As the Notre Dame Fighting Irish prepare for their annual Blue-Gold Game, fans and analysts alike eagerly anticipate seeing how the team’s roster shakes out for the upcoming season. This scrimmage is a unique opportunity to preview the depth, talent, and growth of each position as new faces compete for starting spots and returning players showcase their progress. With expectations high and a roster brimming with potential, the Blue-Gold Game serves as an important event in setting the tone for the fall season. In this position-by-position analysis, we’ll take a closer look at the key battles, emerging stars, and areas of strength and improvement that will be on display.
Quarterback: The Future is Now
The quarterback position is always one of the most closely scrutinized positions on the field, and this year, Notre Dame has a highly anticipated battle for the starting role. The Blue-Gold Game offers a valuable opportunity to see who will rise to the occasion.
Tyler Buchner, the incumbent quarterback from the 2022 season, is looking to reclaim his spot after suffering an injury last season. Buchner has shown flashes of brilliance with his dual-threat ability and ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground. His arm strength, mobility, and poise in big moments make him a dangerous weapon, but consistency has been an area he’s worked on in the offseason. Fans will be looking to see if he can recapture his pre-injury form and lead the offense effectively.
Sam Hartman, the transfer from Wake Forest, has quickly become one of the most talked-about players on the roster. Hartman has over 12,000 passing yards in his college career and is known for his exceptional decision-making and leadership. A highly accurate passer, Hartman’s presence adds an air of stability to the quarterback room, and he brings a wealth of experience that will serve him well in a high-pressure environment like Notre Dame. His ability to make quick decisions and manage the tempo of the offense will be closely watched in the Blue-Gold Game.
Finally, Dante Moore, the incoming freshman, could also be one to watch. While it is unlikely that Moore will win the starting role immediately, he represents the future of the program, and the Blue-Gold Game will offer a glimpse into his readiness for collegiate competition. As a highly touted recruit, Moore’s poise and maturity will be tested as he competes with older quarterbacks for valuable playing time.
Analysis: The quarterback competition will undoubtedly be one of the most talked-about storylines of the Blue-Gold Game. Buchner’s mobility, Hartman’s experience, and Moore’s potential all provide compelling reasons to watch this position closely. Expect the competition to intensify throughout the spring and summer, with the Blue-Gold Game serving as an important checkpoint in determining who will lead the offense in the fall.
Running Back: A Balanced Stable of Talent
Notre Dame’s running back room is one of the most talented and deep in the country. With several capable backs competing for playing time, the Blue-Gold Game will provide a chance to see how the running back committee will take shape.
Audric Estime, who emerged as the team’s primary back last season, will be the focal point of the running game. Known for his bruising style and excellent vision, Estime is a downhill runner who can wear down opposing defenses. His combination of size and speed makes him a threat to break big runs, and he has worked on improving his pass-catching ability out of the backfield. Estime’s ability to find the end zone will be critical for Notre Dame’s offensive success in the upcoming season, and the Blue-Gold Game will be a chance for him to prove he is ready to carry the load once again.
Logan Diggs, who has shown flashes of brilliance over his career, will also be vying for a key role. Diggs is a more elusive back compared to Estime, known for his ability to make defenders miss in the open field. His speed and agility make him a perfect complement to Estime’s power-running style, and fans will be watching to see how he develops as a dual-threat back capable of contributing both as a rusher and in the passing game.
Another player to watch is Chris Tyree, who has long been one of Notre Dame’s most electrifying players. Known for his speed and big-play potential, Tyree’s role in the offense could expand as a change-of-pace back or even in a hybrid role. With his ability to break off long runs, Tyree is a game-changer who can turn any play into a touchdown.
Analysis: With a deep and talented running back group, the competition for playing time will be fierce. Estime’s power, Diggs’ agility, and Tyree’s speed will all bring something different to the table. The Blue-Gold Game will provide an opportunity to see how the running back rotation will evolve and how the staff plans to use each back in different situations. This position will likely be one of Notre Dame’s greatest strengths heading into the season.
Wide Receiver: Youth and Experience
The wide receiver position is one that has seen some turnover, with several key players moving on to the next level. However, the Blue-Gold Game presents an opportunity for both returning players and newcomers to establish themselves as key contributors in the passing game.
Jaden Thomas returns as one of the team’s most reliable targets. Known for his ability to create separation and make tough catches, Thomas is expected to be a major focal point of the passing game. His size and physicality allow him to excel in contested situations, and his ability to stretch the field will make him a key weapon in both short and deep routes.
Tobias Merriweather, a former highly-touted recruit, is poised to break out this season. A big-bodied wide receiver with excellent speed, Merriweather has the potential to become Notre Dame’s top receiving threat. His ability to win one-on-one battles with defenders and stretch the field vertically makes him a matchup nightmare, and the Blue-Gold Game will be a prime opportunity for him to showcase his skills.
Rico Flores, another highly regarded freshman, will also be one to watch. As a polished route runner with excellent hands, Flores has the potential to contribute early in his career. His ability to read defenses and run crisp routes could make him an immediate contributor in the slot.
Analysis: The wide receiver position is in a state of transition, but with players like Thomas, Merriweather, and Flores, there is significant potential for growth. The Blue-Gold Game will give fans a first look at how the team’s receiving corps will take shape in the fall and how new quarterbacks like Sam Hartman will develop chemistry with these pass-catchers.
Offensive Line: Protecting the Quarterback
The offensive line has been a hallmark of Notre Dame’s success in recent years, and the Blue-Gold Game will offer a chance to see how this unit is shaping up for the upcoming season. With several experienced players returning and new faces entering the mix, the offensive line will be one of the key position groups to watch.
Joe Alt, a consensus All-American candidate, is one of the best offensive tackles in the country and will anchor the line. Alt’s strength and technique make him a dominant force on the edge, and his leadership will be critical in maintaining the line’s cohesion.
Zeke Correll, the starting center, will be crucial in directing the line and ensuring the protection of the quarterbacks. Correll’s experience and ability to handle defensive line stunts and blitzes will be vital as he works with a relatively young group of players around him.
The competition at guard and tackle spots will be one of the most intense during the Blue-Gold Game. With several talented players vying for starting roles, including Blake Fisher and Pat Coogan, there is plenty of intrigue surrounding how this group will develop.
Analysis: The offensive line will play a critical role in Notre Dame’s success this season, particularly in the run game. The Blue-Gold Game will showcase how well this unit has gelled over the offseason and how quickly the young players can adapt to the demands of starting for the Fighting Irish.
Defensive Line: A Force in the Trenches
Notre Dame has consistently fielded one of the best defensive lines in college football, and this year is no different. With several key returners and young players with great potential, the defensive line will be a position group to keep an eye on.
Isaiah Foskey, now in the NFL, leaves big shoes to fill, but Jayson Ademilola and Rylie Mills are poised to lead the charge. Ademilola, a relentless pass rusher, and Mills, who combines strength with a quick first step, will be crucial in creating pressure on the opposing quarterback.
Young players like Jordan Botelho and NaNa Osafo-Mensah will also play key roles, adding depth and speed to the edge. The Blue-Gold Game will highlight how these players have developed in the offseason and how the defensive line is able to generate pressure.
Analysis: The defensive line is one of the strengths of Notre Dame’s defense. The competition for starting spots will be fierce, and the Blue-Gold Game will offer a glimpse into how the defensive front is shaping up for the season.
Linebackers: Playmakers in the Middle
The linebacker corps is another position group with a mix of experience and emerging talent. JD Bertrand, the veteran leader of the group, will be crucial in maintaining the defense’s discipline and communication on the field. He is known for his hard-hitting style and ability to read the game, making him a critical asset in both run support and pass coverage.
Jack Kiser, another experienced linebacker, will likely be a key player, known for his versatility and ability to move sideline to sideline. Freshman Drake Bowen could also make a significant impact, showcasing his athleticism and playmaking ability in the Blue-Gold Game.
Analysis: The linebackers will be key in controlling the middle of the field. The Blue-Gold Game will be an opportunity to see how this group meshes and how new talent integrates with experienced players.
