Notre Dame football officially began its preparations for the 2026 season on Thursday, as the first fall practice took place.
Not only was it great to see the Irish getting back on the field, there were plenty of short clips shared on social media to quench our appetite for football. Head coach Marcus Freeman is fully aware of the potential his team has for this season, but he knows that you can’t win it all after just one day.
However, it very much seemed like a great start, as many players showed that they can play at a high level. Check out below some of the best highlights from Notre Dame first fall practice.
Head coach Marcus Freeman leaves Shields Hall for the first time
This wasn’t his first time leaving the building, but it sure was with the media there. Freeman knows the responsibilities of being Notre Dame’s head coach, I’m sure he was just having some fun with the reporters.
Quarterback CJ Carr getting some reps in
This is a much different fall camp for Carr than last year, as he’ll enter the season as the unquestioned leader of the team. There is no battle this season, and you can see how relaxed he looks. Many expect Carr to make a big jump from year one to year two, me included.
Notre Dame quarterbacks and wide receivers
There will be plenty of eyes on both of these positions, as the backup quarterback job is still in the air as is the two-deep at wide receiver. The talent isn’t a question, but there are some experience concerns. Not much from the younger players and transfers, but that doesn’t mean they can’t get the job done.
Running back Javian Osborne
Another position battle to watch is who will be the backup to Aneyas Williams at running back. There isn’t much experience behind him, and the Irish will need at least three to contribute this season. Osborne is a name to watch during the fall.
Marcus Freeman coaching the linebackers
To me, this is what separates Freeman from the majority of other coaches across the country, that he’s willing to mix it up during practice. We’ve seen in years past him participating in drills, and as a former player, you know he loves getting into the action.
Linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa
While limited due to offseason knee surgery, KVA is a huge part of Notre Dame’s defense. The thought is that he’ll be ready for the season to start, but holding him back a bit wound’t be a terrible idea.
Notre Dame safeties
This group should be elite once again, with Tae Johnson potentially making the jump to a household name. Great to see Joey O’Brien (No. 20) out there as he continues his recovery after an injury in the spring game. There no questioning Adon Shuler’s (No. 8) play, as he was very good last year.
Offensive lineman Ashton Craig
Another player coming off an injury, Craig is battling to stay inside the top-5 offensive lineman and get his starting spot back. Once healthy, that most likely will be the case, but the Irish are getting Joe Otting ready just in case.
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This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: See highlights of Notre Dame football’s first fall practice
Reporting by Michael Chen , Fighting Irish Wire / Fighting Irish Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Michael Chen , Fighting Irish Wire | USA TODAY Network
