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

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Mailbag! Position Battles, Surprise Portal Wins, CJ Carr’s Ceiling, Schedule Outlook, Top 5 Coaches, and More Jan 23, 2026

Show notes

Notre Dame football faces critical questions entering the 2026 season, including portal impact, key position battles, CJ Carr’s ceiling, and what the Irish must prove moving forward. On this Friday Mailbag, Tyler Wojciak answers questions from viewers and listeners including Charlie Partridge’s impact, unexpected portal wins, early roster battles, CJ Carr’s outlook, and a look back at the most memorable moments from last season, plus a fun debate ranking the top coaches in college football. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Notre Dame’s Biggest Offseason Questions in 2026 Jan 22, 2026

Show notes

Notre Dame football faces six massive questions that will define the 2026 season, including CJ Carr’s development, the search for a go-to playmaker, offensive line health, defensive line dominance, slow starts under Marcus Freeman, and whether the Irish can sustain recruiting momentum. In today’s episode of Locked On Irish, host Tyler Wojciak breaks down each of those questions in detail, explains why they matter for Notre Dame’s ceiling this season, and analyzes how the answers could shape the future of the program. Tyler also looks at the pressure on CJ Carr to elevate the offense, the importance of a faster start in September, and why this offseason is so critical for Notre Dame on the recruiting trail.

(0:00) - Intro

(1:50) - Can CJ Carr Be Great?

(5:48) - Elite Skill Players?

(12:41) - Jagusah Health?

(17:32) - Elite D-Line?

(20:59) - Fast Start?

(24:32) - Top 5 Recruiting Class?

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Breaking Down Notre Dame’s Transfer Portal Shift with Brian Smith: What It Means for 2026 and Beyond Jan 21, 2026

Show notes

Notre Dame’s approach to roster building is evolving, and the transfer portal is playing a bigger role than ever. On this crossover edition of Locked on Irish and the Portal, Tyler Wojciak is joined by Locked On’s Recruiting and Transfer Portal Insider Brian Smith to break down how the college football landscape is changing, why Indiana’s championship run may signal a shift in team-building philosophy, and what Notre Dame’s portal strategy says about the future of the program. Tyler and Brian dive into Notre Dame’s latest portal additions, including Mylan Graham, Quincy Porter, Francis Brewu, Tionne Gray, and Keon Keeley, before turning their attention to the quarterback room and what’s next for CJ Carr, Teddy Jarrard, and the 2027 recruiting class.

(0:00) - Intro

(1:52) - Transfer Portal Takeaways

(12:01) - Portal Player Breakdowns

(24:51) - QB Future

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.

Turbo Tax

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

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Before tip-off, check the FanDuel app and see what’s dropping during NBA Happy Hour — every Friday from 6 to 7:30 PM Eastern.

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: Should Notre Dame be the FAVORITE to win the National Championship next season?? Jan 21, 2026

Show notes

What do the Vegas odds say about CJ Carr and Notre Dame for 2026? Marcus Freeman crushed the transfer portal! Breaking down the National Championship game 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 LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

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.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

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

What the National Title Game Revealed About Notre Dame’s Future Jan 20, 2026

Show notes

Notre Dame’s season may be over, but the national championship game provided major clues about where the Irish stand in the race for a title. Tyler Wojciak breaks down what the CFP title game revealed about championship-caliber teams, how Notre Dame compares, and whether the Irish are truly built to win it all in 2026. Tyler also reacts to Marcus Freeman’s College GameDay appearance and uses data-driven insights from Irish Sports Daily’s Jamie Uyeyama to analyze what elite teams consistently have in common — and where Notre Dame stacks up. The episode wraps with a look back at the 2025 season, why it was both encouraging and frustrating, and why the road to 2026 is now clearly defined for the Irish.

(0:00) - Intro

(1:34) - Championship Takeaways

(11:32) - Win a Title in 2026?

(22:38) - Wrapping Up 2025

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

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

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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.

Turbo Tax

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

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Before tip-off, check the FanDuel app and see what’s dropping during NBA Happy Hour — every Friday from 6 to 7:30 PM Eastern.

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

Inside Notre Dame’s Transfer Portal Class With Eric Thomas: How the Irish Quietly Built One of the Best in the Country Jan 19, 2026

Show notes

Notre Dame wrapped up the transfer portal cycle with one of the most intriguing classes in the country. Tyler Wojciak is joined by recruiting analyst Eric Thomas from Irish Illustrated to break it all down. The two dive into Notre Dame’s patient portal strategy, why the Irish waited while other programs rushed to add players, and how that approach ultimately paid off. They discuss the significance of landing transfers like Keon Keeley, Quincy Porter, and Mylan Graham, how prior recruiting relationships helped shape the class, and whether Notre Dame should have added a quarterback, tight end, or running back. Tyler and Eric also evaluate the biggest impact players and how the defensive line compares to last year's.

(0:00) - Intro

(1:54) - Portal Strategy

(11:58) - Player Breakdowns

(30:38) - Expectations vs. Reality

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.

Turbo Tax

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

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Before tip-off, check the FanDuel app and see what’s dropping during NBA Happy Hour — every Friday from 6 to 7:30 PM Eastern.

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

Mailbag! Notre Dame Lands Another DT in the Portal, DL Projections, Backup QB/RB, Biggest Concerns, and More! Jan 16, 2026

Show notes

Notre Dame football officially filled its biggest transfer portal need with the addition of Oregon defensive tackle Tionne Gray. Tyler Wojciak breaks down why that move — paired with the earlier commitment of Francis Brewu — stabilizes the defensive line for both the present and the future. In this Friday Mailbag episode, Tyler answers listener questions about Notre Dame’s 2026 defensive line projection, Christian Gray and Luke Talich at nickel, the backup quarterback situation, the race to finish second in rushing behind AneYas Williams, the most underrated portal addition, and whether any roster concerns still remain.

(0:00) - Intro

(1:58) - Tionne Gray/DLine Projections

(14:38) - Backup QB & RB

(28:11) - Underrated Portal Add/Roster Concerns

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

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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.

Wayfair

Get last-minute hosting essentials, gifts for all your loved ones, and decor to celebrate the holidays for WAY less.

Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home.

Wayfair. Every style. Every home.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Before tip-off, check the FanDuel app and see what’s dropping during NBA Happy Hour — every Friday from 6 to 7:30 PM Eastern.

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

Marcus Freeman Addresses the NFL, CFP Snub, Transfer Portal, and Why He’s Staying at Notre Dame Jan 15, 2026

Show notes

Marcus Freeman spoke publicly for the first time since Notre Dame’s November 29 win over Stanford, and the Irish head coach had plenty to address. On today’s episode of Locked On Irish, Tyler Wojciak reacts to Freeman’s wide-ranging press conference, including his response to NFL interest, Notre Dame’s transfer portal strategy, the College Football Playoff snub, the USC rivalry, and key roster decisions shaping the 2026 season. Tyler breaks down what Freeman said, what it means, and why this press conference was one of the clearest windows yet into the future of Notre Dame football.

(0:00) - Intro

(2:20) - NFL Rumors & Future

(14:25) - Transfer Portal

(25:47) - Big News at LB

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.

Wayfair

Get last-minute hosting essentials, gifts for all your loved ones, and decor to celebrate the holidays for WAY less.

Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home.

Wayfair. Every style. Every home.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Before tip-off, check the FanDuel app and see what’s dropping during NBA Happy Hour — every Friday from 6 to 7:30 PM Eastern.

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

Notre Dame Lands Three Most Important Transfer Portal Prospects & Marcus Freeman NFL Rumors Get Shut Down Jan 14, 2026

Show notes

Tuesday marked the best day of Notre Dame’s offseason as the Irish landed three of their most important transfer portal commitments and finally put an end to months of Marcus Freeman NFL speculation. Tyler Wojciak breaks down why defensive tackle Francis Brewu is the most important portal addition of the cycle, why Ohio State transfer wide receiver Mylan Graham is his favorite pickup based on talent and upside, and how Notre Dame finally stabilized the kicking position. Tyler also explains why Freeman’s commitment to Notre Dame signals the program is fully all-in on a national championship push in 2026, and why the momentum has officially shifted after a brutal start to the offseason.

(0:00) - Intro

(2:06) - Francis Brewu Commits

(11:34) - Mylan Graham Commits

(21:02) - Kicker Commits

(24:51) - Freeman Shuts Down NFL

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.

Wayfair

Get last-minute hosting essentials, gifts for all your loved ones, and decor to celebrate the holidays for WAY less.

Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home.

Wayfair. Every style. Every home.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Before tip-off, check the FanDuel app and see what’s dropping during NBA Happy Hour — every Friday from 6 to 7:30 PM Eastern.

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

Notre Dame Lands Four Key Commits in the Transfer Portal, Plus Updates on Francis Brewu, Mylan Graham, and Marcus Freeman Jan 13, 2026

Show notes

Notre Dame football finally broke through in the transfer portal, landing four key commitments in one day and signaling that real momentum is building in South Bend. Tyler Wojciak breaks down why these additions matter, starting with a deep dive into Jayden Sanders and DJ McKinney and what their arrivals mean for Notre Dame’s already-loaded secondary. Tyler then turns to Quincy Porter and Keon Keeley, two high-upside additions who fill major needs at boundary wide receiver and defensive end. Tyler closes with the latest on defensive tackle Francis Brewu, a rollercoaster update on wide receiver Mylan Graham, and clarity on the Marcus Freeman situation as Notre Dame looks poised to keep stacking good news in the transfer portal.

(0:00) - Intro

(2:15) - Jayden Sanders

(6:36) - DJ McKinney

(13:49) - Quincy Porter

(19:11) - Keon Keeley

(28:00) - Latest on Francis Brewu

(32:03) - Latest on Mylan Graham

(34:11) - Marcus Freeman Update

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.

Wayfair

Get last-minute hosting essentials, gifts for all your loved ones, and decor to celebrate the holidays for WAY less.

Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home.

Wayfair. Every style. Every home.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Before tip-off, check the FanDuel app and see what’s dropping during NBA Happy Hour — every Friday from 6 to 7:30 PM Eastern.

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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