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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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

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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)

Could the historic Notre Dame–USC rivalry really be coming to an end? Pat Forde's latest report suggests just that, but Notre Dame isn’t backing down. Tyler Wojciak breaks down the drama unfolding between the two programs and why it would be a massive loss for college football if it ends. Plus, ESPN just ranked Marcus Freeman as the No. 4 coach in the country—is that ranking fair? Plus, Notre Dame lacrosse's championship run came to a heartbreaking end against Penn State, but this era of dominance won’t be forgotten anytime soon.

(0:00) - Intro

(1:55) - Latest on ND-USC

(13:42) - Marcus Freeman Top 5

(24:50) - NDMLax Season Ends

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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)

It’s time for another Friday Mailbag! Tyler Wojciak answers your biggest questions about Notre Dame football, including whether CJ Carr is ready to lead the Irish offense, how Marcus Freeman is handling negative recruiting, and if Notre Dame can finally field an elite offense in 2025. Plus, Tyler breaks down which game is the biggest trap on the schedule, the future of the USC rivalry, what Notre Dame’s WR/TE room looks like compared to the nation’s best, and whether the Irish are closer to winning a national championship or producing a Heisman Trophy winner.

(0:00) - Intro

(1:48) - Coaching Staff & Defensive Challenges

(13:17) - State of the ND Offense

(23:55) - ND-USC Rivalry

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Notre Dame just secured a massive commitment from 4-star running back Jonaz Walton, marking their 16th pledge in the 2026 class. Tyler Wojciak breaks down what Walton’s commitment means for Notre Dame, analyzes the biggest remaining needs for the Irish in the 2026 recruiting class, and dives into whether Notre Dame could actually finish with the No. 1 class in the country. With key targets still on the board and momentum on their side, could Marcus Freeman’s squad truly pull it off?

(0:00) - Intro

(1:46) - Jonaz Walton Commits

(10:42) - Biggest Needs Left in Class of 2026

(21:02) - Can ND finish with the No. 1 Class?

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Notre Dame is poised to have an elite defense in year one under defensive coordinator Chris Ash. Tyler Wojciak breaks down Notre Dame's defensive depth chart following spring practice. He dives into each position group, starting with the defensive line, where Boubacar Traore and Bryce Young are set to anchor the front. Then, Tyler projects the starting lineup for the linebacker core, including a look at rising star Drayk Bowen and the versatility of Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa. Finally, he examines the defensive backfield, where Leonard Moore and Christian Gray are poised to lock down opposing receivers.

(0:00) - Intro

(1:48) - Defensive Line

(11:14) - Linebackers & Nickel

(19:07) - Defensive Backs

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Monarch Money
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WayFair

After the holiday hustle, there’s nothing like giving your home a little TLC. Give your home the refresh it needs with Wayfair. Head to Wayfair.com right now. Wayfair. Every style. Every home.

Gametime
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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)

Notre Dame has announced its 2025 home slate, including three primetime matchups that are sure to bring the electricity to South Bend.Tyler Wojciak breaks down what these game times mean for the program and dives into Notre Dame's offensive depth chart following spring practice. From quarterback battles to skill position evaluations and offensive line strength, Tyler provides an in-depth look at where the Irish stand heading into summer.

(0:00) - Intro

(1:45) - 2025 Home Slate Announced

(6:08) - Quarterback

(11:10) - Running Back

(15:13) - Wide Receivers

(21:11) - Tight End

(24:05) - Offensive Line

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Amazon Fire TV Stick 4k
Did you know your Fire TV is also an Xbox? Turn any TV into your gaming and entertainment hub with Fire TV Stick 4K devices — no console required. Head to Amazon.com/firetvlockedon to get started. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription and compatible controller required.

Monarch Money
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WayFair

After the holiday hustle, there’s nothing like giving your home a little TLC. Give your home the refresh it needs with Wayfair. Head to Wayfair.com right now. Wayfair. Every style. Every home.

Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

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)