Locked On Irish - Daily Podcast On Notre Dame Fighting Irish Football & Basketball

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Notre Dame’s Biggest Defensive & Special Teams Position Battles This Offseason Feb 05, 2026

Show notes

Notre Dame football spring practice is a month away, and the Irish have several critical defensive position battles that will determine roles, rotations, and the overall ceiling of the defense in 2026, including nickel, defensive tackle, will linebacker, and kicker. Tyler Wojciak breaks down the most important defensive position battles to watch this offseason, explains why the nickel position is essentially a starting role, analyzes the interior defensive line rotation and will linebacker competition, and closes with why stability at kicker matters more than star power for a championship-caliber defense.

(0:00) - Intro

(2:07) - Nickel

(11:44) - Defensive Tackle

(17:04) - Will Linebacker

(23:04) - Kicker

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

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Mazda

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Notre Dame’s Biggest Offensive Position Battles This Offseason Feb 04, 2026

Show notes

Notre Dame football spring practice is approaching, and the Irish have several massive offensive position battles that will shape the depth chart, rotation, and ceiling of the offense in 2025, including right tackle, boundary receiver, running back #2, and quarterback #2. Tyler Wojciak, Notre Dame alum and host of Locked On Irish, breaks down the most important offensive position battles to watch this offseason, explains why the right tackle competition impacts the entire offensive line, evaluates the crowded boundary wide receiver room, projects the RB2 race behind Jeremiyah Love, and looks ahead at the future of the quarterback room with a fascinating QB2 battle that could shape Notre Dame’s long-term plans.

(0:00) - Intro

(2:11) - Right Tackle

(11:46) - Boundary WR

(18:00) - TE2

(24:21) - RB2

(29:23) - Backup QB

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

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Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

Mazda

Like our players, we’re driven by the details. Because highlights make the reel. What it takes to get there makes it count.

There’s more to a Mazda. Because there’s more to you.

Turbo Tax

Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

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Notre Dame Poaches Illinois’ DC to Coach Defensive Backs, Expected to Hire Veteran LB Coach Feb 03, 2026

Show notes

Notre Dame football is reshaping its defensive coaching staff with major hires, key departures, and lingering questions about whether the staff is truly finalized heading into the 2026 season. Tyler Wojciak breaks down why the hires of Aaron Henry and Brian Jean Mary are strong long-term fits, how Marcus Freeman continues to attract top coaching talent, and whether more movement could still be coming with interest in Marty Biagi and Loren Landow, while assessing where this Notre Dame staff stands as a whole moving forward.

(0:00) - Intro

(2:05) - Aaron Henry Hired as DB Coach

(14:47) - Brian Jean-Mary Hired as LB Coach

(25:46-) - More Staff Moves?

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

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Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

Mazda

Like our players, we’re driven by the details. Because highlights make the reel. What it takes to get there makes it count.

There’s more to a Mazda. Because there’s more to you.

Turbo Tax

Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

IRISH SQUAD SHOW: The FIRST LOOK for the 2026 Notre Dame season and some WILD predictions Feb 02, 2026

Show notes

Will Marcus Freeman leave no doubt in 2026 and take Notre Dame back to the National Championship game? Is Miami the game of the year? Bold take about the Irish's future in the ACC from the Athletic, a few coaching staff changes and more on this episode of The Irish Squad Show!

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

Mazda
Like our players, we’re driven by the details. Because highlights make the reel. What it takes to get there makes it count.
There’s more to a Mazda. Because there’s more to you.

Turbo Tax
For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life.
Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.

Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Al Washington Leaving Notre Dame for Miami Dolphins, plus the Mailbag! Coaching Candidates, Player Predictions, and More Jan 30, 2026

Show notes

Notre Dame football is undergoing major defensive coaching changes as Al Washington departs for the NFL, Mike Mickens moves on, and Marcus Freeman reshapes the Irish defensive staff ahead of the 2026 season. Tyler Wojciak breaks down why this coaching turnover isn’t a cause for panic, who the top candidates are to replace Mickens, why Jay Valai stands out, and how Notre Dame’s linebacker and secondary rooms are positioned moving forward. Tyler also dives into Keon Keeley’s ceiling, which freshmen could play early, and answers fan questions about quarterback pressure, CJ Carr’s future, and what’s next for the Irish defense.

(0:00) - Intro

(2:02) - Al Washington Leaves for NFL

(12:12) - Staff Shakeup, Potential Candidates

(22:42) - Predictions & Hypotheticals

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

Follow Locked On Irish on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LockedOnIrish

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Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

Mazda

Like our players, we’re driven by the details. Because highlights make the reel. What it takes to get there makes it count.

There’s more to a Mazda. Because there’s more to you.

Turbo Tax

Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.

Rocket Money

Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at http://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Notre Dame’s Biggest Needs in the 2027 Recruiting Class Jan 29, 2026

Show notes

Notre Dame recruiting is already heating up for the 2027 class, and the Irish are at a critical point in building the next phase of their roster. Tyler Wojciak breaks down Notre Dame’s biggest recruiting needs for the 2027 cycle, ranking every position group from most important to least and explaining why each one lands where it does. From quarterback and defensive line to wide receiver, linebacker, and offensive line, this episode dives into how roster math, development timelines, and recruiting strategy will shape Notre Dame’s future. Tyler also explains how many players Notre Dame is likely to take at each position, what traits the staff is prioritizing, and why this stretch of the recruiting calendar is so important for building momentum heading into the spring and summer.

(0:00) - Intro

(2:16) - Most Important

(12:39) - Middle Tier

(25:16) - Rounding out the Class

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

Follow Locked On Irish on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LockedOnIrish

Follow Locked On Irish on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lockedonirishpod/?hl=en

Subscribe to Locked on Irish on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC749D_LgykIE8WLu7W4UQlQ

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

Mazda

Like our players, we’re driven by the details. Because highlights make the reel. What it takes to get there makes it count.

There’s more to a Mazda. Because there’s more to you.

Turbo Tax

Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.

Rocket Money

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Luke Smith on Notre Dame’s Wild Offseason: Freeman’s Decision, Staff Shakeup, Portal Wins, and More Jan 28, 2026

Show notes

Notre Dame’s offseason has been anything but quiet. Tyler Wojciak and Luke Smith dive into the biggest storylines surrounding the Irish, including Marcus Freeman’s decision to stay at Notre Dame, how the program handled the announcement, the transfer portal strategy and what it says about the future, staff changes like the departure of Mike Mickens and the addition of Charlie Partridge, and what Indiana’s national championship run means for the College Football Playoff moving forward. Tyler and Luke ahead to what matters most for Notre Dame entering the next phase of the offseason, plus a quick check-in on the state of the men’s basketball program.

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

Follow Locked On Irish on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LockedOnIrish

Follow Locked On Irish on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lockedonirishpod/?hl=en

Subscribe to Locked on Irish on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC749D_LgykIE8WLu7W4UQlQ

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

Mazda

Like our players, we’re driven by the details. Because highlights make the reel. What it takes to get there makes it count.

There’s more to a Mazda. Because there’s more to you.

Turbo Tax

Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.

Rocket Money

Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at http://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jamie Uyeyama on Mike Mickens Leaving Notre Dame, Potential DB Coach Candidates, and the Ceiling for the Defense in 2026 Jan 27, 2026

Show notes

Notre Dame is facing major change on the defensive side of the ball as Mike Mickens leaves for the NFL, and the ripple effects could shape the program’s future. In this episode of Locked On Irish, host Tyler Wojciak is joined by Jamie Uyeyama of Irish Sports Daily to break down what Mickens’ departure means, how difficult he’ll be to replace, and what Notre Dame should be looking for in its next defensive backs coach. The conversation also dives into the hiring of new defensive line coach Charlie Partridge, why he’s so highly regarded across college football, and how his arrival could elevate Notre Dame’s defense in 2026. Jamie shares insight on potential coaching candidates, schematic impact, and the overall ceiling of this defense as the Irish gear up for another national title push.

(0:00) - Intro

(1:51) - Mike Mickens Leaving for NFL

(14:19) - Potential Candidates

(28:06) - Charlie Partridge’s Impact

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

Follow Locked On Irish on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LockedOnIrish

Follow Locked On Irish on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lockedonirishpod/?hl=en

Subscribe to Locked on Irish on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC749D_LgykIE8WLu7W4UQlQ

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

Mazda

Like our players, we’re driven by the details. Because highlights make the reel. What it takes to get there makes it count.

There’s more to a Mazda. Because there’s more to you.

Turbo Tax

Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.

Rocket Money

Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at http://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

IRISH SQUAD SHOW: Notre Dame loses Mike Mickens to Ravens and OTHER fans upset over CFB Playoff Jan 26, 2026

Show notes

Notre Dame loses DB coach Mike Mickens to the Baltimore Ravens. Anyone else Marcus Freeman could lose at this point? The CFB Playoff format won't change with a small adjustment and fans outside of Notre Dame are not thrilled...

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

Mazda
Like our players, we’re driven by the details. Because highlights make the reel. What it takes to get there makes it count.
There’s more to a Mazda. Because there’s more to you.

Rocket Money
Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at http://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Notre Dame’s 2026 Schedule Release, CFP Format Changes, and National Title Expectations Jan 25, 2026

Show notes

Notre Dame’s 2026 schedule is officially out, and the reaction around college football has been loud — and in some cases, wildly overblown. Tyler Wojciak breaks down the Irish schedule release, reacts to the College Football Playoff staying at 12 teams, and explains why the outrage over Notre Dame’s automatic bid is completely misguided. Plus, with Vegas installing Notre Dame as the national championship favorite, Tyler looks at what that says about expectations for the program and why the pressure on the Irish is officially on heading into 2026.

(0:00) - Intro

(2:09) - 2026 Schedule Release

(11:56) - CFP Update/MOU Outrage

(24:57) - National Title Favorites

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

Follow Locked On Irish on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LockedOnIrish

Follow Locked On Irish on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lockedonirishpod/?hl=en

Subscribe to Locked on Irish on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC749D_LgykIE8WLu7W4UQlQ

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

Mazda

Like our players, we’re driven by the details. Because highlights make the reel. What it takes to get there makes it count.

There’s more to a Mazda. Because there’s more to you.

Turbo Tax

Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.

Rocket Money

Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at http://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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