Notre Dame football got its fall camp started today, and a portion of practice was open to the media.
The Irish have a loaded team, one that has plenty of returning known star power, but there are more than a few positions that still have competitive battles for starting spots as the fall gets under way. While it was just one practice, it’s always interesting to see who has stood out, and it very much seems like more than a few did that earlier today.
Expectations are extremely high in South Bend, and starting off fall practice on the right foot is always a good idea. It does seem like that was the case for Notre Dame, as it very much looks like players have been chomping at the bit for camp to get started.
There were multiple media members who
went to social media to say who they believed had a great practice. Take a look below who stood out for Notre Dame during its first fall practice of 2026.
The Athletics Pete Sampson
Players who stood out from Day 1
— Pete Sampson (@PeteSampson_) August 6, 2026
Leonard Moore
Matt Jeffery
Jasper Scaife
Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa
CJ Carr
Nolan James
Jayden Sanders
A few of these aren’t surprising at all, as Moore, Carr and Viliamu-Asa have plenty of hype surrounding them this season. Wide receiver Matt Jeffery is a name that I didn’t expect to pop off, but that is an interesting development. Punter Jasper Scaife most likely was booming more than a few attempts which is great to see. Not surprised to see running back Nolan James on the list, as he needs to make the jump as the running back depth isn’t the same as it was last fall. Transfer corner Jayden Sanders having a good first day is also great to see.
ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg
Just watched Notre Dame practice this morning and my biggest takeaway is Leonard Moore absolutely doesn’t have to practice 😂☘️🏈
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) August 6, 2026
Again, no surprise here, as Moore is one of the best defenders in college football this fall. While Rittenberg was impressed, he most likely will still have to practice. It’s great competition for the wide receivers as well, as they won’t really face an elite corner like Moore all year, and their reps against others should seem much easier when the season starts.
Blue and Gold’s Jack Soble
Just left Notre Dame football practice. Some players who stood out:
Leonard Moore (best on the field, not close)
CJ Carr
Francis Brewu
Luke Talich
Guerby Lambert
Matt Jeffery
Keon Keeley
Aneyas Williams
Armel Mukam
Jerome Bettis Jr.
Bubba Frazier
Jasper Scaife— Jack Soble (@jacksoble56) August 6, 2026
Not touching a few of the preview names already talked about, defensive tackle Francis Brewu having a nice day is exactly what the line needs. He’s going to play a big role this fall. Another transfer in Keon Keeley could have a big impact also, so him standing out is nice. Safety Luke Talich has always shown promise, and maybe he puts it all together in his senior season. Loved seeing freshman wide receiver Jerome Bettis Jr. on the list, as he could force his way on the field this fall. Running back Aneyas Williams should be RB1, so his name being added is also great to see.
South Bend Tribune’s Mike Berardino
Quick hitters from Day 1 of #NotreDame fall camp:
— Mike BerardinoNDI (@MikeBerardino) August 6, 2026
-WR Quincy Porter (patella) wore a compression sleeve on his left leg but moved
well in position drills.
-Joe Otting took the 1OL reps at center but Ashton Craig (ACL) snapped a few with the 1s on air.
-KVA moving well off 2nd…
Porter getting healthy will be a big focus for Notre Dame during fall camp, as he will be needed during the season and could be a massive part of the offense. Marcus Freeman did mention on Tuesday that he’s looking for the best five offensive lineman, and Joe Otting could be working his way into one of those spots. KVA has been mentioned by multiple reporters, so that’s very encouraging.
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This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: Notre Dame practice No. 1: Multiple standouts according to onlookers
