The Notre Dame football Blue-Gold Game featured a detailed position-by-position breakdown, showcasing key players and emerging talent for the season.

The Notre Dame football Blue-Gold Game is more than just an annual spring scrimmage—it’s a critical showcase for the team’s roster, a chance to evaluate returning players, and an opportunity to preview emerging talent that could play a significant role in the upcoming season. As a staple of the team’s preparation for the fall campaign, the game provides invaluable insight into the performance and development of players across all positions. This year’s Blue-Gold Game did not disappoint, with standout performances, intense competition, and key positional battles that will shape the roster in 2025.

In this article, we will break down the game position-by-position, evaluating how players fared and what it means for the upcoming season. From the quarterbacks leading the offense to the defensive front making key stops, the Blue-Gold Game provided glimpses of what fans can expect as the Fighting Irish prepare for the fall.

Quarterback: The Battle for the Starting Role

One of the most anticipated storylines heading into the Blue-Gold Game was the quarterback competition. After the departure of last season’s starting quarterback, Notre Dame was left with a battle for the position, with several quarterbacks vying for the starting job.

Sam Hartman (Graduate Transfer)

Sam Hartman, the graduate transfer from Wake Forest, has been touted as the frontrunner for the starting quarterback job. Hartman’s experience and high level of play in the ACC have made him an intriguing addition to the Notre Dame offense. During the Blue-Gold Game, Hartman showed why many consider him the top option. His poise in the pocket, strong arm, and ability to read defenses were on full display. He led the offense efficiently, managing the game well and distributing the ball to a variety of targets.

Hartman’s leadership was evident as he took command of the offense. While his performance wasn’t flawless, it was clear that he had the ability to elevate the play of those around him. His experience playing in big games and his ability to make quick decisions could be invaluable for the Fighting Irish as they head into the 2025 season.

Tyler Buchner (Sophomore)

Tyler Buchner, a sophomore, was another player who drew attention during the game. Buchner, known for his mobility and dual-threat capability, had moments of brilliance but also exhibited areas for improvement. While his athleticism was clear—especially when he extended plays with his legs—his passing game was inconsistent at times. Buchner’s ability to make plays outside of the pocket could provide a different dimension to the Notre Dame offense if he were to earn the starting role.

However, during the Blue-Gold Game, Buchner struggled with accuracy at times and faced some pressure from the defensive front. Though he showed flashes of potential, it became apparent that Hartman’s experience might give him an edge going into the season.

Drew Pyne (Junior)

Drew Pyne, the third quarterback in the mix, also participated in the Blue-Gold Game, showcasing his competitive nature. While Pyne has experience from previous seasons, he too faced challenges during the scrimmage. Known for his solid mechanics and ability to read defenses, Pyne had a few solid throws but was unable to fully capitalize on his opportunities. His lack of mobility and tendency to lock onto primary targets limited his effectiveness, particularly against a strong defense.

While Pyne’s future at Notre Dame may not be as certain as Hartman’s or Buchner’s, his performance in the Blue-Gold Game showed that he still has a role to play as a backup or in certain packages, especially given his leadership experience.

Running Back: A Deep Stable of Talent

Running back is a position where Notre Dame has seen tremendous depth and talent over the years, and 2025 looks no different. The Blue-Gold Game highlighted several key players who will battle for playing time in the upcoming season.

Audric Estime (Junior)

Audric Estime, a powerful and dynamic running back, was one of the standout performers of the Blue-Gold Game. With his blend of size, speed, and agility, Estime has the potential to be one of the top backs in college football. He had several explosive runs during the game, showing off his ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact. His vision and decision-making were also on display as he patiently waited for holes to open up before hitting the gas.

Estime’s performance solidified his place as the top option in Notre Dame’s backfield for 2025. He’s poised to be a key contributor in both the running and passing game, providing balance and playmaking ability for the offense.

Logan Diggs (Sophomore)

Logan Diggs, another talented running back, demonstrated his quickness and vision during the Blue-Gold Game. Diggs showed off his ability to make defenders miss in the open field, making him a dangerous weapon in space. He also showcased solid pass-catching ability, a key component of the modern college football running back’s skill set. While Estime may be the featured back, Diggs’ versatility and playmaking ability will make him a valuable contributor in both short-yardage situations and as a change-of-pace back.

Giovanni Haskins (Freshman)

Giovanni Haskins, a freshman, showed promise during the Blue-Gold Game, running with purpose and showcasing a solid mix of vision and burst. While Haskins still has room to grow, his performance indicated that he could be a contributor in the coming seasons, especially as part of a deep rotation.

Wide Receiver: A Group of Emerging Playmakers

The wide receiver group has been an area of concern in recent years for Notre Dame, but the Blue-Gold Game provided a glimpse of optimism. Several young and talented receivers emerged, suggesting that the position group may be much improved in 2025.

Lorenzo Styles (Junior)

Lorenzo Styles, the junior wide receiver, was one of the top performers in the Blue-Gold Game. Known for his speed and ability to create separation, Styles had multiple explosive catches and showed off his deep-ball ability. His route running and ability to get open were among the highlights of the game, and he’s expected to be one of the primary playmakers in the offense this season.

Jayden Thomas (Sophomore)

Jayden Thomas, a sophomore, showed flashes of potential, showcasing excellent hands and solid route-running skills. Thomas’ ability to get open in the short to intermediate passing game will make him a valuable asset in the offense. While he still has room to grow, his performance in the Blue-Gold Game indicated that he could be a key contributor in 2025.

Tobias Merriweather (Freshman)

Tobias Merriweather, a highly touted freshman, impressed fans and coaches alike during the Blue-Gold Game. Standing at 6’4” with an impressive wingspan, Merriweather is a matchup nightmare for defenders. He showed great hands, solid route-running ability, and the capability to make contested catches. His development in the coming months will be crucial to the wide receiver group’s success, and he could become a go-to target for whichever quarterback earns the starting job.

Offensive Line: Protecting the Quarterback

The offensive line is one of the most important positions on any football team, and Notre Dame’s line is expected to be a strength for the team in 2025. With a wealth of experience and talent, the Blue-Gold Game showcased the depth and competitiveness of the line.

Blake Fisher (Sophomore) and Joe Alt (Junior)

Blake Fisher and Joe Alt, two young but highly talented offensive linemen, were standouts during the Blue-Gold Game. Fisher, at tackle, has the size and athleticism to be a dominant force on the line, while Alt is considered one of the top players at his position in college football. Together, they anchor the offensive line, providing stability and protection for the quarterbacks and running backs.

Defensive Line: A Stout Front Seven

Notre Dame’s defensive line was dominant during the Blue-Gold Game, and it looks to be one of the top units in the country. With a blend of experience and youth, the defensive front was aggressive, applying consistent pressure on the quarterbacks and clogging up running lanes.

Isaiah Foskey (Senior)

Isaiah Foskey, one of the top pass rushers in the country, was a standout performer. His ability to get to the quarterback was on full display as he generated consistent pressure throughout the game. Foskey’s leadership and ability to disrupt the offensive backfield will be crucial for the Fighting Irish defense in 2025.

Jayson Ademilola (Senior)

Jayson Ademilola, a senior defensive tackle, was a force inside, collapsing the pocket and stopping the run. His experience and physicality make him a key piece of the defensive line, and he showed off his ability to control the line of scrimmage.

Linebackers and Secondary: Defensive Playmakers

The linebackers and secondary also had solid performances in the Blue-Gold Game, with multiple players stepping up and showing promise.

JD Bertrand (Junior)

JD Bertrand, a junior linebacker, was active all over the field, showcasing his ability to read plays, make tackles, and support both the run and pass defense.

Cam Hart (Senior)

Cam Hart, a senior cornerback, was another standout, locking down receivers and showcasing his physicality and ability to make plays in the secondary.

 A Promising Outlook for the 2025 Season

The Notre Dame football Blue-Gold Game provided valuable insight into the team’s depth and talent heading into the 2025 season. From the quarterback battle to the dynamic performances across the offensive and defensive units, the Fighting Irish have much to be excited about as they prepare for the upcoming campaign. The competition within the team, combined with the development of emerging talent, ensures that Notre Dame football is poised for success in the upcoming season. With key players stepping up at every position, the Fighting Irish are ready to face the challenges of the 2025 college football season head-on.