Notre Dame Shows Grit, Growth, and Glaring Questions in First Fall Camp Scrimmage as 2025 Season Expectations Continue to Build
We all saw Notre Dame football back on the field on Thursday, and after sleeping on what transpired, there’s plenty to unpack—both in terms of immediate impressions and long-term implications. The Fighting Irish are entering a pivotal season under Marcus Freeman, one that could define the trajectory of his tenure in South Bend. The atmosphere felt like the start of something serious, even if it was “just” a scrimmage. Football is back, and Notre Dame is very much in the thick of it.
The first thing that stood out watching Thursday’s session was tempo. Not just offensive tempo, though that had its moments, but the overall speed and intensity with which the team operated. There was a sense of urgency, not just from the players but from the coaches, the trainers, and even the support staff. Everyone understands what’s at stake. This is not a developmental year. This is a year where College Football Playoff contention is not only expected but demanded.
On offense, quarterback play is where most eyes were focused. Riley Leonard, the Duke transfer and presumptive starter, took the majority of first-team reps. He looked sharp in short-to-intermediate throws, commanding the huddle and operating with confidence. Leonard isn’t flashy, but he’s efficient, and more importantly, he’s a leader. What was particularly encouraging was his ability to move in the pocket. Even when pressure came, he never looked rattled, and that’s exactly the kind of poise Notre Dame needs at quarterback after years of inconsistent play at the position.
Leonard’s connection with wide receiver Tobias Merriweather is developing nicely. Merriweather had a few standout catches and seems to be coming into his own as a potential WR1. The big question entering this season has been whether Notre Dame would finally have the kind of explosive playmakers on the outside that separate true contenders from the rest. While it’s still early, Merriweather showed flashes of being that guy. Jaden Greathouse also had a productive day, showcasing strong hands and precise route-running. That duo could provide a balanced attack if they continue trending upward.
The running back room remains loaded. Audric Estime may be gone, but the committee of Jadarian Price, Jeremiyah Love, and Gi’Bran Payne offers a mix of speed, power, and vision. Price had one of the highlights of the day with a long touchdown run that displayed his elite burst. Love showed good balance through contact, while Payne worked well as a third-down back. If the offensive line can gel—more on them in a moment—this backfield can carry Notre Dame through stretches where the passing game stalls.
As for the offensive line, it’s very much a work in progress. There’s talent, as always, but Thursday revealed some communication breakdowns in blitz pickup and inconsistency in the interior. Joe Alt and Blake Fisher are both in the NFL now, and their absence is felt. The left side was particularly shaky, with several pressures allowed during team periods. That said, the unit has time to mesh. Line coach Joe Rudolph has a reputation for development, and the physical tools are there. The concern is whether they can come together quickly enough to handle early-season challenges.
Defensively, the energy was palpable. Al Golden’s unit was fast, physical, and flying to the ball. Linebacker play stood out the most. JD Bertrand may be gone, but Drayk Bowen looks like the next man up. He was everywhere—sniffing out screens, blowing up run plays, and even dropping into coverage with confidence. His performance might have been the biggest individual takeaway of the day. He’s not just a piece—he might be a foundational part of the defense.
The secondary, as expected, was aggressive. Benjamin Morrison continues to look like an All-American caliber corner. His anticipation and footwork are elite, and he made life difficult for receivers all afternoon. Xavier Watts, now a veteran leader at safety, anchored the backend and looked every bit the future NFL player many project him to be. The concern here is depth. The first unit is solid, maybe even elite, but behind them are some question marks, particularly at the other corner spot opposite Morrison. Cam Hart’s departure has left a void, and it’s unclear who’s ready to step into that role.
Up front, the defensive line showed flashes but didn’t dominate. Howard Cross remains a steady presence, and Rylie Mills had a few moments where he used his length and strength to collapse the pocket. But Notre Dame still lacks a true game-wrecker up front. That may not be a problem in every game, but against elite quarterbacks and offensive lines, it could prove costly. The Irish have to manufacture pressure at times, and that means creative blitzes, which can open up vulnerabilities if not executed perfectly.
Special teams looked solid, which shouldn’t be a surprise under Brian Mason’s replacement, Marty Biagi. The kicking competition is ongoing, but both kickers hit from 40+ with consistency. Punting was strong as well, with excellent hang time and directional control. Field position is often an afterthought until it’s not, and Notre Dame seems prepared in that department.
From a coaching standpoint, there was more cohesion than in previous years. Marcus Freeman looked comfortable and confident, moving from group to group with clarity in his message. One thing that was evident was how hands-on he remains, especially with the defense. He’s not just a CEO-type coach; he’s involved, which is a double-edged sword. It’s great for culture and accountability, but it also means the offensive side of the ball needs autonomy to truly flourish. That’s where new OC Mike Denbrock comes in.
Denbrock’s offense showed more motion and misdirection than what we’ve seen in recent years. There were some creative formations, and tempo was used in spurts to keep the defense off balance. It wasn’t perfect—there were a few pre-snap penalties and some busted plays—but the foundation is promising. The biggest change might be philosophical. Denbrock seems committed to attacking defenses vertically, something Notre Dame fans have been clamoring for. If Leonard and the receiving corps can deliver, this offense could be more dynamic than it’s been in a long time.
But for all the positives, Thursday wasn’t without concerns. The offensive line’s inconsistency is a legitimate worry. So is the depth in the secondary. And while Leonard looked good, it’s fair to ask what happens if he goes down. The backup quarterback situation is unsettled, and in a sport where injuries are inevitable, that’s a gamble.
There’s also the matter of mental toughness. Notre Dame has struggled in recent years to win close games against elite opponents. That’s not a talent issue—it’s a culture and execution issue. Thursday gave us a glimpse, but the real test will come when things go sideways in a hostile environment. Will this team respond differently than previous editions? That’s a question only time will answer.
Still, walking away from Thursday’s scrimmage, it’s hard not to feel cautiously optimistic. Notre Dame looks like a team with a plan, with leadership, and with enough talent at key positions to make real noise in 2025. But they’ll need to develop depth, shore up the offensive line, and find consistent pass rush from their front four if they want to go from “promising” to “contender.”
This was only one practice. But it was a telling one. The stars flashed. The newcomers showed why they were recruited. The coaching staff displayed cohesion and purpose. And most importantly, there was a sense that this program is no longer trying to find itself. It knows what it wants to be. Now it just has to become it.
There’s a long way to go, and plenty of hurdles to clear, but make no mistake—Notre Dame football is back, and this team has the look of one that could be playing meaningful games in December and possibly beyond.
