SPRING PRACTICE IS HERE: Five Things to Watch as Notre Dame Begins Building for the 2026 Season

For Notre Dame football fans, the long, LONG offseason is officially over.


Spring practice is underway in South Bend, and while games won't be played for a few more weeks, these next several weeks may shape how successful the Fighting Irish can be this fall. Head coach Marcus Freeman has consistently emphasized competition, development, and accountability during spring football, making every practice an opportunity for players to earn their place on the depth chart.


The Irish enter the season carrying enormous expectations after opening the year ranked Number 4 in the Preseason AP Poll among the nation's elite. That means spring practice isn't simply about installing plays—it's about building a roster capable of competing for a College Football Playoff berth.


Here are the biggest storylines to watch.


Quarterback LeadershipEvery championship team begins with steady quarterback play and CJ Carr is that guy.


Spring practices give the coaching staff valuable time to refine timing, chemistry, and decision-making before the pressure of the regular season arrives. While the quarterback position may already have a favorite to lead the offense, consistency, leadership, and command of Mike Denbrock's system remain the biggest priorities.


Expect plenty of attention on how the offense operates during team drills and whether explosive plays become more common as practices progress.


Finding Difference Makers at Wide ReceiverNotre Dame has recruited talent at receiver, but spring is where potential becomes production. Who develops into the go-to target? Who becomes the reliable possession receiver? Who stretches defenses vertically?


Those questions won't be fully answered until the season begins, but spring practice provides the first glimpse at which receivers are separating themselves from the pack. Depth at the position has been a major talking point heading into the year.

The Offensive Line ReloadsNotre Dame has built its identity around dominating the line of scrimmage.


This spring will be about replacing departed starters while maintaining one of the nation's best offensive lines. Position battles, communication, and chemistry are every bit as important as individual talent.


If the Irish can once again establish a physical offensive front, it will make life significantly easier for both the quarterback and running backs.


Defensive Competition EverywhereMarcus Freeman's defense has become one of the program's biggest strengths, but spring football offers opportunities for young players to earn meaningful snaps.


The secondary remains one of the deepest units on the roster, while competition across the defensive line and linebacker corps should be fierce. Coaches are looking not only for starters but also for the depth needed to survive a championship-caliber schedule. Recent reports have highlighted the defensive backfield and line as areas with significant talent and competition.
Which Young Players Break Out?Every spring produces a few surprises.


Freshmen and second year players arrive bigger, stronger, and more comfortable with the college game. By the end of camp, several names that weren't expected to contribute could suddenly find themselves in the regular rotation.


Those breakout performers often become some of the biggest stories heading into fall camp.
Culture Still MattersOne thing Marcus Freeman has made clear throughout his tenure is that spring practice isn't just about football.


It's about leadership. It's about accountability. It's about building a team that trusts one another long before opening kickoff. Every rep matters. Every meeting matters. Every practice matters.


That culture has helped elevate Notre Dame into one of college football's premier programs, and this spring is another opportunity to reinforce those standards.
Final ThoughtsSpring practice rarely answers every question, but it often reveals where a team is headed.


For Notre Dame, expectations couldn't be much higher. The Fighting Irish have the talent to compete with anyone in the country, but the details developed over these next several weeks chemistry, depth, leadership, and execution could ultimately determine whether this season becomes memorable or truly historic.


The road to a championship doesn't begin on opening day.
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It begins on the practice field in South Bend.