Notre Dame’s 2023 football season is about to commence, and there has been surprisingly little buzz about a team that appears to be the most talented and balanced version of the Fighting Irish since 2018. Experience and overall chemistry are other positive factors that make this squad a threat to challenge for a playoff position in the last season of the four-team tournament. Beginning in 2024, the format is expanded to include 12 teams.

OFFENSE

The most significant change from the player personnel side this year is at quarterback. Sam Hartman graduated from Wake Forest and selected Notre Dame as his fifth year destination in order to improve his stock for next year’s NFL draft. To date, he has been everything the Irish were looking for from a talent and leadership perspective. His presence will allow the offense to do something it has been reluctant to do in the past several years – use the entire field in the passing game.

The middle of the field and deep routes very rarely explored with Ian Book, Tyler Buchner and Drew Pyne at quarterback. Jack Coan was somewhat of an exception in 2021 but his lack of mobility was a drawback. Hartman brings above average skills both inside the pocket and as a runner. The threat he poses should keep defenses honest and make the Irish less predictable. Deeper drops by linebackers should open up the running game for Audric Estime and a stable of talented backs.

The larger question is whether a relatively young group of receivers can emerge as productive game day contributors. Jayden Thomas is the best returning starter but question marks dot the field beyond that. The true X-factor is sophomore Tobias Merriweather, who will also start on the outside. At 6’4″ with outstanding speed, Merriweather is being counted upon for greater consistency. His playmaking ability is off the charts but showing flashes in practice is a long way from delivering the goods on game day.

Senior Chris Tyree has moved into the slot receiver position after spending his entire career at tailback. Tyree has displayed excellent hands and his speed is unquestioned. Reports to date have been very positive regarding his ability to make an impact this year. Avery Davis had a breakout year at this spot in 2021, so perhaps Tyree can duplicate or even surpass Davis’ achievements this fall.

Next in line are veterans Deion Colzie and Matt Salerno, along with a pair of freshmen in Jaden Greathouse and Rico Flores. Colzie has shown flashes in his first two seasons but hasn’t been consistently reliable. This would appear to be a make or break season for him. Salerno, a former walk-on, is a quality role player but is not considered to be a front line starter at this level.

Greathouse enrolled in January and quickly made a positive impression. He burst onto the scene during the spring game and has continued to play well this summer. Flores has also demonstrated the ability to come down with difficult catches and is already a polished route runner. A third freshman, Braylan James, has a very bright future but is slightly behind Greathouse and Flores on the development curve.

The biggest change from last season other than Hartman is at tight end, where a committee will replace All-American Michael Mayer. Mitchell Evans and Holden Staes are the leading names in that group. Veteran Kevin Bauman’s career path has been derailed by a knee injury once again. He is lost for the season. Sophomore Eli Raridon is on the mend after tearing his right ACL for the second time last season. The good news is that Raridon will play this season, but probably not in September. If healthy, he is the most talented athlete in this group.

The offensive line appears to be stronger than last season. The coaches made it a priority to get bigger and stronger in the middle, and they have been able to achieve that goal. New line coach Joe Rudolph came over from Wisconsin when Harry Hiestand retired last winter, and he is quietly putting his stamp on this unit. Junior tackles Joe Alt and Blake Fisher return as bookend starters for their third season. Alt is a team captain and likely All-American at left tackle, while Fisher has honed his massive body to dominate opponents. Most pundits expect both to join the NFL next season, although I would like to see Fisher return in 2024 for his senior year and play on the left side to increase his draft position.

Center Zeke Correll has worked very hard over the offseason to maximize his size and strength for the trench warfare he will face this year. In past seasons, he has battled gamely but often proved to be too small to win against the more powerful defensive linemen on the schedule. By all reports, Correll is stronger and ready to hold up against anyone.

The guard positions have been problematic in recent seasons and were a focus area in camp for Rudolph and Head Coach Marcus Freeman. Rudolph emphasized size and power without sacrificing execution. Three candidates have emerged in juniors Rocco Spindler and Pat Coogan, along with sophomore Billy Schrauth. Veteran Andrew Kristofec, who has started previously but lacks ideal size, is the fourth option right now. Rudolph’s best achievement may be getting the physically imposing Spindler ready to play. He had been kept off the field in the past by problems with quickness and execution. Both Spindler and Rudolph have worked hard to mitigate these weaknesses.

Center Ashton Craig, tackle Aamil Wagner, and guard/tackle Charles Jagusah are talented youngsters waiting in the wings .

Tailback appears to be well stocked with several players that are ready to contribute. Estime is the clear leader of the pack. His combination of power, agility and pass receiving ability make him a valuable weapon, especially in an offense that can throw the ball successfully. Graduate transfer Devyn Ford left Penn State to find playing time at Notre Dame, and he is on track to earn it. Sophomore Jadarian Price was last spring’s sensation until rupturing his Achilles tendon. Reports are that he is fully recovered and is again flashing the speed and moves that will result in significant opportunities this fall.

There is little dropoff in ability to sophomore Gi’Bran Payne and freshman Jeremiah Love. Payne has been running neck and neck with Ford and Price, while Love is an electrifying athlete who could surpass them all once he develops within the program. Each of these players brings a varied skill set to the offense that Coach Deland McCullough will be able to utilize. It’s certainly one of the strongest position groups on the team.

This wealth of talent should produce more big plays and points than recent Irish offenses, especially if Hartman proves to be as good as advertised. The one great concern holding back die-hard Notre Dame fans is that the keys to this potential juggernaut have been given to a wholly unproven driver. Gerad Parker was promoted to the Offensive Coordinator position in January after Athletic Director Jack Swarbrick botched the hiring of Utah’s talented and seasoned Coordinator, Andy Ludwig.

Freeman, who really needed a consigliere and not a project at this vital position, was left little time or choice but to elevate Parker. The PR machined tried to put a positive spin on the move, but significant doubts surround Parker and his unimpressive resume as the season is about to unfold. We may not get a true reading on Parker’s fitness for the job until September 23. The matchup with Ohio State will pit Parker against veteran Buckeye DC Jim Knowles, who shut down Tom Rees and Freeman last year in Columbus.

DEFENSE

On the defensive side, the line is well stocked with quality players who will form a very deep rotation. The unit lacks star power, however, and lack of elite size is also a potential weakness. At strong side defensive end, NaNa Osafa-Mensah will play on most running downs while Javontae Jean-Baptiste will be on the field in passing situations. On the weak side (Vyper), Jordan Botelho is the team’s most productive pass rusher. He will be backed up by Junior Tuihalamaka and Josh Burnham. Promising sophomore Aiden Gobaira was recently lost for the season with a knee injury.

The first four linemen who have emerged on the interior are Rylie Mills, Howard Cross, Jason Onye, and Gabe Rubio. Mills has been singled out in camp as one who appears ready for an outstanding campaign. Tyson Ford, Donovan Hinish and freshman Boubacar Traore have also impressed and may see spot duty.

It’s not yet determinable whether this is good news or bad news, but the starting linebackers are the same as last season. Last year’s leading tackler JD Betrand returns in the middle as a team captain along with Hartman, Alt and cornerback Cam Hart. Bertrand is regarded a smart player but he is a liability when playing in space and most of his tackles occur five yards or more past the line of scrimmage. Marist Liufau and Jack Kiser will once again flank Bertrand. Liufau has all the physical tools but rarely makes an impact. He has been susceptible to fakes or misdirection and frequently takes himself out of the play. Kiser is a solid player but has not developed into a difference maker.

The backups are young and talented. Sophomore Jaylen Sneed is fast and should see plenty of action. Freshmen Drayk Bowen (middle) and Jaiden Ausberry (rover) have also earned a spot in the rotation. Nolan Ziegler was expected to contribute this season but he has taken time away to deal with a non football issue.

It’s a rare occasion when I get to type this: Cornerback is the strongest position on the Irish defense. Ben Morrison returns after a sensational freshman campaign that included six interceptions. Hart joins him as a starter, while grad transfer Thomas Harper appears to have locked up the nickel position. The backups include talented young players in sophomore Jaden Mickey and freshman Christian Gray. Mickey has been more consistent this fall after struggling at times last year. Gray enrolled early and has already been identified as a future star.

As in recent seasons, safety remains problematic. Xavier Watts will cover the strong side. He now possesses the experience to complement his physical ability, and should be a solid starter. Familiar names are vying for the nod at free safety. DJ Brown and Ramon Henderson are rightfully known as poor tacklers and defenders who always seem to be a step late to arrive at the ball in pass coverage. The team needs a playmaker here and I’m not sure there is one who is ready. Freshmen Adon Shuler and Ben Minich have shown promise thus far but will need more time in the development pipeline. Shuler has also battled lingering shoulder issues.

Cornerback Clarence Lewis, who is cross training now at safety, is another candidate as is grad transfer Antonio Carter. Neither has yet proven to be an improvement over Brown and Henderson, which is a concern. If Freeman must choose between the latter pair to start the season, Irish fans will have to hope for a miraculous leap in physicality and instincts by either or both.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Notre Dame’s special teams were the talk of college football last year under Coach Brian Mason. Seven blocked punts and overall inspired play helped Mason land a position with the Indianapolis Colts this year while Freeman hired Marty Biagi as his replacement. The Irish have the athletes to continue to excel in this area, although the return game has improved only slightly since the disappointing results of the Brian Kelly era. Tyree is now the choice to return punts and will probably remain the main guy on kickoff returns. Love is a player to watch if he earns an opportunity on kickoffs.

Strong-legged sophomore Zac Yoakam and grad transfer Spencer Schrader are competing for the place kicker position. Yoakam was the kickoff specialist last year and recorded a touchback 63% of the time. Schrader had an excellent career at South Florida and is the favorite to win the job. Both are reportedly kicking well in camp, which we know is a far cry from the pressures of game conditions. In other words, the job remains open remains until more evidence is forthcoming. Schrader is likely to get the first opportunity given his more extensive track record.

Punter has been a competiton between home grown sophomore Bryce McFerson and grad transfer Ben Krimm. McFerson has edged ahead in this battle and will likely get the nod against Navy in the season opener. He has a strong leg but struggled with consistency during the spring.

In summary, this year’s edition of the Irish is composed of reliable veterans and players who are being counted upon to raise their level of performance. The latter group includes Merriweather, Colzie, Evans, Correll and the guards on offense. For the defense, it’s primarily Mills, Botelho, Liufau, Watts, Brown and Henderson. Both place kickers and McFerson must be added to this list as well.

From a coaching standpoint, Freeman must apply the lessons he learned as a first year head coach last season. Marshall is not on the schedule this year but there are a number of inferior teams that could pull off an upset if Notre Dame falters. Parker is next in line for microscopic scrutiny, and for good reason as noted above. Other assistants who must deliver are Chansi Stuckey (wide receivers) and Al Golden (defensive coordinator).

That aside, this season will be judged by the results in three critical contests. Ohio State and USC are at home while Clemson is on the road. Winning one of those games will be regarded (by me) as mediocre. Two wins will be most welcome and possibly a ticket to the playoffs. A sweep either way would be cause for extreme elation or severe depression.

Most college football fans are tired of reading about the changes in the sport that have made it mostly about money. The games themselves are the only refuge from all that distraction. Even that experience has become more challenging. Ticket prices have risen through the roof, even for opponents in whom most Irish fans have little interest. Televised games on any network have become four hour commercial fests interspersed with occasional football plays. There is nonstop talk yet precious little insight from any network announcing team (one year with Tony Dungy was simply not enough). Notre Dame can help its fanbase get past all that with a strong season. The 2023 team has enough talent to make it so.

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