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It's finally here: Notre Dame plays football this weekend. The Irish travel over to Lambeau Field to take on the Wisconsin Badgers and it'll be our first look at the 2026 offense. They lost some impact talent and stars from last year's roster, but still return a host of talent, a starting quarterback and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock who is now in year three running his offense. Let's dive into the three biggest storylines, two crucial battles and one player to watch for the Notre Dame offense. 

THREE BIGGEST STORYLINES

1. Start The Season Off Fast

The loss of players like Jeremiyah Love, Jadarian Price, Malachi Fields and Eli Raridon has been a hot topic this offseason. Several analysts believe this Notre Dame offense will still be effective, but their run to the title game will be fueled by strong decision making by CJ Carr and a stifling defense. Sunday night is their first opportunity that they explosive plays we saw in 2025 didn't end with Love's departure. It's also the first opportunity to show the college football world their resolve from the ending of last season. 

2. The Spotlight Is On Carr

The Saline, Michigan native is now in the drivers seat of this offense. Throughout the offseason, several players and coaches, including head coach Marcus Freeman, raved about Carr's ability to continuously put the offense in winning scenarios. That will be on full display Sunday night against a pretty good Wisconsin defense. The 6-2, 215-pound quarterback is expected to be a driver of success on offense and he'll have to do that against a defense that ranked in the Top 25 in numerous categories in 2025. 

3. New Running Back Room Can Shine

Anything Notre Dame's running back room does on the ground Sunday night will be earned. Wisconsin had the No. 15 ranked rush defense last fall in yards per game and No. 12 ranked rush defense in touchdowns allowed. Juniors Aneyas Williams and Kedren Young along with sophomore ball carrier Nolan James Jr. will all have opportunities to make plays. Replacing Love has been a major question for the Irish this offseason. Sunday night is their first opportunity to led the college football world know this room is in good hands. 

TWO CRUCIAL BATTLES

1. Mike Denbrock vs. Luke Fickell / Mike Tressel

If there's one thing Wisconsin had last season, it was a scrappy defense. The Irish had one of the best offenses in the country last season breaking program records in yards per play, points per game and passer rating. Denbrock is one of the best offensive minds in the game and will be going against a defensive minded head coach in Luke Fickell and a good defensive coordinator in his fourth year, Mike Tressel. This is going to be a fascinating chess match early Sunday night to see who gets the footing in this matchup. 

2. Notre Dame's Interior Offensive Line vs. Wisconsin's Defensive Tackles

The interior of the Badger's defensive line is absolutely massive. They have an average weight, amongst the four rotation players, of 324-pounds. The smallest linemen the Irish have, in weight, is their interior. Juniors Anthonie Knapp and Styles Prescod are slightly over 300-pounds while center Ashton Craig goes about 315-pounds. If the Irish are going to establish any sort of ground game this weekend, the interior of their offensive line will have to generate a push. This is going to be an intense matchup. 

ONE PLAYER TO WATCH: LT WILL BLACK

The most inexperienced player on Notre Dame's offense is stepping into one of the most crucial roles in football. Sophomore Will Black is starting at left tackle and will be going against edge rusher Sebastian Cheeks, one of Wisconsin's most experienced defenders. The measurables for Black are outstanding. He's 6-7, 316-pounds and is a former five-star recruit, but he's played very little, if any, meaningful snaps in a collegiate football game. He'll have his opportunity to shine in his first career start against a strong defensive line inside of an NFL Stadium. 

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