Leadership Without a Coach
The summer heat in South Bend brought a clear message from the top. Notre Dame linebacker Drayk Bowen and captain Adon Shuler led the charge during player-led workouts in July. These sessions had no coaches on the field. That fact alone speaks volumes about the team culture. The players ran the show while the staff watched from the sidelines. It showed a group ready to take charge of their own destiny.
Bowen reflected on his own growth within Chris Ash’s new defensive system. He knows the plays and he knows his teammates. The defense is evolving fast, and the veterans are driving that change. Freshmen are stepping up to help, but the leaders set the tone. This kind of self-driven work is rare in college football. It proves the Irish are building something special before the first whistle blows.
A Fresh Look at the Roster
The roster looks different this year, and the hype is real. Joel Klatt, a former Colorado quarterback now with Fox Sports, made a strong statement about the team. During his show on Monday, he listed his top 10 players for the 2026 campaign. He did not hold back on his praise for the Fighting Irish. He believes the quarterback is the key to the offense. Klatt noted that people miss how explosive the unit was last year and can be again. “Carr is incredibly talented … What people fail to realize is how explosive they were [last year] and can be this year throwing the football,” he said. The offense will lean on the quarterback more than the running game. Marcus Freeman Says Notre Dame Is Still Far From Ready covers the wider picture.
The analyst also highlighted cornerback Leonard Moore as a top talent. He called Moore “elite, elite, elite” and a top six draft pick. “He’s my No. 2 player in all of college football,” Klatt added. With a great transfer in Quincy Porter and key returns, the team looks ready to score.
Predicting the First Wins
Former head coach Brian Kelly is back to talk about the schedule. He posted game-by-game predictions for the 2026 season on On3 Fighting Irish. Kelly knows the program well, having led the team from 2010 to 2021. He thinks the Irish will start strong.
For the opener against Wisconsin at Lambeau Field, Kelly sees a win. “I think it’s going to be a much more competitive game, but I’m going to take Notre Dame winning that game,” Kelly said. The second week brings Rice to South Bend for the home opener. Kelly expects a blowout there. “At home, opener, I think Notre Dame wins big there,” he stated. That story connects to Notre Dame’s New Facility Proves The Irish Are All In.
The schedule looks tough but manageable. Kelly predicts wins over Michigan State and Purdue. He also sees a victory against North Carolina, even with Bill Belichick coaching the Tar Heels. The path is clear for a 5-0 start if the team stays focused.
The combination of player-led intensity and high praise from analysts sets a high bar. The captains are making a statement when no one was watching. They are building the foundation for a deep run. The talent is there, and the confidence is high.
Fans should expect a team that plays hard from day one. The defense is ready to shut down big receivers, and the offense has a new spark. If the predictions hold true, the 2026 season could be a banner year. The team is poised to make noise early and often. For background, see Notre Dame’s Sack Total Will Soar in 2026 Season.
