Notre Dame Reloads for 2026 with Elite Talent and a Clear Message: Leave No Doubt
After two straight seasons of near-misses, Notre Dame is making it crystal clear: 2026 is about finishing the job. Head coach Marcus Freeman and his staff aren’t just talking about bouncing back - they’re building a roster designed to make sure there’s no debate come Selection Sunday.
Let’s rewind for a second. In 2024, the Irish caught fire after a 1-1 start, rattling off 13 straight wins and earning a spot in the national championship game before falling to Ohio State.
A year later, in 2025, they stumbled out of the gate again at 0-2. And while they strung together a 10-game win streak to close the regular season, it wasn’t enough to crack the College Football Playoff field.
The committee passed, and the Irish were left on the outside looking in.
That sting hasn’t faded - not for the fans, and certainly not for the program. Freeman has addressed it head-on, summing up their 2026 mentality in three words: “Leave no doubt.” And judging by the way Notre Dame has attacked the recruiting trail and the transfer portal, they’re taking that mantra seriously.
A Recruiting Class That Stacks Up with the Best
Notre Dame didn’t just land a good recruiting class - they landed the class. According to Rivals and On3, the Irish boast the No. 1 recruiting class in the country for 2026, and it’s not hard to see why.
They’ve reloaded at every position group, bringing in a staggering haul that includes:
- 2 quarterbacks
- 2 running backs
- 5 wide receivers
- 2 tight ends
- 6 offensive linemen
- 4 defensive linemen
- 2 linebackers
- 5 defensive backs
Eighteen of those signees are ranked in the SC Next Top 300, including standout backs Javian Osborne and Jonaz Walton - two players who could help fill the void left by Jeremiyah Love’s departure. And the majority of this group is already on campus as early enrollees, giving them a head start on adjusting to the speed and physicality of the college game.
Transfer Portal Punch: Immediate Impact Players
As impressive as the freshman class is, Notre Dame’s work in the transfer portal may be just as critical. The Irish added seven skill-position transfers, and there’s a strong chance all of them will contribute in 2026 - whether in starting roles or as key pieces in the rotation.
Four of those transfers rank among the top 100 available players, including two massive additions to the defensive front:
- Tionne Gray, a 336-pound defensive tackle from Oregon, brings serious size and strength to the middle.
- Francis Brewu, a disruptive force from Pitt, adds depth and versatility to the defensive line.
Both are expected to help shore up the run defense, which could be a game-changer in the trenches.
On offense, Quincy Porter arrives as a big-bodied receiver who can win contested catches and give quarterback CJ Carr another reliable target. Porter’s not just a long-term investment - he could be a difference-maker right away.
There’s also a bit of NFL bloodline in this class. Notre Dame added linebacker Thomas Davis Jr. and wide receiver Devin Fitzgerald, the son of legendary Cardinals wideout Larry Fitzgerald. That kind of pedigree doesn’t guarantee success, but it certainly doesn’t hurt.
Returning Core Brings Experience and Firepower
It’s not just about who’s coming in - it’s about who’s coming back. Notre Dame enters 2026 with a core that’s already proven it can compete at the highest level.
On offense:
- CJ Carr returns under center after a strong 2025 season.
- Three of five starting offensive linemen are back, providing stability up front.
- Receivers Jordan Faison and Jaden Greathouse return as established threats in the passing game.
Defensively, the Irish bring back serious firepower:
- Boubacar Traore, Jason Onye, Bryce Young, and Loghan Thomas anchor the defensive line.
- The entire linebacker rotation from 2025 is intact.
- On the back end, Leonard Moore, Christian Gray, Tae Johnson, and Adon Shuler return to lead the secondary.
That’s a top-five roster - and that was before the portal additions.
The Path Forward: Playoff or Bust
The pieces are in place. Notre Dame has the quarterback.
They have the depth. They have the experience.
And now, they’ve added a wave of elite talent with the kind of upside that can tilt a season.
If they take care of business in the regular season - no early stumbles, no missed opportunities - this team isn’t just a playoff contender. They’re in position to earn a first-round bye and make a legitimate run at the national title.
The mission is clear in South Bend: leave no doubt. And with the roster they’ve assembled, Notre Dame looks more than ready to do just that.