The 2025 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team is gearing up for a promising season under head coach Marcus Freeman, who enters his third year at the helm of one of the most storied programs in college football history. The spring practice sessions on April 8-9 provided an early glimpse into what could be a critical year for Notre Dame, both in terms of personnel and overall team chemistry. As the team looks to bounce back after a tough 2024 season and continue its evolution under Freeman, there were a number of storylines that emerged during these early practices.
Introduction to Spring Practice:
Spring football is always an exciting time for fans, coaches, and players alike. It’s an opportunity to refine skills, implement new strategies, and evaluate the depth chart in preparation for the upcoming fall season. For Notre Dame, spring practices are particularly important, as they provide a chance to develop the team’s identity following the departure of key veterans and some shifting personnel on both sides of the ball.
In this two-day stretch, April 8-9, the Notre Dame football team focused on a variety of areas, from installing new plays to working on individual technique. The spring practices provided valuable insight into the direction Freeman and his coaching staff are taking the program. Here’s a breakdown of the key moments, players, and storylines that unfolded during the practices.Day 1 – April 8, 2025: Early Impressions and Position Battles
Morning Session: Focus on Fundamentals and Technique
The first day of spring practice was primarily focused on building a foundation. Marcus Freeman emphasized the importance of refining the basics — tackling, blocking, and overall technique — before diving into the more complex elements of the game plan. The coaches worked with the players on both individual drills and group activities, ensuring that everyone was on the same page and that fundamentals were at the forefront.
Quarterback Situation: Tyler Buchner’s Return & Sophomore Push
One of the most highly anticipated storylines going into spring practice was the battle at quarterback. With Tyler Buchner returning after an injury-riddled 2024 campaign, the competition for the starting job was on. Buchner, who showed flashes of brilliance as a freshman in 2023, was back on the field for the first time in nearly a year. His recovery from shoulder surgery has been a focal point of the offseason, and on the first day of spring practice, he appeared to be in good form.
Buchner showcased his strong arm, throwing crisp passes to the wide receivers. However, there was a noticeable lack of chemistry with some of the younger wideouts, which is to be expected after such a long layoff. Freeman’s staff worked to integrate him with the offense, putting him through various read-option drills and fast-paced passing sequences.
Behind Buchner, sophomore quarterback Steve Angeli was looking to make a strong impression. Angeli had limited playing time in 2024 but impressed coaches during fall camp. During Day 1, Angeli showed poise in the pocket and displayed an ability to read defenses. While Buchner was the clear first-team quarterback, Angeli’s performance suggested that Freeman has a solid backup plan should Buchner struggle or be unable to stay healthy.
Wide Receiver Group: A Young Corps with Potential
Another area of interest was the wide receiver group. With several key players from the 2024 season having moved on to the NFL or graduated, the Irish were in search of new playmakers on the outside. The wide receiver room was filled with young talent, including sophomore Tobias Merriweather, who looked poised for a breakout season after flashing his potential during the tail end of the previous year.
Merriweather was seen getting significant reps with the first-team offense, and his chemistry with Buchner was something that both coaches and fans were paying close attention to. Additionally, freshman Braylon James, one of the top recruits in Notre Dame’s 2025 class, was already showing promise. Despite being a first-year player, James was impressing with his ability to separate from defenders and run sharp routes.
Other players like Jaden Greathouse and Deion Colzie were also vying for spots in the rotation. Freeman’s staff seemed eager to test the limits of these players and determine who could emerge as consistent options for the offense in 2025.
Offensive Line: Rebuilding the Trenches
The offensive line was another area of focus for the Irish on Day 1. With a few key veterans graduating, the coaching staff was tasked with retooling the line. The team appeared to have a deep pool of talent at the position, including standout left tackle Joe Alt, who is regarded as one of the best in the country. Alt’s leadership and skill set will be critical in establishing a solid foundation on the offensive line, especially given the need for better protection around the quarterback.
Freshman offensive lineman, Luke Thomas, was also turning heads on Day 1. Although he’s not expected to start right away, Thomas showcased his size and strength in one-on-one drills, and his technique impressed the coaching staff. The line, while still a work in progress, seemed to have solid depth across the board, with players like Billy Schrauth, Rocco Spindler, and Andrew Kristofic all competing for spots.
Defensive Line: Reloading After a Strong 2024 Season
On the other side of the ball, the defensive line was looking to maintain the standard of excellence set in 2024, which included the departure of standout players like defensive tackle Jayson Ademilola. However, the 2025 defensive line group was full of talent, led by captain and edge rusher, Jordan Botelho.
Botelho was a dominant force during Day 1, consistently beating offensive linemen in pass-rushing drills and showcasing his ability to disrupt the pocket. Beside him, sophomore defensive tackle, Donovan Hinish, was taking on a larger role this spring. Hinish’s quickness and ability to collapse the pocket were noted by the coaching staff, who seemed particularly pleased with his growth.
Linebackers: Leadership and Depth
At linebacker, the Irish were dealing with the departure of several key contributors, but there was an influx of new talent ready to step up. Junior Marist Liufau, who played a significant role in 2024, was back and showing his typical range and physicality. Liufau’s leadership was evident as he helped direct younger players on the field during drills.
Newcomer Junior Kelly, a top recruit, was also turning heads with his instinctive play. Kelly’s natural athleticism made him a candidate to contribute immediately, and he was seen rotating in with both the first and second-team defenses. The linebacker unit, though not as experienced as it had been in years past, showed strong promise with a blend of veterans and rising stars.
Day 2 – April 9, 2025: Scrimmage and Competition Heat Up
Morning Session: Full-Field Scrimmage and Situational Drills
Day 2 of spring practice took on a more competitive tone as the players geared up for a full-field scrimmage. This was an opportunity for the team to simulate real-game conditions, and the intensity ramped up accordingly. Players were put through situational drills, such as two-minute drills and red-zone situations, which allowed the coaches to see how the team performed under pressure.
Tyler Buchner: Stepping Up in the Scrimmage
During the scrimmage, Tyler Buchner took full advantage of his reps with the first-team offense. While his arm strength was never in question, his decision-making looked sharper compared to the previous day. He connected on a few deep throws to Tobias Merriweather, including a perfectly placed ball down the sideline that was a sign of the chemistry the two had been developing.
Buchner’s ability to use his legs and extend plays was also evident, as he scrambled for several key first downs. His mobility will be an asset as he looks to lead Notre Dame’s offense in 2025, and he appeared to be gaining confidence with each passing rep.
Steve Angeli: Competing for the Job
While Buchner took most of the first-team snaps, Steve Angeli continued to show promise. Angeli led a few solid drives with the second team, demonstrating poise in the pocket and showing his ability to make accurate throws under pressure. Angeli’s performance, particularly in the two-minute drill, was encouraging for the Irish, as it indicated that the program has a reliable backup option if needed.
Defensive Resurgence: New Stars Emerge
Defensively, Day 2 of practice saw the emergence of some new stars. Junior defensive back Xavier Watts was all over the field, breaking up passes and showing his ability to cover both the run and pass effectively. His versatility makes him an integral part of the secondary as the team looks to replace key departures in the defensive backfield.
On the defensive line, Jordan Botelho continued his dominance, forcing multiple pressures and sacks during the scrimmage. He was a consistent disruptor, and his ability to generate heat on the quarterback will be critical for Notre Dame’s success in 2025.
In the linebacker corps, Junior Kelly continued to impress, and his physicality in the scrimmage was evident. He displayed excellent tackling ability and seemed to have a knack for being in the right place at the right time.
