The Independent: A Notre Dame Football Podcast

Notre Dame is halfway home during spring football, culminating in the April 25 Blue-Gold spring game. Marcus Freeman updated the media Wednesday on where things stand with his program, from CJ Carr's leadership to the new additions to Chris Ash's defensive staff. Matt Fortuna and Pete Sampson are here to talk all that and much more on the latest episode of The Independent. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Football is back (kind of). Notre Dame is amid its first week of spring football, as Marcus Freeman's fifth Fighting Irish squad heads into 2026 with a chip on its shoulder. Jeremiyah Love and other former Irish stars showed their stuff at Pro Day this week as well. Matt Fortuna and Pete Sampson are here to talk about all of that and much more on another exciting episode of The Independent. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Former Notre Dame coach Lou Holtz passed away on March 4 at the age of 89. In this special edition of The Independent, former Holtz players Jeff Kilburg, Chris Zorich, Steve Roddy and Cornelius Southall share their favorite memories of their coach, from winning the national championship to random acts of kindness that reverberate with his former players till this day. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

March is here and that means NBC’s Jordan Cornette, Notre Dame’s all-time leader in blocks, joins The Independent to preview conference tournament week, look at where things have gone wrong for Fighting Irish men’s basketball and much more. Plus, Brian Kelly is in the news again, and Jeremiyah Love’s draft fate may have taken a turn after Week 1 of NFL free agency. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Matt Fortuna and Pete Sampson are back for more Notre Dame news, nuggets and conversation. Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love showed out at the NFL Scouting Combine. Where will he and fellow Fighting Irish backfield mate Jadarian Price get drafted? Plus, what does the projected first round tell us about Marcus Freeman's squad's opponents, both past and future? The fellas talk all that and more as we are officially in spring ball month in South Bend. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Matt Fortuna and Pete Sampson are back for another episode of The Independent. The guys talk the latest on Marcus Freeman's Notre Dame squad, look at the QB situation beyond CJ Carr and wonder if Wisconsin's football team is offering a template for how the Fighting Irish men's basketball team can get back on track? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Matt Fortuna and Pete Sampson are back for another episode of The Independent. The guys talk about the Big Ten's proposed 24-team College Football Playoff format and how that would have affected Notre Dame this past season (and in seasons to come). They also evaluate the assistant coaching hires that Marcus Freeman and Chris Ash made for this year's Fighting Irish assistants: Charlie Partridge, Brian Jean-Mary and Aaron Henry. Plus, it's never too early to look ahead to the 2026 schedule and break down the makeup of future Irish opponents. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Football never sleeps and neither do Matt Fortuna and Pete Sampson. Join them on the latest episode The Independent, where the fellas talk about Notre Dame's NFL Draft prospects, look back at the Fighting Irish players who starred in the Super Bowl and have some fun talking scheduling hypotheticals for Marcus Freeman's squad. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The offseason is in full swing and Matt Fortuna and Pete Sampson are here to chop it up about the latest happenings around Notre Dame. Marcus Freeman and Chris Ash have rounded out their defensive staff by hiring Aaron Henry from Illinois and Brian Jean-Mary from Georgia Tech. National signing day featured the addition of re-classified QB Teddy Jarrard. Mock drafts look favorable on some Fighting Irish skill players. And the future odds from our friends in the desert have a very positive outlook for Notre Dame in 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The 2026 offseason is finally, officially upon us and Matt Fortuna and Pete Sampson are here to catch you on all things Notre Dame football. Where does Marcus Freeman turn to replace DBs coach Mike Mickens? Could more Fighting Irish assistants be on the move? Plus, the full Notre Dame schedule has been released for this fall. The guys will preview that and talk much more as they turn the page to Year 5 of the Freeman Era. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It's already been a long offseason, no? Matt Fortuna and Pete Sampson are here to debrief after Marcus Freeman's first press conference since Notre Dame's season ended, as the Fighting Irish coach talked portal additions, staff changes, NFL interest (or lack thereof) and much more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The offseason already seems long, doesn't it? Marcus Freeman made it seem a little shorter on Monday, tweeting his indication that he is staying at Notre Dame for a fifth season, with sources telling The Independent that the coach has indeed agreed to a contract extension to stay in South Bend. The Fighting Irish figure to be a national title contender in 2026, and Matt Fortuna and Pete Sampson are here to talk about that and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The long offseason has already begun. Notre Dame has had several NFL Draft declarations, linebackers coach Max Bullough is off to Michigan State and there has yet to be definitive clarity on Marcus Freeman’s future with the Fighting Irish. Matt Fortuna and Pete Sampson are here to talk through it all, to break down future ND schedules and much more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pete Bevacqua has gone on a media blitz since Sunday, when Notre Dame was left out of the College Football Playoff. Matt Fortuna and Pete Sampson are here to react to the Fighting Irish AD's Tuesday news conference, talk about the decision of Marcus Freeman's squad to opt out of a bowl, discuss Jeremiyah Love making it to New York as a Heisman Trophy finalist and much more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Well, that was a whimper of a Sunday, wasn't it? Notre Dame is out of the College Football Playoff, getting leaped by rival Miami during the final selection show. Matt Fortuna and Pete Sampson are here to talk you all through a shocking development that ends the Fighting Irish's national title hopes. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Notre Dame's regular season may be over, but Marcus Freeman's squad will be scoreboard watching this weekend. Matt Fortuna and Pete Sampson are here to answer your questions, talk about the Fighting Irish's College Football Playoff prospects, discuss Jeremiyah Love's Heisman Trophy candidacy and much more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Notre Dame ended this regular season the same way the Fighting Irish ended last year's regular season: on a 10-game winning streak. Marcus Freeman's squad made its final College Football Playoff statement by dominating Stanford on the road to finish 10-2. CJ Carr led the offense to a 524-yard performance, Jeremiyah Love flashed and Aeneas Williams showed out, posting 123 yards from scrimmage and 2 TDs. Matt Fortuna and Pete Sampson are up late and expect you to join them to break down the game, the season and Notre Dame's Playoff case. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

No. 9 Notre Dame enters its regular-season finale at rival Stanford looking like a College Football Playoff team. Can Marcus Freeman's Fighting Irish squad continue to dominate the way it has these past three weeks? The Irish look for a second 10-game winning streak in two years, and Jeremiyah Love looks to make his Heisman Trophy case as well. Matt Fortuna and Pete Sampson are here to break it all down. Plus, they are joined by ESPN's Bill Connelly, author of "Forward Progress: The Definitive Guide to the Future of College Football." The guys talk CFP possibilities, the Miami debate and more! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

No. 9 Notre Dame made an emphatic statement to the College Football Playoff selection committee on Saturday, routing Syracuse 70-7 on Senior Day. Marcus Freeman's squad has now won nine straight games, and Chris Ash's defense has made quite the turnaround since the start of the season. Jeremiyah Love added to his Heisman case with 171 yards and 3 TDs on just eight carries. Matt Fortuna and Pete Sampson talk about all this and more as the Irish ready for their regular-season finale next Saturday at Stanford. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Notre Dame remains at No. 9 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings, four spots ahead of No. 13 Miami. Marcus Freeman's Fighting Irish ready for their Senior Day in South Bend against reeling Syracuse of the ACC. How can CJ Carr, Jeremiyah Love and Chris Ash's defense further strengthen their CFP case? Matt Fortuna and Pete Sampson are here to chat that and much more, plus take your questions. Plus, the ACC Network's Eric Mac Lain joins the guys to talk about Notre Dame, the ACC and much more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

No. 9 Notre Dame passed its last big regular-season test with flying colors, beating No. 22 Pitt, 37-15. Matt Fortuna and Pete Sampson are here to break down how Marcus Freeman's squad was able to improve to 8-2 with a convincing win in the Steel City. There was a lot of Jeremiyah Love, big plays from CJ Carr to Malachi Fields and, perhaps most importantly, a dominant performance from Chris Ash's defense. Where do the Fighting Irish go from here with games left vs. Syracuse and at Stanford? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

No. 9 Notre Dame travels to No. 22 Pitt on Saturday for a ranked matchup. Both ESPN's "College GameDay" and ACC Network's "The Huddle" will be on-site in the Steel City as Marcus Freeman's squad looks to make another statement to the College Football Playoff selection committee. Matt Fortuna and Pete Sampson are here to preview that matchup and much more. Plus, special guest Stanford Steve joins the show to help preview the game and talk about the festivities surrounding "College GameDay." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

CJ Carr was nearly perfect, Jeremiyah Love was usual dominant self, six different players scored touchdowns and Notre Dame beat rival Navy in primetime, 49-10. Oh, and Chris Ash's defense passed the triple-option test with flying colors. Matt Fortuna and Pete Sampson are here to break down the game and turn the page forward to Pitt, where Marcus Freeman's squad will face what should be its last real test of the regular season. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Notre Dame is No. 10 in the first College Football Playoff selection committee rankings. Matt Fortuna and Pete Sampson are here to react to those rankings and chart the Fighting Irish's path forward to a CFP spot. Plus, the guys break down Notre Dame's matchup against Navy on Saturday night. And they are joined by ESPN's and VSIN's Stormy Buonantony, who was the sideline reporter for Marcus Freeman and the Irish's win at Boston College. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It wasn't pretty, but it counts all the same. Notre Dame won its sixth straight game, winning the Holy War against Boston College, 25-10. CJ Carr finished just shy of 300 yards passing, Jeremiyah Love clinched the game (and went over 100 yards) with a long TD run and Adon Shuler, Tae Johnson and the Fighting Irish defense made big plays when it mattered most. Matt Fortuna and Pete Sampson are here to talk about what it all means for Marcus Freeman's program as it gets ready for a primetime home showdown against rival Navy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Notre Dame comes out of its open date and readies for a trip to Boston College for the Holy War, where the Catholic schools will play for the Frank Leahy Memorial Bowl. Matt Fortuna and Pete Sampson are here to preview that game, plus to talk about the fallout of former Fighting Irish coach Brian Kelly getting fired at LSU. And special guest David Teel of the Virginian-Pilot and Daily Press joins the show to talk all things ACC as Marcus Freeman's squad gears up for four games against ACC opponents across these final five weeks of the regular season. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Notre Dame has an open date, but that doesn't mean that the news slows down for Marcus Freeman's squad. Matt Fortuna and Pete Sampson are here to catch you up on all things Fighting Irish. First, they welcome in VSIN's Tim Murray, who talks Jeremiyah Love's Heisman Trophy chances and much more. Then, former Irish DC Clark Lea, now the head coach at Vanderbilt, joins the show to talk about the Commodores' rise as they host "College GameDay" behind Heisman candidate QB Diego Pavia. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Notre Dame won a memorable — and potentially final — contest against arch rival USC, 34-24. The Jeweled Shillelagh stays with Marcus Freeman and company in South Bend. The Fighting Irish head into the bye week with a ton of momentum, behind a monumental performance from star RB Jeremiyah Love and gutsy play from a secondary led by Christian Gray and Adon Shuler. Matt Fortuna and Pete Sampson are here to break it all down live from Notre Dame Stadium! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

No. 13 Notre Dame readies for its annual rivalry game against No. 20 USC on Saturday night, perhaps for the final time. Matt Fortuna and Pete Sampson are here to break down the Marcus Freeman vs. Lincoln Riley matchup, and to discuss the future of the series. Plus, FOX Sports' and The Athletic's Bruce Feldman joins the show to talk more about the series, and what he sees out of Fighting Irish QB CJ Carr. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Notre Dame improved to 4-2 with a 36-7 win over NC State. Marcus Freeman's squad continued its trend of dominating second halves, with Chris Ash's defense playing a leading role. CJ Carr eclipsed the 300-yard passing mark once again, this time with two 100-yard receivers in tight end Eli Raridon and captain Will Pauling. Matt Fortuna and Pete Sampson are here to break down the action and look ahead to next week's rivalry game against USC. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Notre Dame reaches the halfway point of its regular season this week when it takes on NC State. Can Marcus Freeman's squad improve to 4-2? Matt Fortuna and Pete Sampson are here to break it all down. Plus, former Fighting Irish captain Joe Schmidt joins the show to break down the Irish's defense so far this season. Bring your questions and let's talk some ball. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Notre Dame improved to 3-2 this season with a workmanlike 28-7 victory over the visitors from Boise State. Marcus Freeman's Fighting Irish have some momentum as they ready for next week's game against NC State, while Chris Ash's defense looks like it may have turned the corner. Matt Fortuna and Pete Sampson are here to break it all down after another strong outing from CJ Carr, Jeremiyah Love, Jadarian Price and Co. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Brady Quinn joins The Independent to talk about Notre Dame's season and his appreciation of QB CJ Carr. Plus, Matt and Pete preview Notre Dame's matchup with Boise State on Saturday, a battle of two teams from last year's College Football Playoff. How can Marcus Freeman's team build off its 56-13 win at Arkansas? Can Chris Ash's defense continue to improve? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Notre Dame notched a huge win in SEC country, dominating Arkansas from start to finish in a 56-13 triumph to get to 2-2. Marcus Freeman's Fighting Irish appear to be headed in the right direction, and Chris Ash's defense took a big step forward. CJ Carr, Jeremiyah Love and the Irish offense, meanwhile, look unstoppable. Matt Fortuna and Pete Sampson are here to break down what it al means. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Notre Dame looks to get back to .500 this week as it travels to SEC country to face Arkansas in a game with big-time stakes for both programs. How will Marcus Freeman's program handle the environment? How will Chris Ash's defense step up to the challenge? Matt Fortuna and Pete Sampson are here to discuss that and more. Plus, NBC Sports' Joshua Perry joins the show to share his insights from playing for Chris Ash at Ohio State, and much more! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Notre Dame got its first win of the season, beating Purdue, 56-30. What does this mean for Marcus Freeman's squad moving forward? How will Chris Ash's defense fare next week at Arkansas? Matt Fortuna and Pete Sampson are here to break down all of that and much more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Notre Dame goes for its first win of the season Saturday as it hosts in-state rival Purdue. Can Marcus Freeman's Fighting Irish take out their frustrations against the Boilermakers again, like they did last season? Matt Fortuna and Pete Sampson are here to preview that game and much more. Plus, special guest Ivan Maisel joins the show to talk about his new book: "American Coach: The Triumph and Tragedy of Notre Dame Legend Frank Leahy." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Notre Dame is 0-2 after losing a heartbearker to Texas A&M, 41-40. How will Marcus Freeman's Fighting Irish respond? What's up with Chris Ash's defense? Can CJ Carr dig the offense out of this hole? Matt Fortuna and Pete Sampson are here to break it all down with a live episode. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Notre Dame returns from its bye week with a showdown against Texas A&M. Can Marcus Freeman and Co. make it two in a row against Mike Elko and the Aggies? Matt Fortuna and Pete Sampson are here to break it all down. Plus, team chaplain Father Nate Wills joins the show to talk about his new book, "Pray Like a Champion Today." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As Notre Dame turns the page from its season-opening loss at Miami, Matt Fortuna and Pete Sampson of The Independent take a look at what went right, what went wrong, and how that all will affect the Fighting Irish come next week against Texas A&M. Plus, former Irish offensive lineman Mike Golic Jr. joins the show to share his insights into what really goes down in the trenches. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Convicts 1, Catholics 0. That's the scoreboard after Notre Dame fell to Miami in a 27-24 contest at Hard Rock Stadium that came down to the final minute. How did CJ Carr perform in his debut? How did defensive coordinator Chris Ash look? And where do Marcus Freeman and his Fighting Irish program turn to now with a huge game against Texas A&M on-deck? Matt Fortuna and Pete Sampson are here to break it all down and take your questions on the postgame live edition of The Independent. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Football is back! And Matt Fortuna and Pete Sampson are here to preview Notre Dame's 2025 season and much more. Submit your questions for those two and special guest Tim Murray here as the trio previews Marcus Freeman's squad's game this weekend at Miami and much more! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Marcus Freeman named CJ Carr Notre Dame's starting quarterback for the 2025 season, a surprise move given how well Kenny Minchey played in fall camp. Matt Fortuna and Pete Sampson react to the news plus share notes on the team captains and what this means for the season opener against Miami. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Matt & Pete breakdown the latest out of Fall camp for Marcus Freeman and the Irish as CJ Carr and Kenny Minchey battle for the Notre Dame starting quarterback spot. Mike Denbrock’s offense has had success with duel threat QBs and with CJ Carr struggling with three picks in practice, the competition has become more serious for the Notre Dame signal caller. Plus, thoughts on how the quarterbacks could be used in the opener against Miami and other news and notes out of Notre Dame camp. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Matt & Pete are joined by Jack Kiser to look back on his career with the Irish, training camp in Jacksonville and thoughts on this year’s Notre Dame team. Plus, expectations of camp opening in South Bend and what Marcus Freeman’s team can do to repeat last year’s success. When will C.J. Carr be anointed and thoughts on the offensive line following the injury to Charles Jagusah. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Matt & Pete are joined by former Major Leaguer and World Series Champion Trey Mancini to hear about his experience as a Notre Dame baseball player, an Irish football fan and an avid listener of the Independent. Plus, Matt & Pete discuss latest out of South Bend this summer, Marcus Freeman’s recruiting run as of late and what to expect as the season draws closer. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.