Following spring practice, Notre Dame football is unable to provide definitive answers to the most pressing questions.

The spring football season at Notre Dame, while typically a time for optimism and growth, has left many lingering questions in the air. For fans and analysts alike, this spring’s practices were meant to offer clarity on some of the most pressing questions facing the Fighting Irish, but unfortunately, clarity has been elusive. Despite the arrival of new talent, a fresh outlook from head coach Marcus Freeman, and a deep sense of expectation, it’s clear that many aspects of the team remain in flux.

As the team heads into summer training camp, there are several areas where the answers just weren’t forthcoming this spring. While some positions are relatively settled, many others remain up in the air, leaving questions about the team’s direction as it prepares for the 2025 season. Let’s dive deeper into some of the key issues that remained unresolved after Notre Dame’s spring practice.

Perhaps the most significant question on everyone’s mind heading into spring practice was the quarterback battle. The quarterback position is always a focal point of any football team, but for Notre Dame, it’s especially crucial given the departure of previous starter Sam Hartman and the need to establish a long-term leader under center.

The spring practices didn’t offer a definitive answer. While there were flashes of brilliance from several candidates, no one emerged as a clear-cut starter. Quarterbacks such as sophomore Steve Angeli and incoming transfer Tyler Buchner were expected to showcase their skills and assert themselves, but the competition remained tight throughout the spring. Freeman was careful not to make any premature decisions, preferring to let the competition play out through summer and into fall camp.

Angeli, known for his strong arm and poise, showed flashes of potential, but he also exhibited inconsistencies that left coaches and fans wondering if he’s truly ready to take on the starting role. Buchner, a transfer with experience at other programs, demonstrated leadership and some sharp decision-making, but questions about his accuracy and comfort within the system lingered.

The lack of a clear winner from spring practice leaves the Fighting Irish in a somewhat precarious position heading into the 2025 season. Though Freeman has expressed confidence that the competition will sort itself out, Notre Dame cannot afford to enter the season without a solidified starter. The pressure is now on to see which player can rise to the occasion and claim the job in the coming months.

Another major question facing the Notre Dame offense is the wide receiver corps. Last year, the team struggled to consistently generate big plays in the passing game, and while they possess talented players, there is still uncertainty about who will step up and become a true go-to target for the next quarterback.

The spring practices did little to settle this issue. The team has a few promising wide receivers, but no one emerged as the definitive No. 1 option. Lorenzo Styles Jr., a returning player with plenty of upside, had some strong performances in practice, but he too was inconsistent. True freshman Jaden Greathouse has shown flashes of brilliance, but it remains to be seen if he can adjust to the speed and physicality of college football quickly enough to make an immediate impact.

Part of the difficulty in evaluating the wide receiver group is the lack of a consistent passer to work with. Until the quarterback position is solidified, it’s hard to gauge how well the receivers will perform on a week-to-week basis. The spring practices, therefore, didn’t answer the critical question of who will step up and become a dominant force in the passing game. Notre Dame’s ability to generate explosive plays from the wide receiver position will be crucial to its success in 2025, and it’s hard to see how they’ll get there without a standout option emerging from this group.

While the offensive line is arguably one of Notre Dame’s strongest units, the spring practices didn’t resolve all the questions surrounding this group either. The Fighting Irish have consistently boasted one of the best offensive lines in college football, but with some key departures and injuries to navigate, there are still uncertainties about how the unit will gel heading into the fall.

The spring practices saw the return of several established starters, including Blake Fisher and Joe Alt, both of whom are expected to be top NFL prospects. However, the question surrounding depth remains. Injuries and the departure of a few key reserves created an opportunity for younger players to step up, but it’s unclear how well these new faces will be able to contribute when the competition ramps up in the fall.

One of the most pressing questions heading into the season is whether the offensive line will be able to maintain its dominance as a unit while incorporating younger players into the mix. Offensive line coach Harry Hiestand has a proven track record, and there’s confidence that the group will develop over the summer, but the spring did not provide a definitive answer regarding depth and overall consistency.

On the other side of the ball, the defensive line remains a significant point of concern. The Fighting Irish lost some key players from their defensive line, including standout defensive end Isaiah Foskey, who was a disruptive force throughout his career at Notre Dame. The spring practices were intended to give clarity on how well the team would replace these key pieces, but once again, there was no clear resolution.

Junior defensive lineman Rylie Mills is expected to take on a larger role in the absence of Foskey, but it’s unclear whether he can fully replicate the production of his predecessor. While Mills has shown promise in his limited opportunities, he’s yet to prove he can be a consistent force at the next level. Other players such as Howard Cross and Jacob Lacey are expected to contribute, but the lack of a clear superstar at the position is concerning.

The defensive line is often one of the most critical components of a successful defense, and without a clear leader or game-changer, Notre Dame’s ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks and stop the run could be in jeopardy. The spring practices didn’t answer the question of how this group will perform in the fall, and there’s a lot of work to be done in the coming months to ensure they’re ready.

Linebacker: Who Will Step Up?

The linebacker position, typically a strength for Notre Dame, also raised several questions this spring. While the Irish have several solid players at linebacker, no one player emerged as the dominant leader of the unit. Junior Jack Kiser and senior Marist Liufau both have experience, but they were unable to separate themselves from the pack during spring practices. The team is also looking for some younger players to step up, but this remains a work in progress.

One of the biggest questions facing the linebacker group is whether they will be able to cover for the defensive line’s potential shortcomings. With questions on the defensive line, the linebacker group will need to play at a high level to compensate. However, without a true star or a proven playmaker emerging from the group, the team remains unsure of its overall ability to lead the defense.

The secondary showed promise during spring practices, but much like the offensive line, the team didn’t have enough consistency to answer all questions. Players such as Benjamin Morrison and Jaden Mickey are expected to step into prominent roles, but spring practices highlighted that there are still issues with consistency and communication in the defensive backfield.

The loss of a key player like Brandon Joseph, who provided leadership and playmaking ability last season, looms large. While Morrison has the potential to develop into one of the top cornerbacks in the nation, the rest of the secondary is still trying to find its identity. Safety play, in particular, remains a question mark.

As the spring practice period comes to a close, Notre Dame football finds itself in a familiar yet frustrating position. Many of the questions facing the team—quarterback, wide receiver, defensive line, and linebacker—remain unresolved, and it’s unclear when (or if) the team will get the answers it so desperately needs.

While optimism remains high, and there are certainly talented players throughout the roster, the 2025 season will be a test of whether Marcus Freeman’s coaching staff can quickly address these issues. As the Fighting Irish look toward the fall, there’s a sense that this will be a year of growth and adaptation. The answers to the most pressing questions may not come in the immediate future, but the hope is that Notre Dame can find its footing before the season opener.

For now, fans and analysts alike will continue to wonder: which players will step up, and how will this team look when the season kicks off? Only time will tell.