Tim Prister

For the third time under Marcus Freeman, the Irish will have four official captains in 2026. Surprisingly few Notre Dame quarterbacks have held the title since 1887. Jordan Faison becomes the fifth former Irish walk-on to be named captain. The position with the most captains since 2000 – offensive line.

Notre Dame football has had at least four captains representing the Irish for the last 13 seasons. It could have been much more than that in 2026. For the first time since 2022, a transfer will not be one of Notre Dame's captains.

Of Notre Dame's eight transfers in '26, just two are projected starters for the Wisconsin game, which speaks to the depth of talent on the roster. The Badgers won't be afraid to throw to Leonard Moore's side of the field…for better or worse. Coordinators speak of the unique presence/talent that is CJ Carr.

Notre Dame's “Leave No Doubt Tour” officially kicks off Labor Day Sunday against a Badger squad that was offensively challenged in '25. A transfer QB looks to spark the attack while the Irish should have one of the nation's stoutest defenses to pair up with Heisman Trophy candidate CJ Carr.

Asked about being named a two-time captain (Drayk Bowen) and a first-time captain (Jordan Faison), both used the word surreal. CJ Carr weighs in on his evolution with the young receiving corps and throwing against Notre Dame's veteran secondary. Setting a tone with (Cooper) Flanagan and (James) Flanigan.

The return of Ashton Craig to the starting lineup. Irish like one-two tight end punch of Cooper Flanagan and James Flanagan. Chris Ash on defending Wisconsin QB-Colton Joseph. Mike Denbrock on CJ Carr’s pre-snap wisdom. Marty Biagi’s admiration for PR-Jordan Faison’s preparation.

Of Notre Dame’s eight transfers in ’26, just two are projected starters for the Wisconsin game, which speaks to the depth of talent on the roster. The Badgers won’t be afraid to throw to Leonard Moore’s side of the field…for better or worse. Coordinators speak of the unique presence/talent that is CJ Carr.

Aneyas Williams is projected to make his starting debut tonight in Lambeau Field. S-Luke Talich is one of five players in Irish history with touchdowns via the pass, interception and punt return. Irish seek 11th straight victory, two shy of Marcus Freeman's top mark set during '24 national-title game run.

Just as the Irish did five seasons ago, they came away with a 41-13 victory over Wisconsin. This one was more convincing than that fourth-quarter explosion in Soldier Field as the offense took flight in the second half and CB-DJ McKinney notched his first interception and touchdown in an Irish uniform.

Finding a complement to Jordan Faison among the wideouts and launching a ground attack without the spectacular nature of a Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price will be challenging. But the offense buckled down in the second half and the defense did an admirable job against Wisconsin's improved quarterback play.