JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat | April 2, 2026

Notre Dame Football Live Chat | April 2, 2026

Eric Hansen

2:41

OK, looks like I've answered them all. Thanks for all the great questions. We'll be back to do it all over again next Thursday at noon ET!

2:37

OK last call for questions ....

2:36

Lots of tampering going on in not just WBB, but football, men's hoops and non-revenue sports like baseball. There is not a clear guardrail there. In the instance you asked about, it was a Big 12 school if I recall your question correctly.

2:35

It's common to see injured players during a practice riding a stationary bike or doing leg work by having a cord around their waste and them pulling weights, etc. As for when someone is truly back, again, no cookie-cutter predictor. Cooper Flanagan came back from an Achilles injury and played four snaps in 2025. Mitchell Evans came back from an ACL way ahead of schedule one year and yet didn't look himself until late in the season. Charles Jagusah in the two previous times back from injuries looked all-world. So hard to predict, but ND is very good at helping that process along. (more)

2:31

Grazie, Paul! Ricambio con grande affetto: With regard to injured players, Notre Dame really leans into sports science for their return-to-play models. And while there can be general timelines, Notre Dame makes these very specific, as it should be. No two ACL recoveries are the same, mentally or physically. And the timeline to shake off the rest varies from player to player as well. What I can tell you is Notre Dame does a great job these days of keeping these guys mentally engaged while doing things in their physical development that don't compromise their recoveries. (more)

Paul from Knoxville

2:25

Ciao Eric: Buona Pasqua in anticipo, e tanti auguri a la tua famiglia! I'd like to ask about the recovery and return of players who may not be able to practice until fall camp. Recognizing each injury and player is unique, is there a rule of thumb timeline for how long is typically needed to shake off the rust and get back into pre-injury form, and does this also vary by position? I'm wondering about Charles Jagusah or KVA for example, who will have been out for quite a while by Sep, the former in particular. I would think they need a certain level of practice and game experience before they are truly "back." Also, thank you for kindly answering my plethora of WBB questions last week. One follow-up: I was disappointed to learn about tampering. Without your naming names, if I were to suspect this was done on behalf of an SEC team, would I be hot or cold? Thanks for hosting the chat!

Eric Hansen

2:23

There list of candidates right now is pretty long and there's some overlap on both. We've even seen a couple of defensive players get a look, in cornerbacks Dallas Golden and Ayden Pouncey, and I wouldn't rule them out. There are also players who are injured who may get a look in August, such as Javian Osborne. But some of the others we've seen are Aneyas Williams, Nolan James Jr., Jonaz Walton, Bubba Frazier, Mylan Graham, Jordan Faison, Jaden Greathouse. In complete candor, we've seen those guys catch punts and kicks and run down the field, but not in a "Live" situation with full-speed blocking and tackling. If I had to pick favorites, I'd go with Faison on punts and Williams on kickoffs, but my wild cards are the two defensive players.

Mike, still soggy South Bend

2:13

Hi Eric, knowing the emphasis Freeman puts on special teams, will ND have another TD threat receiving kicks/punts this year? Harrison made things happen at exactly the right time in 2024, and Price made Purdue and USC pay (again!) in 2025. Who is taking one (or three) to the house in 2026?

Eric Hansen

2:13

Cassidy, I love that chat too, and in part because of questions like this. I think it starts with the mindset, that they're not just shouting leave no doubt when they break for the day, they're living it in how they ATTACK getting better. It's a team with great depth, a great QB continuity in coordinators and leadership and no obvious holes. But that mindset drives everything else. Staying healthy, especially at QB, is a big factor. I really like the potential of this team, but they've got to keep bringing it every day.

Guest

2:05

Cassidy, Grand Rapids MI. Or Niles MI. Eric I love the chat thanks for answering are questions. Here I go. Last year's team was special and had the feel if they wouldn't have gotten snubbed I really believe they would have taken it all. What makes this year's team special from what you've seen? Schedule really sets up nice, health is always a factor. From what you've seen sample wise do you think this team will leave no doubt?

Eric Hansen

2:05

And again, those things have to be authentic to you as a coach, If you put it on a keychain or a bumper sticker, it's very different from living those mantras and philosophies and applying them every day. Gee, I hope that makes sense. And if it did not, feel free to thoroughly violate the no drinking rule until it does make sense.

2:03

Marcus Freeman himself is constantly trying to learn from other coaching stuff on procedural things and on leadership methods that make him better at his own job. So I don't think he sees it as a competitive disadvantage to share who he is in those areas. I think it does him far more good with recruits and their parents than it might be as a setback to a competitor copying it. (more)

2:00

Hi Kevin, very thoughtful question. I hope I can match it with s similarly thoughtful answer. I think when it comes to certain X's and O's concepts, some secret sauce analytics and certainly the nuances of what you're trying to get done in practice, word salads are in order when you're speaking publicly. There is some proprietary properties to some of that in which you'd want to limit with whom you shared that. But some coaches will share that stuff. (more)

Kevin in Orlando

1:52

I just finished reading Coach Freeman's comments in response to various questions. My question for the Chat is, does posting Coach Freeman's philosophies, beliefs, and choices, etc. give other less thoughtful coaches an opportunity 'steal' his concepts. It seems to me that if i were a head football coach, I would want to take the time to see what one of the most successful coaches in the country is espousing to make his team even more successful. I recognize that it is not just what he says that makes a difference, but his ability to make things happen. But still, is he inadvertently helping at least, some other coaches, to up their game. As always, I like everyone else it seems, really appreciate your insights each week.

Eric Hansen

1:52

Pat, I am going to disappoint you, because I have heard this answer before and let it slip out of my memory. I'll put this on my list to follow up on. I can understand why fans might want to know that. Personally, it's something I would never have a curiosity about. I'm only concerned with if and when Keurig is going to pay me for all the generous (and sincere) love I throw their way!

Pat, Philly

1:50

Thanks for the chats...While I know ND likes to keep their NIL deals close to the vest, both in terms of the revenue sharing and "collective" NIL, do you have a sense of when payment(s) is generally released to players? Are they given a lump sum at the start of the semesters, paid every two weeks, once a year, etc?

Eric Hansen

1:49

Happy Easter, Ryan. I think Jordan Faison is one of those guys you don't watch as much, because you expect him to be good, and he delivers over and over again. I think we tend to watch the new guys more, of which there are so many more than we've ever seen in a spring practice. But not having lacrosse as a competing focus is really helping Jordan get ever better than he was in 2025.

Ryan Frankfort Illinois

1:46

Good afternoon Eric how has Jordan Fasion looked during spring practice Happy Easter GO IRISH ☘️☘️🏈🏈

Eric Hansen

1:46

5) Figure out who the punter might be (though that's an August decision). 6) Narrow down the field for kickoff and punt return candidates. 7) You know you're top four WRs ... who fills out the rotation to six or seven? 8) Stay healthy!

1:44

And I do think ND will come away with more than just one reliable kicker. And Spencer Porath could be elite. So what's the most pressing unfinished business for me over the last 9 spring practices? 1) Continuing to develop the backup QBs. 2) Continuing to develop an elite pass rush that can include, but doesn't depend n, blitzing. 3) Continue to develop two strong nickel options. And then which one is No. 1, Christian Gray or Dallas Golden? 4) Continue to groom Will Black as the starting LT and Anthonie Knapp as the starting LG (more)

1:40

Hi Don. Thanks for the great feedback on the site. Much appreciated. When you're a team with realistic national title aspirations, especially in the portal era, the concerns really look like first-world problems. That's one of the reasons why Marcus Freeman structures practices to make the players uncomfortable, because it would otherwise be pretty easy to get complacent. As long as there are no new injuries, running back depth starting in June won't be a problem (more)

Don in Scottsdale, AZ

1:34

Eric, Hope all is well with you and the staff. I am glad for the content as I get my ND fix every morning. It's amazing to see how complete this year's team is shaping up to be. Is running back depth and place kicking the only concerns? What are your questions regarding position groups? Thanks, and Happy Easter to you and yours!!!!!!

Eric Hansen

1:34

Hi Robb. The offensive line group is a very, very tight-knit part of the team where they genuinely root for each other even though they compete for spots. Everyone in that room, except perhaps the true freshmen, know what Charles' ceiling looks like. At his best, he is the best tackle and the best guard on the team and probably the best center if he gave it a whirl. But I think he has to show, through practice reps when he is healthy, that version of himself is back. Until that happens, he could not be a starter. But he's ascended very quickly in both 2023 and 2024 following injuries.

Robb, Edwardsburg

1:31

What do the Irish do with Jagusah when he comes back? Does he push someone out of a position, which doesn't seem like a great idea for team morale? Or, will they slowly work him back in and if he beats someone out of a job, then so be it?

Eric Hansen

1:31

Happy Easter, Michael! First, by proxy or otherwise, I am flattered that you have enough confidence in me to play anywhere on the field, but if it's O-line, I'll have to beef up to my old weight class. I'm a little small for that these days. Notre Dame used to have an alumni flag football game before the Blue-Gold Games. I covered several of them. I think between the inconsistent weather and dwindling interest, they were phased out a while back. I like your idea, but I'm not sure it works as well as football as it might with basketball, but thanks for the idea and the question!

Michael from Chicagi

1:25

Early Happy Easter wishes to you and your family! With the new NCAA tournament "shot" in mind, years ago I attended a charity game at Duke where they brought back their former star players and recreated some of their most famous plays including Grant Hill throwing the ball to Laettner (who made it btw) and Thomas Hill fake crying by the bench. Has ND ever considered something similar, either say Mirer throwing to a TD to Bettis and then a 2 point conversion to Brooks during an intermission or a flag football game during Blue and Gold weekend? With all of the Dad's of former players that could be one heck of a game! And if so I vote we proxy in you and Tyler James to play O-Line!!

Eric Hansen

1:24

As far as Cooper Flanagan, he's a butt-kicker and yet finessed enough to be a pretty good receiver as well. I think ND will benefit from the Cooper Flanagan/James Flanigan duo to build around. And there are some other very intriguing pieces in that tight end room. 3) I think Mike Dembrock is very good at counterpunches in game. I thought Chris Ash found himself in checkmate too often early, then hit a good stride with some very good in-game adjustments. So I'd give both very high grades. ... As far as the kickers, Spencer Purdue transfer Spencer Porath has a really good track record of accuracy AND health. We won't see Micah Drescher until summer. Erik Schmidt is still competing, but I like Porath a lot as the No. 1 option, with capable Plan Bs. And thank you!

I've got more for you, Tom ...

1:19

Happy Easter, Tom. Let's unpack your questions, starting with the offensive line. I do think Matty Augustine is going to be difficult to keep out of the lineup and I think your read about him being the top option at guard/tackle coming off the bench is accurate. Where I differ is I think there's a strong commitment to Guerby Lambert at right tackle, and he is making that commitment pay off to date. And then you have the prospect of both Ashton Craig and Charles Jagusah coming back and being starters. So if there are no new injuries and we're projected a starting O-line for a close scrimmage. I'd go from LT to RT .. Black, Knapp, Otting, Absher, Lambert. But for Wisconsin, Black, Knapp, Craig, Jagusah, Lambert with Augustine, Absher, Terek and Otting as top reserves.

Tom F, Kennesaw, GA

1:08

Hi Eric. Best wishes for a Happy & Blessed Easter. Finally some real football with pads and hitting and scuffling. A few questions for this week: 1) With Matty Augustine practicing at both guard and tackle with the 2nd unit does that mean he is likely to be the first man in if needed regardless of position? My OL is L-R: Black, Knapp, Offing, Lambert and Augustine.. I just have a feeling MA winds up a starter. 2) Glad to see Cooper Flanagan is bringing some fire to spring ball. We need that kind of get-in-your-face attitude. Any more info on what he brings to the team? 3) How do you rate Denbrok and Ash for their in-game adjustment abilities?? 4) Any intel on how the kickers are progressing this spring?? How confident are you in the guys competing for the kicker job??? As always, thanks for all that you do for us fans. Go Irish!!!!!!!!!

Eric Hansen

1:08

Hi Ced. I did an intel piece earlier this week, in which Noah Grubbs was the centerpiece. Marcus Freeman talked some about the backups as well yesterday. I think it's very encouraging, and Teddy Jarrard will make it a three-man race in June. Have there been mistakes of inexperience? Absolutely, but I think the good is outweighing the steps backward. Blake Hebert is a big, strong athlete who looks good on the move and in more Riley Leonard type plays. Grubbs' ability to learn, to make decisions pre-snap and during the play are impressive. Both have strong arms. It's been a good start to an ongoing process where progress much continue.

ced

1:00

ced walker Saginaw Michigan aka sag nasty Saginaw pride how the back up quarterbacks looking so far in spring practice God Bless This Football Team here come the irish trust the process the golden standard rally we are nd god country go irish love thee notre dame our mother pray for us

Eric Hansen

1:00

Hi Berk. This is more scuttlebutt- and conversation-based than observations, as we haven't seen the red-zone work and likely will only see a little bit of that on April 18 before the Blue-Gold Game on April 25. Having said that, there's a confidence this offensive line will be able to move people off the ball in the run game in a way last year's could not do consistently. I think having a full supply of physical tight ends gives you that bully gear as well, and Jaden Greathouse in the red zone is a tough physical matchup for most nickels. All those things will help. Plus CJ Carr is that much more advanced at playing chess at the line of scrimmage. I am encouraged we'll see improvewment.

Berk

12:56

From Memphis. Eric I have a quick question. We know last year we STRUGGLED in the red zone and esp inside the 10 and 5. In your limited time seeing practice and in press conferences with OC, what have you seen or heard from Denbrock that things will be different (more successful)? Packages, formations, players, etc. Thanks so much for being our eyes and ears in South Bend and you and your family have a great EASTER weekend! GO IRISH!!!!!!!

Eric Hansen

12:56

Hi Jim. Former Notre Dame All-America safety Tom Zbikowski led Chicago St. Patrick to a 6-5 record in 2025 in his first season as head coach and against a very ambitious and challenging schedule. That at a program that went 2-7 in 2024 and had one winning season since 2013 before Zbikowski's arrival.

Jim from Dowagiac Mi

12:48

How is former N.D player Tom Zbikowski doing as a high school football coach?

Eric Hansen

12:48

2. This one ventures into some gray area. Negotiations, as I understand it, wouldn't take place until it's determined there's a fit athletically and academically. But I suppose if a kid or his representation led with finances, that would probably be off-putting enough to take a pass on him.
3 I think it's a combination of better supports, more vigilant monitoring, better identifying fits. I also think if there are players that still slip through the cracks, you are more likely to see them hit the portal or head to a junior college than them actually sticking it out and sitting out a semester or two.

12:43

Glen!!! That might be the most organized set of questions I've ever seen in the 20 years I've been doing these chats. Can you help me organize my office? Impressive. And for a first time, wow, you question like a champion. ... OK to No. 1. ... Incoming freshmen once they arrive to get rev share and NIL money. Yes. Typically, the way the market works, you pay more for proven production (transfers) than you do for even elite recruits. (more)

Glenn from Seattle, WA

12:40

Hi Eric—long-time reader of your articles and chats and listener to your podcasts, but this is my first time submitting a question!!!!!!
I’ve got a three-parter for you:

Does Notre Dame provide compensation to incoming freshmen (through the House settlement or NIL), or is that primarily reserved for proven upperclassmen?
Does Notre Dame pre-qualify recruits based on their financial expectations and focus visits on those aligned with its NIL/compensation approach?
We haven’t seen Notre Dame football players suspended for academic reasons in recent years (like Golson and Austin). Has the University changed its academic policies for athletes, or are players simply doing a better job meeting expectations?

Thanks—and keep up the phenomenal coverage of our beloved university.

Eric Hansen

12:39

Dave, thanks for taking the plunge!! And thanks for the hype. I love it. As far as virtual reality technology and QB training, I know Jayden Daniels used it at LSU when Mike Denbrock as the offensive coordinator there, and Riley Leonard talked about it, but I'm not sure it ever got to that point. I have no heard CJ Carr mention it. I'll try to get an answer for you and follow up in next week's chat after Easter Break. To your second question, this I do know is happening. There are AI analytics that allow ND to use those in real time. I hope to write something in detail on this at some point, but if I hit a roadblock, I'll blink twice.

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