So, I was grabbing a beer at Corby’s in South Bend last fall, and this guy next to me starts going off about how the "Fighting Irish" name is basically just a marketing gimmick for a school that’s barely even Irish anymore. Honestly, I almost choked on my drink. If you’ve spent more than five minutes looking into the history of this place, you know that couldn't be further from the truth.
The Fighting Irish isn't just a mascot on a sweater; it’s a name that was essentially forged in a literal street fight against the KKK.
But we'll get to the brawls in a second. Right now, Notre Dame is at a massive crossroads. It’s January 2026, the NFL Draft deadline just passed, and the program is staring down a brand-new era of college football that feels like it’s trying to squeeze the life out of independent programs. Everyone is asking the same thing: can Marcus Freeman actually win the big one, or is the "gold standard" starting to lose its luster?
Why the Fighting Irish Moniker Still Matters in 2026
You’ve probably heard a dozen different stories about where the name came from. Some people say it was a halftime speech in 1909 against Michigan where a player yelled, "You're all Irish and you're not fighting worth a lick!" Others point to the press in the 1920s just being lazy with nicknames.
The real story? It’s way grittier.
Back in the early 1900s, being "Irish" and "Catholic" wasn't exactly a ticket to the cool kids' table. It was a slur. The press called the team the "Papists" or the "Dirty Irish." They were the outsiders.
Then came 1924. The Ku Klux Klan decided to hold a massive rally in South Bend. They hated everything Notre Dame stood for. Instead of hiding in their dorms, the students—the actual Fighting Irish—headed downtown and literally fought the Klan. They threw potatoes from third-story windows and chased them out of town.
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That’s why University President Rev. Matthew Walsh officially adopted the name in 1927. He didn't do it for the jerseys; he did it to own a term that people used to look down on them.
Today, that spirit is being tested again. With the 12-team College Football Playoff fully in swing, the "independent" status of Notre Dame is under fire. Other athletic directors are reportedly trying to "freeze out" the Irish from schedules because they’re annoyed that Notre Dame has a guaranteed path to the playoffs without playing a conference championship game.
The 2026 Roster: Who’s Staying and Who’s Gone?
If you follow the team, the last few days have been a total emotional rollercoaster. The deadline for the 2026 NFL Draft just closed on Wednesday, and the news is... mixed.
Basically, the offense is getting a total facelift. We’re losing the heart of the backfield. Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price both declared for the draft. That hurts. A lot. Love is projected as a top-five running back in this class, and his speed was the only thing keeping defensive coordinators awake at night last season.
Also heading to the league:
- Aamil Wagner (OT)
- Billy Schrauth (G)
- Eli Raridon (TE)
- DeVonta Smith (DB)
But it’s not all doom and gloom. The defense is going to be absolutely terrifying next season. Boubacar Traore decided to return, which is massive considering he led the team with 7.5 sacks last year. Joining him are Christian Gray and Adon Shuler, who played nearly 1,300 snaps between them in the secondary.
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Honestly, the defense might have to carry this team early on. We’re looking at a 2026 squad led by C.J. Carr at quarterback. He’s got the pedigree—grandson of Lloyd Carr—but he’s still relatively green. He’s got a cannon, but can he handle the pressure of the South Bend spotlight?
Marcus Freeman and the "Authenticity" Trap
Marcus Freeman is the most interesting coach in the country right now. People love him. Recruits definitely love him. He’s brought in three top-10 classes in the last few years, which is something Brian Kelly never quite mastered.
But here’s the rub: being a "great guy" only gets you so far when you lose to Northern Illinois at home.
Freeman’s style is built on what he calls "Authenticity." He doesn't lie to kids. He tells them exactly where they stand. He’s been huge on NIL too, making sure the Irish stay competitive without turning into a pure "pay-for-play" shop.
The problem is the 2025 season was a bit of a "what if." They went 10-2, which is great for most schools, but at Notre Dame, 10-2 feels like a polite failure if you don't make a deep playoff run. The loss to Texas A&M at home in September still stings.
The Independence Debate: Big 12 or Bust?
There is a massive rumor floating around right now about Notre Dame finally caving and joining a conference—specifically the Big 12.
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Why the Big 12? Well, the Big Ten and SEC are a bit too "corporate" for the Irish's taste. The Big 12 offers a national footprint and would probably let Notre Dame keep their NBC deal for home games.
But honestly? I don't see it happening yet.
The University is stubborn. They view independence as part of their religious identity. As long as they have a path to the playoffs, they’ll stay solo. But if the "freeze out" from other Power Four schools continues, they might not have a choice. If nobody will schedule you in November, you can't build a resume.
What to Expect If You’re Heading to South Bend
If you’ve never been to a game, you’re missing out on the best gameday atmosphere in sports. Period.
Don't just show up for kickoff. You gotta get there on Friday.
- Trumpets at the Dome: Friday at 4:10 p.m. It sounds simple, but hearing the brass echo off the Golden Dome will give you chills.
- Midnight Drummers’ Circle: This is the best-kept secret. At midnight on Friday, the drumline gathers in front of the Main Building. It’s loud, it’s chaotic, and it’s the perfect way to start gameday.
- The Player Walk: Fans line up by the reflecting pool at the Hesburgh Library (home of Touchdown Jesus) to see the team walk from Mass to the stadium.
It’s these traditions that make the Fighting Irish feel like more than just a sports team. It’s a literal pilgrimage for a lot of people.
Actionable Tips for the 2026 Season
If you're planning on following the Irish this year, here is what you need to do to stay ahead of the curve:
- Watch the Transfer Portal this spring. With Love and Price gone, Notre Dame is desperate for a veteran running back. Expect Freeman to hit the portal hard in March.
- Book your hotels now. If you’re planning on the 2026 home opener, South Bend hotels fill up 6-8 months in advance. Look at rentals in Mishawaka or even Niles, Michigan, to save a few hundred bucks.
- Follow the "Irish Illustrated" podcast. Tim Prister and Tim O’Malley are the gold standard for actual insider info. They don't sugarcoat the bad news.
- Keep an eye on the 2027 recruiting class. Joseph Buchanan, a massive 4-star defensive lineman, is announcing his commitment on February 15. If Freeman lands him over Ohio State, it’s a huge signal that the momentum hasn't stopped.
The Fighting Irish are in a weird spot. They are too big to fail but too traditional to easily adapt to the new "professional" era of college sports. One thing is certain though: whether they're fighting the KKK in the 20s or the CFP committee in the 2020s, they aren't going down without a scrap.