Notre Dame football head coach Marcus Freeman met with the media for the first time on a Monday this year, signaling that there is a game this week.
The Irish will travel to Green Bay, Wisconsin to take on Wisconsin in historic Lambeau Field, and Freeman knows how important this game is. Not only is it the Shamrock Series contest, it’s the starting point for what many believe will be a banner year for Notre Dame.
Freeman went over multiple topics on Monday, from how the captains were selected, the new starting left tackle, his relationship with Badger head coach Luke Fickell and more. Find out below the top takeaways from the first Monday press conference of the 2026 season.
Notre Dame had nine candidates for captains
Freeman explained that there were as many as nine players who got votes
to be captains, but ultimately landed on just four. The Irish know that they have leaders that weren’t selected, and they’ll still be a big part of the leadership team. He also mentioned that Anthonie Knapp and Leonard Moore just missed the cut.
Marcus Freeman believes that Will Black will be fine starting
Notre Dame will be breaking in a few tackle in Will Black, and Freeman confirmed that he’s the starting left tackle. The fact that Knapp used to play the position and will be right next to him will help the transition into the top group. The former 5-star could be the next elite tackle that comes out of South Bend.
Notre Dame’s backup quarterback still is unknown
The depth chart was released as Noah Grubbs and Teddy Jarrard were both listed as the backup to CJ Carr. Freeman wants to make a firm decision, but the fact that the two are still very close, its hard to say who will come in first following Carr. Freeman wants for both of them to get back reps, and that could be the case. It looks like this battle will continue as the season progresses.
There is a big respect factor between Marcus Freeman and Luke Fickell
The two have a long history, as a player and coach. Freeman knows the impact that Fickell has had on his life and coaching career, and expressed gratitude. He’s taken traits from his former coach, the work ethic, demands of players and coaches and mindset from Fickell. This will be the first time the two face off against each other, and that adds a bit of extra drama to the game.
What Marcus Freeman wants to see from the offense
Have to have great ball security, and discipline, along with limiting pre-snap penalties. He wants the focus to be there the whole game, the execution has to be there as well. Freeman isn’t worried about big plays, just wants to see efficiency from the offense. Notre Dame will be breaking in new lineman, wide receivers and running backs, but the constant from last fall, Carr will be back to lead the unit.
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This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: Takeaways from Marcus Freeman’s Wisconsin preview press conference
