With just one month separating Notre Dame from Texas A&M, the Irish want to add a few finishing touches before visiting Kyle Field. Seeing the success of the Notre Dame 2024 offseason, the excitement surrounding South Bend and beyond is almost palpable. From a star-studded transfer class, the addition of Mike Denbrock, and a schedule that could see the Irish having the upper hand in every game, it is hard to envision a 12-team Playoff without Notre Dame. However, despite that, a great offseason only gets you to kick off. That day continues to grow closer now more than ever with the beginning of Fall camp.
Photo by The Irish Tribune
The number one thing that fans are going to have their eyes on is Duke transfer Riley Leonard under center. Following a disappointing season at the quarterback position, Irish fans are skeptical of the projected starter's ability to stay healthy. Coming off of a phenomenal sophomore season that saw Leonard throw for nearly 3,000 yards, 20 touchdowns, and just six interceptions, while also rushing for 699 yards and 13 touchdowns, the Fairhope, Alabama native was destined to be one of the first quarterbacks off the board in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, disaster struck when the Irish visited Duke this past season, resulting in Leonard injuring his ankle which required two separate procedures.
Now at Notre Dame, Leonard enters a quarterback room with a lot of options. Junior Steve Angeli made the most of nearly every opportunity he was given in his sophomore season. Angeli started the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl against Oregon State, putting up a stat line of 15-19, 232 yards, and three touchdowns. He then showed out in the Blue-Gold game in the absence of Leonard. Sophomore Kenny Minchey is also an option, as many Irish fans are just as excited to see the development he has undergone over the course of the offseason.
Minchey, originally committed to Pittsburgh before flipping to the Irish, is entering his second season in South Bend. The Blue-Gold Game back in April was the most action we’ve seen from Minchey since joining the Irish, and there is no questioning his potential. His pocket presence, his speed, his accuracy, and the way the ball comes out of his hand, Kenny Minchey is going to be a household name in due time. However, a silly interception on 3rd and long as well as a fumble show his inexperience.
Another name that fans should be watching is Jeremiyah Love, the sophomore running back from St. Louis. With Audric Estime being selected by the Denver Broncos in the NFL Draft, someone is going to have to step up. While he did have a slow game in the Sun Bowl, he looked phenomenal against Ohio State and in the Blue-Gold Game. His speed coupled with his strength shows the making of the next great Irish running back. He should be RB1, and he has all the tools to become yet another phenomenal workhorse for the Irish.
Watch out for sophomore center Ashton Craig, who is replacing Zeke Correll on the offensive line. The Lawrenceburg native was a four-star prospect, ranked 7th in Indiana. Freshman Micah Gilbert proved he should see playing time this season, catching two touchdown passes in the Blue-Gold game and having easily the best spring out of the freshman WR's. However, it’s going to be a tall task given the receiving help Notre Dame got in the transfer portal.
Senior Kris Mitchell was an absolute steal out of the transfer portal. Last season at FIU, Mitchell caught 64 passes for 1,118 yards and seven touchdowns. He is always a deep threat with his precise footwork and route running combined with his elite speed, which he showed off in the Blue-Gold game, and will continue to do so throughout the Fall. Clemson transfer Beaux Collins is also entering his final season, as he is expected to elevate the receiving room. Last season, Collins caught 38 passes for 510 yards and three touchdowns, including three receptions for 37 yards against Notre Dame this past season. Marshall transfer Jayden Harrison provides great depth for the Irish and will play a big role in special teams.
Everything is falling into place for the Notre Dame faithful. It’s the blessed third year for Head Coach Marcus Freeman, the receiving room is complete, Mike Denbrock is home, and the defense is manned by Al Golden. The quarterback room is going to perform, so enjoy this season Irish fans - it has the chance to be the beginning of a new era in South Bend, that returns the Irish to the top of college football. An era that redefines the Notre Dame legacy. Be excited, and enjoy every second of this season, because it is going to be a memorable one.
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