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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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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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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Notre Dame lands a major commitment from 4-star DT Tiki Hola, bolstering their defensive front for the 2026 class. Meanwhile, former USC commit Kohen Brown decommits after receiving an offer from the Irish, with signs pointing to him joining Notre Dame's next wave of talent. Tyler Wojciak breaks down what Hola's commitment means for Notre Dame's defensive line, why Brown is now heavily projected to sign with the Irish, and how Marcus Freeman and his staff are setting up for a monster 2026 class. Plus, what's next for the Irish on the recruiting trail?

(0:00) - Intro

(1:51) - Tiki Hola Commits

(10:44) - ND stealing commit from USC?

(19:11) - What’s next in ’26 Class

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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 had a strong 2025 recruiting class, and Marcus Freeman will count on several of the true freshmen in the upcoming college football season. Tyler Wojciak ranks the Top 5 freshmen who are set to make the biggest impact for Notre Dame in 2025. With a loaded class of talented newcomers, Tyler breaks down who has the best chance to contribute right away, starting with tight end James Flanigan and linebacker Madden Faraimo. Tyler also highlights wide receiver Elijah Burress, who brings much-needed speed and playmaking ability to the offense, as well as cornerback Dallas Golden and safety Jadon Blair, two defensive backs with the potential to contribute on special teams and sub-packages right away.

(0:00) - Intro

(2:51) - #1

(7:11) - #2

(11:54) - #3

(16:51) - #4

(21:42) - #5

(24:27) - Honorable Mentions

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Notre Dame has been on a recruiting tear with seven commitments since the start of April. Tyler Wojciak is joined by recruiting analyst Eric Thomas from Irish Illustrated to break down what’s driving this incredible surge in momentum for the class of 2026. From key commits like 4-star RB Javian Osborne to 4-star DT Tiki Hola’s upcoming decision, Tyler and Eric dive into the factors behind Notre Dame’s recruiting success and explore what to expect moving forward.

(0:00) - Intro

(1:34) - Eric Thomas joins!

(1:53) - Class Impact of Javian Osborne & Jakobe Clapper

(4:28) - RB Recruiting

(8:10) - Tiki Hola

(11:36) - Reasons for Recruiting Momentum

(25:08) - What’s next?

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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
Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year.

Upwork

Visit Upwork.com right now and post your job for free. With Upwork, you can find specialized freelancers in marketing, development, design, and more—experts ready to help you take your business to the next level.

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.

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