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Notre Dame kicks off it's 95th annual Blue Gold game this afternoon inside of Notre Dame Stadium. In this current state of college football, several teams are electing to adjust the format of their traditional spring games while other programs are doing away with it entirely. The Irish have elected to maintain their traditional spring game and this one should be another fun watch. 

This will be the first time since November 29, 2025 that we've seen those shimmering gold helmets take the field which means spring training has come to a close, and we're one step closer to the start of the 2026 college football season. The biggest thing to look for this afternoon is overall growth and how this team is looking as they prepare to enter summer and fall training. 

Where: Notre Dame, Ind. – Notre Dame Stadium
When: 2:00 PM EST
Television: Peacock – Tony Simeone (play-by-play), Ian Book (analyst), Caroline Pineda (sideline) 
Radio: Sunny 101.5 FM – Sean Stires (play-by-play), Vince DeDario (analyst), Jesse Stires (analyst) 

What To Know: Notre Dame Offense 

There's no battle for the No. 1 quarterback spot during this year's spring game, but don't let that fool you. There's going to be plenty of action and a lot to evaluate from Notre Dame's offense in this year's Blue Gold game. It's unlikely we'll see a lot from players like CJ Carr, Jordan Faison and other veterans. But there's a chance we see a good amount of the first team offensive line. 

Heading into the offseason, there was a lot of talk around who would be lining up where in the trenches for the Irish. After day one of spring training, what we had hope to be true became true. Redshirt freshman Will Black stepped in at left tackle bumping veteran Anthonie Knapp inside to left guard. Right guard Guerby Lambert got kicked out to right tackle paving the way for Sullivan Absher to step in at right guard. This will be the first opportunity for the Irish faithful to see this new-look offensive line in a game-like setting. 

There's also a lot to look for amongst the skilled positions. Both running backs Nolan James Jr. and true freshman Jonaz Walton will see the lion's share of carries and should both have productive afternoons. At receiver, there's a lot of talent waiting in the wings. Ohio State transfer Mylan Graham is expected to have a big afternoon, redshirt sophomore receivers Micah Gilbert and Cam Williams have the opportunity to show and out younger players like Elijah Burress, Kaydon Finley, Bubba Frazier and Devin Fitzgerald also get the opportunity to shine this afternoon. 

Tight end will also be a fun position to monitor during the spring game. Will anyone start to create separation? This will be our first look at Cooper Flanagan in a game-like setting since his final performance of the 2024 season against Indiana. This will be a fun afternoon and I'm looking forward to seeing what offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock has cooked up for the fans. 

What To Know: Notre Dame Defense

Defensive coordinator Chris Ash is heading into year two at the helm of the Fighting Irish defense but his support staff looks completely different. After three impactful departures, the Irish brought in Charlie Partridge, Brian Jean-Mary and Aaron Henry to the staff to replace the three position coaches lost. This will be their first game-like experience in South Bend and I'm looking forward to seeing how they handle the operation of a game-day inside Notre Dame Stadium. 

Similar to the offensive side of the ball, we won't see much of the proven commodities like Leonard Moore, Boubacar Traore, Adon Shuler or Tae Johnson. At least, I don't think we will. But there's several breakout candidates and up and comers that I'm looking forward to seeing. In the trenches, I'm eager to see what Keon Keeley from Alabama and incoming freshmen Rodney Dunham and Ebenezer Ewetade look like this afternoon. The linebacker position remains thin, but players like Teddy Rezac and Ko'o Kia have the opportunity to shine. 

The defensive backfield is where things get really interesting. The nickel corner rotation will be one to keep your eye on. With Dallas Golden out for the remainder of spring training, you'll likely see veteran Christian Gray and Michigan transfer Jayden Sanders dominate those reps. I'd also be on the lookout for impact performances from true freshman defensive backs Joey O'Brien, Ayden Pouncey and Chaz Smith. 

We're in for a fun afternoon inside of Notre Dame Stadium. Any excuse to be on the best campus in the country on a Saturday when football is happening is a good excuse in my book. Notre Dame and head coach Marcus Freeman have a lot of expectations heading into the 2026 season, and today, the Irish faithful get a sneak peak into what this upcoming season could have in store. 

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