Notre Dame Football Midweek Mailbag: Blue-Gold Game Week

As spring practice draws to a close and the anticipation of the Blue-Gold Game looms, the Notre Dame football program stands at an exciting crossroads. With a new season on the horizon, questions abound about how the Fighting Irish will look in 2025 and what fans can expect as the team looks to continue its upward trajectory under head coach Marcus Freeman. In this midweek mailbag, we tackle some of the most pressing questions surrounding the Irish, from position battles and emerging stars to what to watch for at the upcoming Blue-Gold Game.

What’s the latest on the quarterback battle heading into the Blue-Gold Game?

The quarterback competition has been one of the focal points of Notre Dame’s spring practices, and as we approach the Blue-Gold Game, it remains as competitive as ever. Sam Hartman, the highly touted transfer from Wake Forest, has been taking the first-team reps throughout the spring, and the veteran signal-caller has looked poised and confident in his new surroundings. His experience in the ACC and ability to operate an up-tempo offense has undoubtedly made him the front-runner for the starting job.

However, it’s important to remember that Tyler Buchner, who started for the Irish last season before being sidelined with an injury, has returned with a vengeance. Buchner has looked sharp in practice, showcasing the dual-threat ability that made him one of the most intriguing quarterbacks in the 2022 class. His performance during the Blue-Gold Game will be critical in determining whether he can reclaim the starting job or whether Hartman’s experience will prove too valuable to overlook.

The development of Steve Angeli, a promising young quarterback who has spent time learning behind Hartman and Buchner, will also be something to keep an eye on. Although Angeli isn’t likely to start this season, his growth could be crucial in providing depth at the position moving forward. Fans can expect to see a competitive atmosphere at the Blue-Gold Game, where each quarterback will have the opportunity to showcase their skills and leadership abilities.

How has the offensive line been shaping up this spring?

The offensive line is always a point of emphasis at Notre Dame, and 2025 is no exception. The Irish have long been known for their dominance in the trenches, and this spring, they’ve been working tirelessly to ensure that tradition continues. The loss of a few key players from last year’s line has opened up opportunities for younger guys to step up, and several players have made a strong case for playing time.

Blake Fisher and Joe Alt, two highly regarded offensive tackles, are expected to anchor the line in 2025. Fisher, who started last season, has shown significant improvement throughout the spring, and his combination of size and athleticism makes him one of the most intriguing offensive linemen in the country. Alt, on the other hand, is viewed as one of the top prospects in the nation and could very well be a first-round NFL Draft pick when his time comes. Together, they provide the Irish with a formidable duo on the edge.

Inside, the competition has been fierce as Notre Dame seeks to fill the void left by the departure of center Jarrett Patterson and guard Andrew Kristofic. Players like Zeke Correll and Rocco Spindler have been battling for starting spots, with Correll appearing to be the front-runner at center. It will be interesting to see how the line comes together for the Blue-Gold Game and whether the younger players can prove they are ready to compete at the highest level.

What positions should fans keep an eye on during the Blue-Gold Game?

While the quarterback and offensive line positions will undoubtedly be a focal point, there are several other areas of the team that fans should pay attention to during the Blue-Gold Game. On defense, the defensive line is a unit that is looking to take a step forward this season. Notre Dame’s defense was solid last year, but Freeman and his staff are hoping to add more pass rush and disrupt opposing offenses more effectively.

The defensive line will feature players like Isaiah Foskey, who has the potential to become a dominant edge rusher, and a host of talented younger players like Javontae Jean-Baptiste, a transfer from Ohio State. It will be interesting to see how these players perform in the spring game and whether they can bring the necessary energy and consistency to the front line.

The linebacker corps is another area to watch closely. The Irish are returning standout linebacker JD Bertrand, who has been a steady presence in the middle, but there are also opportunities for younger players to make their mark. Players like Prince Kollie and Marist Liufau will be key to the success of this unit, and their development this spring has been closely monitored. If they can step up and complement Bertrand, the Irish defense will be much stronger heading into the 2025 season.

Which players are emerging as potential stars in 2025?

One of the most exciting aspects of spring practice is the emergence of new stars. While established players like Hartman and Alt have drawn significant attention, there are several under-the-radar players who have impressed throughout the spring and could make a huge impact in 2025.

One such player is wide receiver Tobias Merriweather. The sophomore wideout has turned heads with his ability to stretch the field and make contested catches. His size, speed, and route-running ability make him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses, and it’s clear that he’s building a strong connection with Hartman. Merriweather’s progress this spring has led many to believe that he could be in for a breakout season in 2025.

Another player who is gaining traction is running back Audric Estime. After a solid freshman campaign, Estime has shown even more explosiveness and vision this spring. His ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact has been evident, and he could become a focal point of the offense in 2025.

On defense, cornerback Benjamin Morrison has continued to shine as one of the top cover corners in the country. His ability to shut down wide receivers and make plays on the ball has been impressive, and he could be poised for a huge season. In addition, safety DJ Brown, who has been a steady contributor for the Irish, has continued to develop his leadership skills and has been a key vocal presence in the secondary.

How important is the Blue-Gold Game for the team’s progress?

The Blue-Gold Game serves as a key benchmark for the program’s progress during the spring. While it may not have the same weight as a regular-season game, it provides valuable insight into the team’s readiness for the season ahead. For the players, it’s a chance to showcase their skills in front of a crowd and potentially solidify their spot on the depth chart. For the coaches, it’s an opportunity to evaluate the players in a game-like setting and assess how well they’ve grasped the offensive and defensive schemes.

The Blue-Gold Game also offers a chance to build team morale and unity. With so much competition within the program, this game allows the players to come together as a cohesive unit and experience the thrill of game-day atmosphere. It serves as a reminder of the ultimate goal: competing for a national championship.

What’s next after the Blue-Gold Game?

After the Blue-Gold Game, Notre Dame will shift its focus to summer workouts and preparations for the 2025 season. The next several months will be crucial for the team to build on the progress made during spring practice and develop a clear plan for the fall. With a challenging schedule ahead, including games against several top-tier opponents, the Irish will need to continue refining their game plan and ensuring they’re ready for the competition that awaits.

In the meantime, recruits will be closely monitoring the Blue-Gold Game, and the buzz surrounding Notre Dame football will only continue to grow. The performance of the team in this game will be a key talking point in recruiting circles, as potential future players look to see how the Irish stack up against some of the best programs in the country.

As the Blue-Gold Game approaches, there’s a palpable excitement surrounding Notre Dame football. The team has a lot to prove in 2025, and the spring practices have laid the groundwork for what could be a very successful season. Fans have a lot to look forward to, whether it’s the quarterback battle, the emergence of new stars, or the development of key position groups. One thing is clear: Notre Dame is ready to challenge itself and push the limits of what’s possible in the upcoming season. The Blue-Gold Game will serve as a crucial step in that journey, and it’s sure to provide plenty of excitement as the Irish take another step toward greatness.