2022 season: 9-4
Head Coach: Marcus Freeman (2nd season)
Notre Dame, an independent powerhouse of college football, has had an interesting past few seasons. Brian Kelly left the Fighting Irish to take over the reins at LSU in 2021, leaving his former defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman to coach the group from Indiana to a Fiesta Bowl loss. Freeman stuck with the squad and led them to a 9-4 finish in his first full season. While Notre Dame started slow, they won six of their final seven, with the lone loss coming at the hands of Caleb Williams and USC.
Now in his second full season, Freeman has a roster full of talented veterans and a high-rolling transfer quarterback in Sam Hartman. The Charlotte, N.C., product, one of the most prolific passers in the college game, will be looking to build on a standout season at Wake Forest in his final year of college eligibility. Last year with the Demon Deacons, he averaged 8.6 yards per attempt and completed 63.1% of his passes. Imagine what he can do with a much stronger supporting cast.
It is not just the passing attack that will look good for the Irish this year. The ground game will be potent, as leading rusher Audric Estime returns for his third season after putting up 920 yards and 5.9 per attempt last year. He will be aided by one of the best offensive lines in the country, led by star offensive tackle Joe Alt.
On the defensive end, look for improvement. Notre Dame was generally solid there last year, allowing 23 points per game, but with a strong secondary and a good defensive front the Irish will aim to lock down opponents, especially in the passing game. Sophomore cornerback Benjamin Morrison had six interceptions in his first season and will likely be even better as he works with veteran back Cam Hart, who was limited by injury last year. The secondary duo, combined with the return of linebacker JD Betrand, will make for one of the nastier defenses in the country.
Notre Dame had a strong 2022 campaign, but the Irish will likely be even better this year. With a seasoned passer in the pocket, a bulky offensive line and a strong secondary, Notre Dame will be one of the biggest challenges for Duke football this year.
Get The Chronicle straight to your inbox
Signup for our weekly newsletter. Cancel at any time.