ND Football 2024 Preview

Quarterback Transition

Riley Leonard joins Notre Dame from Duke, poised to enhance the Irish offense. His presence brings new possibilities.

Leonard isn’t simply replacing Sam Hartman; he offers his own unique skill set. His game tape showcases agility and quick decision-making, qualities Notre Dame desired. The playbook expands with Leonard’s versatility, including more rollouts, designed runs, and chances for impromptu playmaking.

Steve Angeli, following his strong Sun Bowl performance, competes for playing time, further motivating the quarterback room.

CJ Carr’s arrival represents more than a roster addition—it’s a look at Irish football’s future, increasing expectations for the program.

Leonard’s impact extends beyond strategy. His path from Duke demonstrates adaptability and resilience. He leads by example, viewing change as a chance for development.

His presence shapes Notre Dame’s offensive identity with each play. It’s a collective step towards a new chapter, where adaptability and resilience characterize the team.¹

New Talent Integration

The 2024 season marks an exciting opportunity for Notre Dame, as new recruits and transfers reinforce the team’s foundation. This combination of fresh talent and seasoned players fuels optimism for the Fighting Irish.

Riley Leonard spearheads this effort, joined by a group of impactful additions:

• Clemson wideout Beaux Collins adds a strong receiving threat, ready to convert near-misses into key completions.
• Jeremiyah Love, a high school standout, brings versatility to the backfield, expanding the all-purpose role and diversifying the offense.
• Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, a talented linebacker, aims to bolster the middle defense, diligently pursuing opposing quarterbacks.

These newcomers have the chance to carve their own paths within Notre Dame’s storied tradition. They represent untapped potential, with the ability to turn perceived weaknesses into unexpected strengths.

As the season progresses, the Fighting Irish’s outlook may improve with these catalysts of hope and determination. Each play offers a chance for success, as they work to leave their mark on Notre Dame’s history.²

2024 Schedule Challenges

Notre Dame’s 2024 schedule presents a series of tests and opportunities, a path through challenges with the potential for success.

The season opener at Texas A&M’s Kyle Field serves as an immediate and significant challenge. Riley Leonard’s debut, alongside an influx of new talent, must quickly coalesce in this tough environment. A win here would set a positive tone early on.

Back-to-back games at NFL stadiums follow, evaluating the Irish’s ability to perform on big stages. Accuracy and consistency will be important against Georgia Tech at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Navy at MetLife Stadium.

The regular season concludes with a crucial matchup against USC in Los Angeles. Prevailing in this storied rivalry would validate Notre Dame’s resilience and indicate an ongoing pursuit of success.

Between these high-profile games lie equally important contests. Purdue and Stanford pose unique challenges, each influencing the Irish’s trajectory.

This schedule is more than just wins and losses; it’s a test of leadership, talent, and steady determination.

The 2024 season gives Notre Dame a chance to build a strong campaign, undeterred by challenges, as they aim to add to the program’s rich football legacy.³

Offensive Strategy

Enter The Age of Mobility

Under the leadership of Riley Leonard, Notre Dame begins a new era focused on mobility. Leonard’s agility and quick thinking suggest an offensive strategy that embraces versatility. Notre Dame’s playbook may combine different styles and create an element of unpredictability.

Operatic in Execution

The pocket becomes a launching point for Leonard, his dual-threat abilities challenging defenses. With skilled pass protection and run blocking, Notre Dame’s offense is poised for success, and Leonard, with his rushing yards and accurate passes, is ready to perform.

The Run – A Harvest of Thunder

Notre Dame’s run game comes alive through a mix of talents. Running backs like Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price bring excitement to the field, aiming to gain significant yardage. This diverse backfield group anticipates a ground attack that energizes the fans.

Airborne on Wings of Precision

Leonard’s passing game finds rhythm with experienced receivers and new talent. Players like Beaux Collins create feints and sprints, strengthening Notre Dame’s commitment to aerial attacks. Short slants combine with deep passes, keeping defenses on their toes.

The Riley Imprint

Riley Leonard steps up as a creator, seeing potential with each play. Play action could become a favorite tactic – misdirection aimed at confusing defenses and opening up opportunities for Leonard to take advantage of.

Tailoring the Playbook: The Golden Dome Gambit

The playbook is ready for updates that match Leonard’s dynamic style and the team’s new talent. The focus leans towards an energetic approach – combining Leonard’s abilities with the team’s strengths and embracing constant motion to create unpredictability.

Notre Dame’s 2024 offensive strategy emphasizes liveliness – built on proven success but looking forward to new achievements. Under the flags of Notre Dame Stadium, this reimagined tactical approach guides the way to winning games.

Defensive Outlook

Defensive Dynamics: Notre Dame’s Shield Wall in 2024

As Notre Dame gets ready for the 2024 season, the defense forms the foundation of the team’s goals. In the competitive world of college football, the defense often determines victories as much as the offense. Let’s take a closer look at Notre Dame’s defensive unit preparing for the upcoming games.

The Veterans at the Vanguard

The returning players of the Fighting Irish defense bring toughness and experience. Leading this group is cornerback Jaden Mickey, known for his interception skills. Safety Brandon Joseph returns to his role as a leader, challenging opposing receivers. Fifth-year linebacker JD Bertrand brings consistency with his tackles and smart reads.

The defensive line further strengthens Notre Dame’s outlook. Defensive tackles Howard Cross III and Rylie Mills aim to create a strong front, making running lanes difficult for opposing ball carriers.

Impact Freshmen: New Blood in the Old Veins

Talented freshmen bring drive and skill to this group of seasoned defensive players. Defensive end Brenan Vernon shows potential, offering edge speed and disruptive ability. Linebacker Drayk Bowen has the spirit of a competitor, threatening to break out and become a difference maker.

The Shield Wall’s Resolve

With veterans creating strong defensive plans and young talent ready to step up, Notre Dame’s defense finds balance. It becomes a unit able to use strategy and intensity, adjusting to any situation.

Expect big plays on third downs, where Mickey’s coverage and Joseph’s presence can turn passing attacks into turnovers. Against the run, Cross and Mills hold firm, closing off paths and stopping drives.

The pass rush becomes a team effort, with Vernon’s edge quickness and inside pressure from the tackles creating problems in the backfield.

In Summation: Defense as Notre Dame’s Steadfast Saga

The 2024 season gives Notre Dame’s defense a chance to combine tradition with new ideas. This unit, armed with experience and enthusiasm, is prepared.

Expect from them a display of effort and planning. When opponents gather at Notre Dame Stadium, they face a strong will tied to history, pride, and a drive to win.

As games start again, keep in mind: while victories are remembered, it’s often the defense, Notre Dame’s reliable foundation, that helps achieve them.

In the grand story of Notre Dame football, the 2024 season promises another chapter of wins, challenges, and resilient spirit. The heart of this narrative lies in the shared determination of a team unwavering in its pursuit of success. Notre Dame’s lasting legacy is shaped not just on the field, but in the dedication and unity of its players.^[1]