Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman, left, waits to lead his team onto the field before the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame takes the field for the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr, right, looks for a teammate to pass to during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame safety Adon Shuler, second from left, breaks up a pass intended for wide receiver Mylan Graham (3) during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame safety Adon Shuler (8) celebrates breaking up a pass during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame CJ Carr looks to pass the ball during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame wide receiver Cam Williams (5) catches the ball during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame wide receiver Cam Williams (5) runs the bal during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame running back Jonaz Walton, center, falls into the end zone for a touchdown during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame safety Joey O'Brien (20) is helped off the field during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame safety Brauntae Johnson (9) during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame linebacker Jaiden Ausberry during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame defensive lineman Tionne Gray during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame cornerback Jayden Sanders (12) breaks up a pass intended for wide receiver Micah Gilbert during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame safety Adon Shuler (8) and cornerback Jayden Sanders during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame linebacker Kahanu Kia during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame's offense waits for a play call during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame quarterback Noah Grubbs (10) looks to pass the ball during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame running back Aneyas Williams (22) runs the ball during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame wide receiver Jordan Faison (6) runs the ball during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr (13) and head coach Marcus Freeman during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame quarterback Blake Hebert waits for the snap during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame quarterback Blake Hebert (12) runs the ball during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame running back Jonaz Walton (20) runs the ball during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame running back Jonaz Walton (20) runs the ball during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame wide receiver Devin Fitzgerald (11) runs the ball during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame wide receiver Devin Fitzgerald during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Former Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love takes photos with fans during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame wide receiver Devin Fitzgerald (11) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame linebacker Teddy Rezac (35) during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame quarterback Blake Hebert (12) throws the ball away during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame safety Joey O'Brien walks off the field on crutches during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr (13) after the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman, center, after the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame offensive linemen Matty Augustine (58) and Styles Prescod (71) celebrate after the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame wide receiver Bubba Frazier signs autographs after the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.1 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman, left, waits to lead his team onto the field before the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.1 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman, left, waits to lead his team onto the field before the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.2 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame takes the field for the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.3 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame quarterback CJ Carr, right, looks for a teammate to pass to during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.4 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame safety Adon Shuler, second from left, breaks up a pass intended for wide receiver Mylan Graham (3) during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.5 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame safety Adon Shuler (8) celebrates breaking up a pass during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.6 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame CJ Carr looks to pass the ball during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.7 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame wide receiver Cam Williams (5) catches the ball during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.8 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame wide receiver Cam Williams (5) runs the bal during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.9 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.10 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame running back Jonaz Walton, center, falls into the end zone for a touchdown during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.11 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame safety Joey O'Brien (20) is helped off the field during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.12 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame safety Brauntae Johnson (9) during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.13 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame linebacker Jaiden Ausberry during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.14 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame defensive lineman Tionne Gray during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.15 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame cornerback Jayden Sanders (12) breaks up a pass intended for wide receiver Micah Gilbert during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.16 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame safety Adon Shuler (8) and cornerback Jayden Sanders during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.17 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame linebacker Kahanu Kia during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.18 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame's offense waits for a play call during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.19 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.20 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame quarterback Noah Grubbs (10) looks to pass the ball during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.21 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame running back Aneyas Williams (22) runs the ball during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.22 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame wide receiver Jordan Faison (6) runs the ball during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.23 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame quarterback CJ Carr (13) and head coach Marcus Freeman during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.24 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame quarterback Blake Hebert waits for the snap during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.25 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame quarterback Blake Hebert (12) runs the ball during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.26 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame running back Jonaz Walton (20) runs the ball during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.27 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame running back Jonaz Walton (20) runs the ball during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.28 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame wide receiver Devin Fitzgerald (11) runs the ball during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.29 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame wide receiver Devin Fitzgerald during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.30 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameFormer Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love takes photos with fans during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.31 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame wide receiver Devin Fitzgerald (11) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.32 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame linebacker Teddy Rezac (35) during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.33 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame quarterback Blake Hebert (12) throws the ball away during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.34 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame safety Joey O'Brien walks off the field on crutches during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.35 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame quarterback CJ Carr (13) after the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.36 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman, center, after the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.37 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame offensive linemen Matty Augustine (58) and Styles Prescod (71) celebrate after the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.38 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame wide receiver Bubba Frazier signs autographs after the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.SOUTH BEND − Nothing about Notre Dame football has changed, no matter what the calendar claims.

Prior to the annual Blue-Gold game that officially closed spring practice on April 25, it had been 154 days since us media dopes last gathered on the ninth floor of Notre Dame Stadium to do what we do — eat free food and form opinions about Irish football.

Noie: It was time for this Notre Dame football player to shed that red jersey

Noie: What we saw, heard, know from Notre Dame football spring scrimmage

One hundred and fifty-four days earlier, we headed for the field as Notre Dame closed out its 2025 home schedule with a 70-7 victory over Syracuse. Watching the final minutes from the north end zone, you were intrigued by how far Notre Dame might go in postseason.

The College Football Playoff selection committee had other ideas. Too soon. Still.

Watching Saturday’s final minutes from the north end zone as Spencer Porath kicked a 43-yard field goal to cap a 41-40 Blue victory, you are still intrigued by how far this program might go in postseason.

It’s premature to book flights and hotel rooms (is it?), but it would be stunning if this Notre Dame football season didn’t end in Las Vegas in late January. This deep and driven team is built to chase a national championship. This team is built to play for a national championship.

Will Notre Dame win a national championship for the first time since 1988? That question will be answered in the coming months. Until then, here are three things we know about these Irish, three we don’t and three we need to know as Notre Dame looks to navigate what might be another looooong college football season.

In any other season, spring game snapshots of two former five-star recruits would send message boards into full meltdown mode. Why? How? What?

Any season but this one. On this team. That former Alabama defensive end Keon Keeley did little (two tackles, a half a sack) in a spring game that saw former prep All-American safety Joey O’Brien hobble up the tunnel post-game on crutches barely moved the (panic) meter.

Both could be good, and maybe both will be this season. As April turns toward May, Keeley and O’Brien are just guys. That’s fine. It’s nothing about what either did or didn’t do over the 15 practices. It’s about who’s ahead of them on the depth chart at their respective positions that allows them to slow-play their way into roles.

Notre Dame is stacked at defensive line. Notre Dame is stacked at safety. Any other year, Keeley and O’Brien would be needed right now for the defense to dominate. Same on offense with versatile lineman Matty Augustine. Those three are among a handful who might not see much of the field this season. Not because they’re not good, but because the guys ahead of them, the guys who have been around, are that good.

Former Irish running back Jeremiyah Love had 50 million reasons and change (his NFL contract as the third pick in the NFL draft by the Arizona Cardinals), to beg off a weekend back in the Bend. Love was in Pittsburgh on Thursday and Phoenix on Friday, but there he was on the field as a spectator for the spring game.

He was hardly alone. It was a who’s-who of former Irish up and down and around the sidelines. Benjamin Morrison and Xavier Watts. Marist Liufau and Rylie Mills. C’Bo Flemister? Jack Kiser? Kyle Rudolph? Yep. Hey, there’s Ian Book doing color commentary for Peacock. There were more than 250 former players on campus. For a practice.

That speaks to what Marcus Freeman has built in his first four seasons (will he be here for four more?). Guys want to get back. They still want to feel a part of it. They want to keep that connection. It’s not nothing.

That this Irish spring game produced the second-largest crowd in the history of Irish spring games (45,308), was no accident. It didn’t matter that the weather (sunny and 64 degrees) cooperated. If it was cool and cloudy or rainy and windy, there still might have been close to 50,000 in the stands. There’s something about this football team and the 2026 season that has everyone juiced.

Maybe it was the near-miss in 2024. Or the swing and a miss in 2025. Or the schedule that seems to set up another deep 16-game run. Everybody believes that this is the year for Notre Dame, including Notre Dame.

The Irish aren’t running from those expectations. They carried them through spring and will carry them through summer and carry them through the fall. We think they can be good, but they believe they can be good.

With offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock also the tight ends coach, you figured we’d get something from that group in the spring game. A third-down catch in traffic. A sit-down route in the back of the end zone. Something. Anything.