Notre Dame football officially began its preparations for the 2026 season on Thursday, as the first fall practice took place.
Not only was it great to see the Irish getting back on the field
, there were plenty of short clips shared on social media to quench our appetite for football. Head coach Marcus Freeman is fully aware of the potential his team has for this season, but he knows that you can’t win it all after just one day.However, it very much seemed like a great start, as many players showed that they can play at a high level. Check out below some of the best highlights from Notre Dame first fall practice.
Head coach Marcus Freeman leaves Shields Hall for the first time
For the first time since it opened, Marcus Freeman made the walk from Shields Hall to Notre Dame's practice field this morning. "The
cameras are back. That's awesome." pic.twitter.com/W69j4cOox3
— Jack Soble (@jacksoble56) August 6, 2026
This wasn’t his first time leaving the building, but it sure was with the media there. Freeman knows the responsibilities of being Notre Dame’s head coach, I’m sure he was just having some fun with the reporters.
Quarterback CJ Carr getting some reps in
Notre Dame's secondary didn't give him much downfield, but CJ Carr was sharp today. Ball just fires out of his hand differently.
— Jack Soble (@jacksoble56) August 6, 2026
Carr is set for a huge Year 2 as QB1. pic.twitter.com/mJVf33OPzQ
This is a much different fall camp for Carr than last year, as he’ll enter the season as the unquestioned leader of the team. There is no battle this season, and you can see how relaxed he looks. Many expect Carr to make a big jump from year one to year two, me included.
Notre Dame quarterbacks and wide receivers
NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL DAY 1 PRACTICE HIGHLIGHTS!
— Angelo Di Carlo (@angdicarlo) August 6, 2026
CJ Carr is the unquestioned starter at quarterback but we also got our first look at Teddy Jarrard today as he battles Blake Hebert and Noah Grubbs to be Carr’s backup.
Highlights are of quarterbacks and wide receivers. pic.twitter.com/Ox6JMo87fi
There will be plenty of eyes on both of these positions, as the backup quarterback job is still in the air as is the two-deep at wide receiver. The talent isn’t a question, but there are some experience concerns. Not much from the younger players and transfers, but that doesn’t mean they can’t get the job done.
Running back Javian Osborne
Notre Dame freshman RB Javian Osborne is back to full strength after missing part of spring practice due to a wrist injury.
— Kyle Kelly (@ByKyleKelly) August 7, 2026
Here’s Osborne going through a pass protection drill.
“Hit them so hard they don’t want to blitz anymore,” Ja’Juan Seider said.https://t.co/Q2N2VNSpKv pic.twitter.com/vWhQ3wFWm7
Another position battle to watch is who will be the backup to Aneyas Williams at running back. There isn’t much experience behind him, and the Irish will need at least three to contribute this season. Osborne is a name to watch during the fall.
Marcus Freeman coaching the linebackers
Think Marcus Freeman misses coaching linebackers?
— Jack Soble (@jacksoble56) August 7, 2026
Even in his fifth year as the head coach at Notre Dame, the former Ohio State linebacker and longtime LBs coach is involved with his old position group every day. pic.twitter.com/u8Uwo06Mkz
To me, this is what separates Freeman from the majority of other coaches across the country, that he’s willing to mix it up during practice. We’ve seen in years past him participating in drills, and as a former player, you know he loves getting into the action.
Linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa
Welcome back, Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa.
— Jack Soble (@jacksoble56) August 6, 2026
KVA (knee) didn't participate in full-contact portions of practice, but he did everything else — including seven-on-seven.
The do-it-all LB appears to be on track for Week 1. pic.twitter.com/YCXTd1ECnD
While limited due to offseason knee surgery, KVA is a huge part of Notre Dame’s defense. The thought is that he’ll be ready for the season to start, but holding him back a bit wound’t be a terrible idea.
Notre Dame safeties
Really liked this drill today. Safeties working on footwork, eyes and then finishing. pic.twitter.com/NqRCKqEZZB
— Matt Freeman (@mattfreeman05_) August 6, 2026
This group should be elite once again, with Tae Johnson potentially making the jump to a household name. Great to see Joey O’Brien (No. 20) out there as he continues his recovery after an injury in the spring game. There no questioning Adon Shuler’s (No. 8) play, as he was very good last year.
Offensive lineman Ashton Craig
Ashton Craig, the linchpin of Notre Dame's O-line, practiced in a limited capacity for the first time since tearing his ACL in October.
— Jack Soble (@jacksoble56) August 6, 2026
"We're a better unit when he's in there, doing what Ashton's capable of doing." — Mike Denbrock pic.twitter.com/3U9hOkRWK7
Another player coming off an injury, Craig is battling to stay inside the top-5 offensive lineman and get his starting spot back. Once healthy, that most likely will be the case, but the Irish are getting Joe Otting ready just in case.
Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on X (Formerly Twitter), and like our page onFacebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes, and opinions.
Follow Mike on X: @MikeFChen
This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: See highlights of Notre Dame football’s first fall practice
