In the Marcus Freeman era of Notre Dame football, the team that every one will be compared to is the 2024 College Football Playoff championship runner-up.
This fall, the expectations are huge, many believing that the Irish will be one of the last teams standing when the CFP dust settles. Todd Blackledge, who has called seven Notre Dame games over the past three seasons, has a keen eye of the game.
He was recently asked by Yogi Roth if the 2026 Irish team is better than the 2024 one, and he believes they are. Blackledge said “I think this team, roster wise, is better than the team that played for the national championship in ‘24. I think they’re better top to bottom defensively, they have more veteran experience and leadership. I think the defense
is as good as any defense out there.”
That wasn’t all he said, as Blackledge went into the offense as well, “I think they’re better at quarterback. Riley Leonard was a great college quarterback, a real dual-threat guy… but CJ Carr is a much, much better passer than Riley Leonard was, and I think right now, the best thing they’re doing offensively is putting the ball in CJ’s hands.” He noted that the offense is throwing the ball much more on first down, the receivers are deeper than what Leonard had in 2024.
Blackledge doesn’t have any worry about the run game, as he cites the excellent line and coming experience for the backs. All this says is that it could be another big season for Notre Dame, as they have a great chance to make a deep run in the CFP.
Todd Saw Notre Dame In Person For The Seventh Time In 3 Years.
— Yogi Roth (@YogiRoth) September 21, 2026
So I Asked Him:
"Is this Notre Dame team better than the one that played for a National Championship in '24?" pic.twitter.com/a7SN94C3yJ
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This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: Todd Blackledge answers if the 2026 Notre Dame is better than 2024
