The College Football Playoff is making a huge change moving to a straight seeding format in 2025, meaning Notre Dame can finally earn a first-round bye. Tyler Wojciak breaks down how this shift is good for college football as a whole and strengthens Notre Dame’s case for independence, why it matters in the long run, and what it says about the program’s power in college football. Plus, former NBA exec and Irish alum Pat Garrity is returning to South Bend in a brand-new GM role. What does this mean for Notre Dame basketball’s future?

(0:00) - Intro

(2:13) - New CFP Format Released

(11:48) - How it impacts Independence
(20:07) - ND Hoops Hires GM

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Notre Dame is on fire in the 2026 recruiting cycle, currently sitting at No. 2 in the 247Sports Composite — but can Marcus Freeman & Co. finish in the top five? Tyler Wojciak is joined by Locked On Recruiting Insider Brian Smith to break down Notre Dame’s biggest commits, top remaining targets, and what separates this class from previous years. They dive into Noah Grubbs' latest ranking, Javian Osborne’s elite upside, the Texas WR sweepstakes, and where things stand at tight end, defensive line, and more.

(0:00) - Intro

(1:26) - Noah Grubbs Rankings

(4:19) - RB Recruiting

(7:19) - Wide Receivers

(12:15) - Tight Ends

(15:10) - Defensive Line

(17:58) - Linebackers

(19:27) - Defensive Backs

(21:48) - Biggest Strengths

(23:05) - Path to Top 5

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Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year.

FanDuel
Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

The future of the Notre Dame–USC rivalry is in serious doubt. Notre Dame wants to keep the game going for decades to come but USC may not be on board. Tyler Wojciak is joined by Greg Flammang from Irish Sports Daily to break down everything we know so far: the real reasons USC may want out, why this rivalry matters so much to both programs (especially in Southern California), and what could happen next. Will this iconic college football tradition survive? Plus, what Notre Dame fans should make of Pete Bevacqua’s public stance, Lincoln Riley’s cryptic comments, and the rumored schedule changes USC is proposing.

(0:00) - Intro

(1:47) - Importance of ND-USC

(12:09) - Why is this happening?

(19:25) - Notre Dame’s stance

(26:35) - Fan Perception

Follow Tyler on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TylerWojciak

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Monarch Money
Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year.

FanDuel
Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)