Notre Dame Football Opens Fall Camp With Renewed Urgency and Expectations After Long Offseason Without On-Field Action or Answers
Because there hasn’t been anything from the actual football field to analyze for months, Notre Dame starting fall camp Thursday was a huge moment. Not necessarily because of the drills themselves—helmets and shells don’t lend themselves to intense takeaways—but because it signaled a shift from speculation to substance. For months, discussions around Notre Dame football have been hypothetical. How will they replace Riley Leonard? Who steps up at offensive tackle? Can the defense repeat or even improve on last season’s success? Now, finally, there are reps to watch, players to evaluate, and real football to discuss.
The opening practice of fall camp doesn’t reveal everything, but it sets a tone. And for Marcus Freeman’s third full season as head coach, that tone is one of urgency. Notre Dame isn’t in a transitional phase anymore. It’s a team built to contend in a new-look college football landscape, complete with an expanded playoff and a renewed standard of accountability. The stakes are high in South Bend, and Freeman made it clear with how the Irish approached Day 1—focused, fast-paced, and intentional.
You could feel it even in warm-ups. There was energy in the air, a level of intensity that hinted this isn’t just about getting back into shape or reacclimating to structure. These players arrived prepared. Strength coach Matt Balis’s fingerprints are all over this roster’s physical readiness. From top to bottom, the team looked dialed in physically, and that’s important when you’re trying to sort through a host of position battles and identify leaders.
Quarterback play, of course, was the center of attention. Riley Leonard’s departure to the NFL left the Irish in familiar territory—once again searching for stability at the game’s most important position. Kenny Minchey, Steve Angeli, and freshman CJ Carr split the bulk of the reps on Thursday, and while there were no pads and limited pressure, a few themes began to emerge.
Minchey looked the most consistent mechanically. He operated with good pace, delivered on-time throws in short-yardage situations, and showed poise during tempo drills. Angeli was aggressive, attempting more downfield throws, though with mixed results. Carr, still adjusting to the college game, had some typical freshman misreads but also flashed a live arm and the kind of confidence that signals future stardom. None of the three created separation, but that’s to be expected in the first few days. Still, it’s clear the staff is approaching this competition seriously, rotating reps evenly and evaluating everything from communication in the huddle to off-field demeanor.
Running back is one of the few positions on this team that feels more settled, though even there, rotations remain fluid. Jadarian Price, Jeremiyah Love, and Gi’Bran Payne all saw time with the first unit. Price looked particularly explosive, showing the same lateral quickness that made him a breakout candidate a season ago. Love brings home-run speed but still needs polish in pass protection. Payne looked solid in third-down drills and might be the most well-rounded of the group right now. While there’s no clear “bell cow,” Notre Dame doesn’t need one. A committee approach can work when each back brings a different skill set, and that appears to be the strategy.
On the outside, Notre Dame’s wide receiver corps remains a puzzle, albeit one with exciting pieces. Tobias Merriweather looked like a player ready to take a leap. His footwork was sharper, his breaks crisper, and his confidence noticeably higher. Jaden Greathouse continues to build on his strong freshman campaign, and Jordan Faison looks like a slot option the staff will find ways to involve creatively. Micah Gilbert, a true freshman, stood out physically—he looks the part—and his route-running already shows polish beyond his years. The talent is there; the key will be finding consistency and defining roles.
Perhaps the biggest concern—and most intriguing area to watch over the next several weeks—is the offensive line. Notre Dame lost two NFL tackles in Joe Alt and Blake Fisher, and their absence was palpable even in a no-contact setting. Charles Jagusah stepped in at left tackle and looks the part physically, but footwork and hand placement will be under the microscope once the pads come on. Aamil Wagner and Tosh Baker rotated at right tackle, and both showed flashes but didn’t dominate. Inside, Billy Schrauth and Pat Coogan are holding down the guard spots, with Ashton Craig getting the first-team reps at center. This group has potential, but they’ll need to gel quickly if Notre Dame wants to start fast.
Defensively, there’s a lot to like—and plenty still to learn. Linebacker is perhaps the most intriguing group on that side of the ball. Drayk Bowen looked active and instinctive, stepping confidently into a leadership role vacated by JD Bertrand. Jaylen Sneed showed his usual range and burst, while freshman Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa was impressive for someone just beginning his college journey. He anticipates well and doesn’t look overwhelmed by the speed of the game. These three could form the core of a very athletic linebacker unit, provided they stay healthy and continue to develop in coverage responsibilities.
The defensive line, though not tested in contact drills, still managed to draw attention. Howard Cross remains a steady force in the interior, setting the tone with his motor and leverage. Rylie Mills worked on both the edge and inside, showing the kind of versatility that defensive coordinator Al Golden can exploit in different fronts. Boubacar Traore and Junior Tuihalamaka both flashed during individual drills, and there’s optimism that this group will improve its pass-rush production, which was inconsistent last year.
In the secondary, it’s Benjamin Morrison’s world, and everyone else is trying to match his level. Morrison’s technique, instincts, and leadership stand out even in walkthrough pace. Opposite him, the competition between Jaden Mickey and Christian Gray remains fierce. Mickey had more reps with the ones, but Gray looks more physically imposing. At safety, Xavier Watts is the anchor, and the other spot remains wide open. Antonio Carter, Ramon Henderson, and Ivan Taylor are all in the mix, with Taylor standing out as a potential riser. He’s young, but his football IQ and range are already apparent.
Special teams reps were limited, but the kicker battle between Will Reichard and Owen McGinty is worth monitoring. Reichard has the experience and the steadiness, but McGinty’s leg strength is undeniable. Punting looked solid, and the returner rotation featured Greathouse, Faison, and Price. Faison might have the early edge, given his decisiveness and secure hands.
As for the coaches, their presence was felt. Marcus Freeman was animated but composed, bouncing between position groups and frequently checking in with young players. Offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock kept things moving quickly, emphasizing alignment, timing, and tempo. He seems determined to make the offense more efficient and less predictable. Al Golden, meanwhile, continues to run a tight ship on defense, preaching communication and situational awareness. The staff, top to bottom, looked aligned in purpose and clear in instruction.
It’s worth noting the overall vibe. There was no sense of easing into camp. Players knew where they were supposed to be, coaches moved with urgency, and the organizational structure felt tight. That matters. Fall camp isn’t just about physical preparation—it’s about mental sharpness and building habits that carry through to the season. This first practice reflected a program aware of the opportunity and pressure ahead.
It’s still early. One practice in shells can’t tell the full story. The real insights will come as the days go on, pads come on, and scrimmage situations emerge. But this first step was meaningful, not just because it marked the return of on-field action, but because it provided a glimpse into the priorities, mindset, and structure of this 2025 Notre Dame team. For months, the conversation has been filled with “if” and “maybe.” Now, we’re finally seeing things take shape.
Notre Dame has talent, depth, and a favorable schedule. What it doesn’t have—yet—is clarity at some of the most important positions. That will come in time, but the clock is ticking. The Irish don’t need to be ready today, but they do need to be ready by Week 1. Day 1 was just the beginning, but it was a reminder that football is back, the questions are real, and the answers are finally within reach.
