Despite losses, Notre Dame is still going to run the ball in 2026

Despite losses, Notre Dame is still going to run the ball in 2026

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Despite losses, Notre Dame is still going to run the ball in 2026
SOUTH BEND, IN – NOVEMBER 08: Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Joe Otting (64) prepares to snap the ball during the game between the Navy Midshipmen and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on November 08, 2025 at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, IN. (Photo by Joseph Weiser/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

When I think of running the football, the first thing I think of is the triple option. Let’s go…

NOTRE DAME IS STILL A RUNNING TEAM

The loss of both Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price to the first round of the NFL Draft is obviously a big loss for Notre Dame in 2026, but that doesn’t mean they have to take a hit. The Irish will field what’s arguably the best offensive line in the nation, and have a stable of capable running backs.

If you don’t believe me, just ask the handsome young gentleman that is in charge of the Notre Dame football program, Marcus Freeman.

SO WHAT ELSE HELPS THE RUNNING GAME?

Football is a total team game, and games are more easily won when both sides of the ball help one another out. What goes hand in hand with a strong running game? A dominating defense, and in 2026, Notre Dame will have one of the best defenses in the country — if not THE best.

WHAT MAKES A DEFENSE ELITE IN THIS DAY AND AGE?

Yes, of course, stopping the run is important — but we all know how much emphasis offenses around the country put on its passing game. Notre Dame can counter any good passing offense with the best secondary in all of college football with the best cornerback.

Part of a good passing defense, however, is the ability to rush the quarterback. One of the pieces to Notre Dame’s edge puzzle this year might be a true freshman in Rodney Dunham. Notre Dame has some really good upperclassmen on the edge, but Dunham might bring some extra spice — which is super exciting.

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All of these things are building blocks for a team that is hell bent on winning a national championship. Notre Dame is one of the favorites this year to do just that, and they should be highly ranked in the preseason polls. While many fans scoff at the polls and try to convince themselves that they don’t matter, they actually matter quite a bit.

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