Notre Dame Football Mailbag: The quarterback battle, Jeremiyah Love’s usage, 2026 recruiting, and Cam Williams

Notre Dame Football Mailbag: The Quarterback Battle, Jeremiyah Love’s Usage, 2026 Recruiting, and Cam Williams

As the Notre Dame Fighting Irish gear up for another exciting season of college football, fans, analysts, and experts alike have plenty of questions about what lies ahead for the program. From the competition at quarterback to the future of recruiting, there’s no shortage of intrigue surrounding head coach Marcus Freeman’s squad. In this Notre Dame Football Mailbag, we’ll dive into some of the most pressing questions and issues facing the team, including the quarterback battle, the potential usage of Jeremiyah Love, an early look at 2026 recruiting, and the development of Cam Williams.

Let’s tackle these questions and give fans a deeper understanding of what’s happening within the program.

1. Who Will Win the Quarterback Battle for Notre Dame?

At the heart of Notre Dame’s offseason conversation is the quarterback battle. With Tyler Buchner, Drew Pyne, and Sam Hartman all competing for the starting job, the competition is fierce. In the past, Notre Dame has typically relied on established quarterbacks, but the upcoming season presents an opportunity for one of these talented quarterbacks to step up and take control of the offense.

Tyler Buchner, who started the 2022 season as the starter before suffering an injury, is known for his mobility and playmaking ability. He showed flashes of brilliance in his time as a starter, but his development was cut short due to the injury. After rehabbing and returning to action, Buchner will be looking to prove that he can be a reliable option under center.

On the other hand, Drew Pyne filled in admirably for Buchner last season after the injury and led the team to multiple victories. Pyne doesn’t have the same mobility as Buchner but is a steady, accurate passer with a good understanding of the offense. His experience and poise in the pocket make him a viable candidate, even though he may not have the upside that Buchner possesses.

The addition of Sam Hartman, a graduate transfer from Wake Forest, has made the quarterback battle even more interesting. Hartman is an established signal-caller with over 12,000 career passing yards in college. Known for his strong arm and ability to read defenses, Hartman brings a wealth of experience to the table. If he earns the starting role, Notre Dame’s offense could take on a more traditional, pro-style approach.

So, who will win the job?

The battle for the starting quarterback spot will likely be determined by a combination of performance in practice, game management, and the ability to execute the offense. Buchner’s dual-threat ability could give him the edge if he stays healthy and improves his decision-making. Pyne’s leadership and poise make him a valuable asset in big games, while Hartman’s experience might prove to be the final factor in his favor.

Ultimately, Marcus Freeman and the coaching staff will need to carefully assess which quarterback gives the team the best chance to succeed. Expect the competition to play out through spring practice and into training camp, with the starter potentially being named just before the season opener.

2. How Should Jeremiyah Love Be Utilized in the Notre Dame Offense?

Jeremiyah Love is one of the most exciting young talents to enter the Notre Dame football program in recent years. As a true freshman, Love’s talent is undeniable. A dynamic running back with breakaway speed, excellent vision, and the ability to catch passes out of the backfield, Love has all the tools to be a difference-maker for the Fighting Irish.

However, the question remains: How should Jeremiyah Love be used within the Notre Dame offense?

While Logan Diggs and Audric Estime are expected to carry the load at running back, Love should see significant touches this season. The ideal way to utilize him is by using his speed and versatility in a variety of roles. Here are a few ways Love could be incorporated into the offense:

1. Third-Down Back: Given Love’s receiving ability, he could be used as a third-down back to create mismatches in the passing game. His speed and hands make him a dangerous weapon in the open field. By positioning him on screens or wheel routes, Notre Dame could take advantage of defenses that focus on stopping Estime and Diggs between the tackles.
2. Split-Out Receiver: Love’s ability as a pass-catcher could allow him to line up in the slot at times, creating another receiving threat alongside Tobias Merriweather, Jaden Greathouse, and Deion Colzie. His ability to break away from defenders after catching the ball could stretch defenses vertically.
3. Wildcat Formation: Given his athleticism and dual-threat capabilities, Love could also be a candidate to run a Wildcat formation. While this isn’t a staple of Notre Dame’s offense, the addition of Love could offer another dimension in short-yardage situations or to keep defenses on their toes.
4. Spell Estime and Diggs: With two established backs in Audric Estime and Logan Diggs, Love’s role should also include spelling them on occasion to keep them fresh. Having a third back who can contribute immediately helps to reduce the wear and tear on the top two players and ensures that Love is integrated into the flow of the offense.

By using Love in a variety of roles, Notre Dame can maximize his potential as a game-breaking talent. The ability to keep defenses guessing while providing Love with opportunities to showcase his explosive playmaking abilities will be key to his success in the Fighting Irish offense.

3. What Can We Expect from Notre Dame’s 2026 Recruiting Class?

The 2026 recruiting class is still a few years away from making an impact, but Marcus Freeman and his staff are already laying the groundwork for another strong group of prospects. As a head coach who has already shown an ability to recruit at an elite level, Freeman’s efforts in securing top-tier talent for future seasons should not be underestimated.

What can we expect from this class?

1. A Focus on the Line of Scrimmage: As with most college football programs, Notre Dame will likely prioritize recruiting elite offensive and defensive linemen. The Irish have long prided themselves on their ability to dominate in the trenches, and Freeman’s staff will be aiming to continue that tradition by bringing in top-tier talent at both tackle and guard positions on the offensive line, along with elite pass-rushers and run-stoppers for the defensive line.
2. Quarterback Development: While 2026 is still a long way off, it’s never too early to begin identifying and courting top quarterback prospects. Notre Dame has historically been selective when it comes to quarterbacks, and Freeman’s staff will likely pursue elite prospects who can carry the program for the next decade. Expect them to target a well-rounded, physically gifted quarterback who can step in and make an impact early.
3. Skill Position Players: Expect Notre Dame to continue targeting playmakers at wide receiver, running back, and tight end. With the passing game gaining prominence, Freeman’s staff will look for versatile athletes who can contribute to the Irish’s offense both in the air and on the ground. Speed and playmaking ability will be key factors in the recruitment of skill position players.
4. National Appeal: Under Freeman, Notre Dame has continued to recruit nationally, securing commitments from athletes across the country. The 2026 class is likely to follow this trend, with the program looking to build relationships in new regions while maintaining its strongholds in traditional recruiting areas like Ohio, Texas, and California.

While the 2026 recruiting class is still in its infancy, it’s safe to say that Notre Dame will continue to attract top-tier talent. With Freeman’s commitment to building a championship-level program, expect the Irish to bring in a class that could continue to elevate the program’s status on the national stage.

4. What’s the Future for Cam Williams at Notre Dame?

Cam Williams is one of the most highly anticipated recruits for Notre Dame, and many fans are eager to see what kind of impact he will have when he arrives on campus. Williams, a 5-star wide receiver out of Illinois, has the potential to be a game-changer for the Fighting Irish offense.

At 6-foot-2 with elite speed and ball skills, Williams has all the physical attributes to become one of the top receivers in the country. He possesses the ability to create separation on routes, make plays after the catch, and be a deep threat for the Irish offense. Williams has already drawn comparisons to some of the top wide receivers in the country, and his future in Notre Dame’s offense looks extremely promising.

When Williams arrives in South Bend, he’ll likely have an immediate opportunity to contribute. With a dynamic quarterback and a solid supporting cast of receivers, Williams will have the chance to step in and make an impact right away. His ability to stretch the field and be a vertical threat could provide a new dimension to Notre Dame’s passing game, which has struggled to consistently produce big plays in recent years.

As a future leader in the program, Williams will also play a key role in recruiting other top talents to join the program. His status as one of the premier wide receiver prospects in the country will make him a focal point in Notre Dame’s offensive future, and it’s expected that he’ll be a cornerstone of the program for the next few years.

Conclusion

As the Notre Dame Fighting Irish look toward the future, the questions surrounding the quarterback battle, Jeremiyah Love’s role, the 2026 recruiting class, and the potential of Cam Williams are key components to the program’s success. Head coach Marcus Freeman is shaping the future of the Fighting Irish, and the answers to these questions will help determine whether Notre Dame can compete at the highest levels of college football in the years to come.

The quarterback battle is set to be one of the most compelling storylines heading into the season, while Jeremiyah Love’s usage could be a key factor in the offense’s ability to balance the running game and passing attack. Looking ahead, the 2026 recruiting class will continue to be a major point of focus, and Cam Williams could be one of the stars of that future class, bringing a new dynamic to Notre Dame’s wide receiver corps.

For Notre Dame fans, the future is filled with excitement and promise, and the answers to these questions will help shape the team’s success for years to come.