued to resonate with recruits because of his authenticity, relatability, and belief in building something sustainable. The staff’s success developing talent, especially in the trenches and at linebacker, hasn’t gone unnoticed.
National projections have begun to shift in response to Notre Dame’s spring showing. Multiple preseason polls and analysts now list the Irish as a top-10 team, with some bold enough to suggest they could crash the College Football Playoff party. While that remains a long way off, the confidence around the program is rooted in more than hype. It’s built on consistent improvement, the development of key position groups, and a belief that this version of the Irish is tougher, faster, and more versatile than any squad since their 2020 playoff run.
One of the clearest indicators of the team’s trajectory came in the spring game itself. Though it’s often just a glorified practice, the pace, competitiveness, and execution were hard to ignore. The first-team offense scored on its opening drive, and the defense responded with a pick-six on the next series. Players celebrated together, bounced back from mistakes, and kept the energy high from kickoff to the final whistle. That kind of performance, even in April, is a reflection of strong leadership and a unified vision.
Still, questions remain — as they do for every program in the country this time of year. Depth at receiver behind the starters could be tested if injuries arise. Consistency from the quarterback position, especially against elite defenses, is something Leonard and the staff must continue to build. And while the defensive secondary looks strong, the transition from spring promise to fall performance will be the ultimate test.
But for now, Notre Dame finds itself in an enviable position. The national conversation includes the Irish once again — not as a sentimental favorite or ratings boost, but as a legitimate contender. The program appears balanced, its foundation firm, and its aspirations high. What spring practices revealed isn’t just a team with talent, but a team with purpose.
As summer workouts begin and anticipation builds, there’s a quiet belief echoing through the Golden Dome and across college football circles: Notre Dame is coming, and this time, they may have exactly what it takes to finish what they’ve started.