Notre Dame’s 2025 Offensive Class: Rising Talent Ready to Make Noise in South Bend
Notre Dame’s 2025 recruiting class is starting to look less like a group of prospects and more like the future of the Irish offense. As Marcus Freeman continues to build this program in his image, the foundation is becoming clear: stack elite recruiting classes, develop relentlessly, and trust the next wave of talent to step up when the moment arrives.
Now entering their second year, the 2025 class is poised to make a real impact-not just in the long term, but as soon as this upcoming season. With several key offensive roles up for grabs, this offseason could be the launching pad for a handful of young players ready to break into the rotation, push for starting jobs, and redefine what the Irish attack looks like in 2026 and beyond.
Let’s break down the names you need to know.
Impact Players to Watch
Will Black | Offensive Line
When you’re 6-foot-7, 316 pounds and already turning heads as a redshirt freshman, people tend to notice.
Will Black was one of the crown jewels of Notre Dame’s 2025 class, and now he’s got a real shot to step into a starting role this season. With the departures of veterans Aamil Wagner and Billy Schrauth, there’s a clear need for new blood on the offensive line-and Black has the size, athleticism, and upside to fill that void.
Replacing two captains isn’t easy, but Black has the tools to make that transition smoother than expected.
James Flanigan | Tight End
Flanigan started to flash late last season, especially in the run game where he emerged as Notre Dame’s most reliable blocking tight end.
Now, with a full offseason under his belt and clear gains in the strength and conditioning program, the 6-foot-6, 251-pound sophomore is ready to take the next step. Whether he wins the starting job or becomes a key rotational piece, Flanigan is trending toward being a major contributor in 2026.
He looks the part-now it’s about turning that potential into production.
Nolan James Jr. | Running Back
The Irish backfield is crowded, no doubt. But don’t sleep on Nolan James Jr.
While most of the attention is on the returning veterans and a highly-touted incoming freshman, James has the kind of all-around skill set that could force the coaching staff’s hand. He might not be the starter on day one, but if he continues to impress this offseason, running backs coach Ja’Juan Seider may be looking at a three-headed monster in the backfield.
James has RB1 traits-he just needs the reps to prove it.
Erik Schmidt | Kicker
Special teams were a sore spot for Notre Dame last season, and that’s putting it kindly.
Erik Schmidt had a lot thrown on his plate as a true freshman, and now he’s back for year two with a chance to lock down the kicking job. He’ll be battling with both an incoming freshman and a transfer, but if Schmidt wins the job, he’ll be under the spotlight from the jump.
There’s no understating how important a reliable kicker is in close games-and Notre Dame knows it.
Starting-Caliber Talent Waiting in the Wings
Elijah Burress | Wide Receiver
If you’re looking for a potential breakout name from this class, keep your eyes on Elijah Burress.
He’s not a lock to start in 2026, but he’s got the talent to break into the rotation and make plays. At 6-foot-1, 186 pounds, Burress brings a mix of speed and polish that could help him carve out a role alongside more established names like Jaden Greathouse, Jordan Faison, and Cam Williams.
If Burress makes that leap this offseason, it’ll be a strong signal that he’s ready to join that elite group of young Irish wideouts.
Depth with Upside
Blake Hebert | Quarterback
Every team needs a reliable backup quarterback, and Hebert is in the mix to be just that behind starter CJ Carr.
At 6-foot-3, 225 pounds, Hebert checks the physical boxes. He enrolled early last year, giving him a head start on learning the playbook and adjusting to the speed of the college game.
Now it’s about refining the details-mechanics, decision-making, and processing. If he can take that next step, Notre Dame’s QB room will be in good hands.
Cam Herron, Matty Augustine, Owen Strebig | Offensive Line
Offensive line depth is always tested over the course of a season, and this trio gives the Irish some intriguing options.
Herron is working at center, while Augustine and Strebig bring size and length at tackle. None are projected starters right now, but given the physical nature of the position-and Notre Dame’s recent history with injuries-don’t be surprised if one of these names is called upon at some point in 2026.
Jerome Bettis Jr. | Wide Receiver
Yes, the name is familiar, but Jerome Bettis Jr. is carving his own path in South Bend. At 6-foot-2, 199 pounds, he’s still developing as a receiver and may not crack the rotation this season.
But his size and athleticism could make him a valuable piece on special teams, and he gives the Irish another big-bodied target to develop for the future.
Big Picture: Development is the Name of the Game
The 2025 class is entering a critical phase. Year two is when the light often comes on-when raw talent starts to translate into real production.
For players like Will Black, James Flanigan, and Nolan James Jr., the opportunity is right in front of them. For others, like Burress, Hebert, and Bettis Jr., it’s about continuing to grow and being ready when their number is called.
This is what Marcus Freeman and his staff have been building toward: a roster full of homegrown talent, developed in-house, and ready to contribute when the moment arrives. The 2025 class has the potential to be a cornerstone group for Notre Dame’s offense. Now it’s about turning potential into performance.
Because at Notre Dame, the standard never changes-and this group looks ready to rise to it.