THE ECHOES: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish – Details, episodes & analysis

On the debut episode of The Echoes with Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana, we dive into the expectations for Notre Dame as the Irish look to build on last season’s run to the national championship game. With Marcus Freeman entering his fourth full season as head coach, Mike and Jess discuss how far he can take this team, the biggest challenges ahead, and what defines success in South Bend this fall. The quarterback position is the biggest question mark heading into the season following Riley Leonard’s departure to the NFL. We break down CJ Carr and Kenny Minchey — their strengths, potential, and whether either can lead the Irish to the next level. Later, we take a closer look at Notre Dame’s win total of 10.5, examine the toughest matchups on a demanding schedule, and identify potential trap games. Plus, what kind of impact will Charles Jagusah’s injury have on the offensive line? We also talk recruiting, with the Irish boasting a top-five class for the 2026 cycle, full of high-level prospects and plenty of legacy names. To wrap it up, Mike and Jess offer their full-season predictions — including whether Notre Dame can meet the high expectations that continue to define the Freeman era.

On the fourth episode of The Echoes, we start the show with breaking news! CJ Carr was named the starting quarterback for the Fighting Irish on Tuesday. We originally recorded on Monday, but quickly added our breakdown of Carr’s win over Kenny Minchey in the training camp battle. Was it the right decision by Marcus Freeman? Jessica Smetana and Mike Golic Jr. dive into it. The conversation then shifts to Michigan, as the NCAA announces sanctions against the Wolverines and former coach Jim Harbaugh. Mike and Jessica question the light punishment and argue Notre Dame should have its vacated wins restored. Jessica also calls out Michigan fans for defending the Conor Stallions sign-stealing scandal. Later, the winningest quarterback in Notre Dame history, Super Bowl champion Ian Book, joins the show. He shares his perspective on the QB battle, reflects on facing Miami, offers advice for Notre Dame’s young quarterbacks, and discusses what he missed by playing before the NIL era. Jessica wraps with a WNBA Rookie of the Year blind résumé between Paige Bueckers and Sonia Citron, while Mike salutes 10-time Notre Dame All-American Molly Huddle and recalls his own snack-fueled pregame rituals. The episode closes with a read-through of favorite YouTube comments — so don’t forget to like, subscribe, and join the conversation. Find us everywhere 👉 https://www.flowcode.com/page/theechoes Thank you to our sponsor: Wendy's Find your new favorite Frosty Fusions™ flavor today with choices like OREO® Brownie, Caramel Crunch, and Pop-Tarts® Strawberry. https://m-wendys.app.link/frostyfusion25

On Episode 3 of The Echoes: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana start with a major development in South Bend—beer coolers are being moved into Notre Dame Stadium. Yes, really. Mike and Jess reminisce about pregaming, tailgating, and the realities of sneaking alcohol into the stands, including Mike’s own attempt at keeping pace with seasoned tailgaters. Later, the Irish are going green—but not against USC. Notre Dame will wear their iconic green jerseys on Oct. 4 vs. Boise State. Is that a missed opportunity with USC potentially falling off the schedule? The hosts also break down Notre Dame’s quarterback competition. CJ Carr and Kenny Minchey have had an inconsistent start to camp. Could the Irish run a two-QB system, or is there real concern that neither QB is ready? Breaking news hits mid-episode as the USA Today Coaches Poll is released. Notre Dame debuts at No. 5. Is it too high, too low, or just right? Then it’s time to show some love to Jeremiyah Love. Where does he rank among Notre Dame’s all-time greats? Mike even shares a throwback story about his admiration for former Irish running back Darius Walker. The Irish secondary is earning high praise in camp. Who's standing out, and who could be a breakout star this fall? The episode wraps up with an injury update on Charles Jagusah and praise for how Marcus Freeman handled the situation. And as always, we close with shoutouts to our fans in the stands and on social media. Drop a comment and we just might shout you out on the next episode. #NotreDame #GoIrish #CollegeFootball #TheEchoes #NotreDameFootball Find us everywhere here 👉 https://www.flowcode.com/page/theechoes

On this episode of The Echoes with Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana, helmets and shoulder pads are officially on as Notre Dame kicks off fall training camp. Mike shares stories from his days in South Bend and compares his experiences under Charlie Weis and Brian Kelly. The duo also breaks down which Irish players could break out on both sides of the ball this season, and which position group is under the most pressure heading into the fall. Later, Mike and Jess react to USC’s reluctance to commit to continuing the historic rivalry with Notre Dame. Despite comments from Lincoln Riley suggesting interest, the Trojans have yet to schedule the Irish moving forward, raising questions about one of college football’s most iconic matchups. The episode wraps up with a recruiting update as Notre Dame lands a commitment from 2027 four-star quarterback Teddy Jarrard out of Georgia—six months after the Irish defeated UGA in the Sugar Bowl. Mike reflects on his own recruiting journey and how the process has evolved over time. Plus, the show touches on Notre Dame-related stories in the WNBA and Premier Lacrosse League. New episodes of The Echoes drop every Tuesday throughout the season. Be sure to subscribe on YouTube and follow @TheEchoesNDpod on all social platforms for highlights, bonus content, and more from Mike and Jessica. Find us everywhere here 👉 https://www.flowcode.com/page/theechoes

On the latest episode of The Echoes: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana break down Notre Dame’s heartbreaking road loss at Miami. The Irish started slow, rallied back in true Marcus Freeman fashion, but ultimately fell on a last-second Hurricanes field goal. Mike and Jess share their thoughts on C.J. Carr’s performance in a tough environment—where the first-year QB showed grit, made big plays, and proved he belongs. They also dive into what worked, what didn’t, and why Irish fans shouldn’t panic just yet. Jeremiyah Love will bounce back, the team has time to regroup, and eyes are already turning toward the big matchup with Texas A&M in two weeks. Plus, get the first details on our Echoes Live show in South Bend on Saturday, September 13th, featuring special guests while Mike is on assignment. As always, your questions drive the conversation—including whether Notre Dame has a defensive coordinator problem. Drop more in the comments and we’ll cover them in future shows. And it wouldn’t be The Echoes without some extra Irish news: Sonia Citron breaks a Caitlin Clark record in the WNBA, and former Irish safety Tom Zbikowski is teasing a fight with the Paul brothers. Could it happen? All that and more on this week’s episode of The Echoes! #sports #football #notredame Thank you to our sponsor: Wendy's Wake up with Wendy’s breakfast https://www.wendys.com/breakfast Limited time only during breakfast hours. U.S. price and participation may vary. No substitutions. Not valid in a combo. Single item at regular price.

On Episode 5 of The Echoes, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana dive into a jam-packed show as the Notre Dame Fighting Irish prepare for their Sunday night primetime matchup against the Miami Hurricanes. The episode begins with some news off the field: Notre Dame unveiled a brand-new football logo. Mike and Jess debate the design, asking the important question — is the leprechaun running into the end zone as a running back, or taking it back for a pick-6? Either way, the logo has quickly become one of their favorites, and they break down why it perfectly fits the Irish brand. From there, it’s all about the big game. Notre Dame and Miami, two top-10 programs, are set to renew a rivalry that has been one of the most talked-about in college football since the 1980s and 90s. Mike and Jess provide context on the highs and lows of the rivalry, and why this year’s meeting could be one of the most impactful games of the season. Last week, Irish legend Ian Book joined the show and recalled how loud and chaotic Hard Rock Stadium was when he played there. Hurricanes fans loved hearing that (at least @ us next time!), but will the atmosphere be just as electric this weekend? Can Carson Beck and the Miami offense keep their momentum going against a disciplined Irish defense? And will Miami have an answer for Notre Dame’s physical, run-heavy attack? In addition to the rivalry preview, Mike and Jess also take a look at several Notre Dame alums making headlines in NFL training camps. From Riley Leonard’s development with the Colts in a crowded quarterback room to other Irish players making their case for roster spots, the crew gives insight into which names to keep an eye on as the preseason winds down. To close out the show, Mike and Jess give their official game predictions and best bets for Notre Dame vs. Miami. They also take a step back to reflect on their own days as students in South Bend, sharing some of their favorite college memories and offering advice to freshmen beginning their first year away from home. It’s another packed edition of The Echoes filled with nostalgia, analysis, and plenty of laughs as Notre Dame football gets set for one of its biggest games of the season. 📲 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and join the conversation! Follow us: @theechoesndpod Find us everywhere 👉 https://www.flowcode.com/page/theechoes (00:10) INTRO (02:00) New ND logo! (5:45) Notre Dame-Miami preview (35:45) Irish in the NFL (46:31) Game predictions (47:50) Advice for freshman at ND #sports #football #notredame Thank you to our sponsor: Wendy's Find your new favorite Frosty Fusions™ flavor today with choices like OREO® Brownie, Caramel Crunch, and Pop-Tarts® Strawberry. https://m-wendys.app.link/frostyfusion25

Notre Dame fans finally have a reason to celebrate as THE ECHOES: A Podcast on the ND Fighting Irish dives deep into the team’s first win of the season—a 56–30 statement victory over in-state rival Purdue. In this week’s episode, hosts Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana break down every angle of the game, debating whether Irish supporters should feel optimistic or cautious after the performance. The offense looked unstoppable behind freshman quarterback CJ Carr, who continues to show poise and maturity beyond his years, and the dynamic running back duo of Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price, who combined for a staggering 231 rushing yards. ND nearly hit the 60-point mark for the second straight year against the Boilermakers. But not everything in South Bend is rosy. The Irish defense once again raised eyebrows, allowing Purdue to hang 30 points on the scoreboard. Mike and Jess tackle the big questions: Can this defense find an identity? What adjustments must the coaching staff make if Notre Dame wants to contend for a College Football Playoff spot? Looking ahead, the conversation shifts to a tricky SEC road trip as Notre Dame heads to Fayetteville, Arkansas to face the Razorbacks. Despite Arkansas’ struggles, Jess admits she’s nervous about a hostile SEC environment. As if that weren’t enough, the show welcomes a very special guest: Notre Dame legend Jaylon Smith. The former All-American linebacker joins the podcast while boarding a flight, offering insights on the current Irish squad, sharing memories from his own college career, and giving fans a sneak peek into his latest business venture—JINYA Ramen Bar in South Bend. Whether you’re a lifelong Notre Dame supporter, a college football junkie, or simply curious about the next big thing in freshman quarterbacks, this episode has it all: in-depth analysis, player spotlights, and plenty of Irish pride. #sports #football #notredame Thank you to our sponsor: Wendy's Wake up with Wendy’s breakfast https://www.wendys.com/breakfast Limited time only during breakfast hours. U.S. price and participation may vary. No substitutions. Not valid in a combo. Single item at regular price.

On this week’s episode of The Echoes: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana deliver an in-depth breakdown of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish’s heartbreaking last-minute loss to the Texas A&M Aggies in South Bend. In a nationally ranked top-20 showdown at Notre Dame Stadium, the Aggies scored a dramatic game-winning touchdown to seal a 41-point offensive outburst that has Irish fans questioning the defense and defensive coordinator Chris Ash’s job security. Jessica spent the entire weekend in South Bend, where The Echoes hosted a live pregame show just steps from Notre Dame Stadium. She offers a vivid firsthand account of the damp, rainy buildup, the electric crowd, and her late-night drive back to Chicago—still processing the stunning defeat. Despite the loss, the offense showed encouraging signs. Quarterback CJ Carr continues to shine, the wide receivers are beginning to blossom, and running back Jeremiyah Love looks to get back on track as the Irish prepare for next week’s rivalry matchup against Purdue, a team Notre Dame beat 66-7 last season. The duo also recaps The Echoes’ live pregame show outside Notre Dame Stadium, featuring Irish legends Kyle Rudolph and Sheldon Day, presented by Drive & Shine Carwash. Subscribe to The Echoes: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish for weekly recaps, game previews, and insider analysis all season long. #sports #football #notredame Thank you to our sponsor: Wendy's Wake up with Wendy’s breakfast https://www.wendys.com/breakfast Limited time only during breakfast hours. U.S. price and participation may vary. No substitutions. Not valid in a combo. Single item at regular price.

Get Ready for Game Day! Join THE ECHOES LIVE in South Bend with Jessica Smetana, Kyle Rudolph and Aaron Banks as they relive their Notre Dame glory days and break down Saturday’s top-25 showdown between the Fighting Irish and Texas A&M Aggies. Presented by Drive & Shine Car Wash—don’t miss the action and insights from your favorite ND voices, live before kickoff! #sports #football #notredame