2026 Spring Practice Thread

stlnd01

Was away. Now returned.
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I frankly think Burnham was much better than Young last year. I think he is a big loss. Keeley has not been as good as Burnham to this point in their respective careers.
Burnham probably was better than Young last year, especially once he got healthy in the second half of the season. But Young has more physical upside and is younger. The staff made their decision there, and Burnham then made a business decision for himself. That created a spot for Keeley, who also probably has more upside, though he hasn't reached it yet either.
 

IRISHbluehen

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Anybody find it a little odd how much higher the optimism is this offseason compared to last? They were coming off a natty appearance.
Lack of QB competition, as well as the QB being a Heisman favorite makes a huge difference in my opinion. I also think having some NFL caliber vets that were more just projection last year (Moore, Tae, Traore, Lambert, Faison)
 

IAIrish

The Dude Abides
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I didn’t keep it short and sweet for “shock factor” I saw it on On3 and relayed it here. This is what was said

“Safety Luke Talich told us today that he's added some Sam linebacker responsibilities this spring as the Irish are low on healthy linebackers. Interesting way for the staff to find more opportunities to use Talich this coming season when Adon Shuler and Brauntae Johnson are hard to take off the field.”

I didn’t say he was moving to LB, just that he was getting work in.
Love the idea of Talich getting run at LB in some looks. Kids just has a nose for the ball so moving him closer to the los is an excellent idea at his size. His production in limited action and ability to match up with TE's is just another weapon for this defense.

Setting the line of ND's backup safeties Talich/Long producing 6.5 turnovers this season.
 

allenm5333

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Love the idea of Talich getting run at LB in some looks. Kids just has a nose for the ball so moving him closer to the los is an excellent idea at his size. His production in limited action and ability to match up with TE's is just another weapon for this defense.

Setting the line of ND's backup safeties Talich/Long producing 6.5 turnovers this season.
I love the idea of using him as the “Rover” that Wu played. I understand in 2026 you have to be a 4-2-5. But having someone who is bigger that can replace the nickel depending on the opponent is huge
 

pumpdog20

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Anybody find it a little odd how much higher the optimism is this offseason compared to last? They were coming off a natty appearance.
Nope, there was caution last year because of the new faces and no ability to ease into the season. This year, we have a returning starting QB, and the only place we really replace is RB, and couple OL and DL. We're reloading at OL and DL, with maybe even better replacements. The WR will be the best group in a long time. And more importantly there's room to improve before whooping Miami in November.
 

allenm5333

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Nope, there was caution last year because of the new faces and no ability to ease into the season. This year, we have a returning starting QB, and the only place we really replace is RB, and couple OL and DL. We're reloading at OL and DL, with maybe even better replacements. The WR will be the best group in a long time. And more importantly there's room to improve before whooping Miami in November.
Bingo. Biggest thing imo is we think we had a good qb last year. This year he could be great. Offensive weapons could be special too
 

IRISHDODGER

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Burnham probably was better than Young last year, especially once he got healthy in the second half of the season. But Young has more physical upside and is younger. The staff made their decision there, and Burnham then made a business decision for himself. That created a spot for Keeley, who also probably has more upside, though he hasn't reached it yet either.
Young exceeded expectations his freshman season and fell short of expectations last season. This is a key year for him. Prister loves him and believes he breaks out this year. I hope he’s right but I wonder how much of that confidence is tied to the fact that he’s BY’s son and Prister has fond memories of BY both professionally & personally.
 

NDPhilly

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Obviously it’s a product of the schedule, but it’s absolutely wild to me that we are currently -700 to make the playoffs. I know all of us have severe PSTD after being -3000 on the morning of the playoff selection, but that’s like 90% implied probability.
 

OKCDomer23

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Obviously it’s a product of the schedule, but it’s absolutely wild to me that we are currently -700 to make the playoffs. I know all of us have severe PSTD after being -3000 on the morning of the playoff selection, but that’s like 90% implied probability.
Agree. Thought of not making playoffs next year is not even fathomable considering this talent and the schedule. Motivation will be sky high as Revenge Tour 2026 will be in full effect. Very much so looking forward to seeing this team in the fall. Go Irish!
 

allenm5333

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NDPhilly

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I feel like Aneyas and Nolan are going to start the season splitting carries and would not be surprised at all if Nolan becomes the primary back. Just love the way he runs the football. More agile than Aneyas as well.

Very curious how Kedren eventually fits in. Could make the argument he’s the most physically gifted of the 3 when healthy.
 

mick2

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... last year's team could have won. .... just sayin'
This is why I'm still bummed out about last season, we got robbed of a chance and it's likely because espn saw what everyone else did, a monster ND team capable of winning it all. I've been a fan forever, knew the lore of lou and legends before, but was too young to witness firsthand. Started paying attention at probably a terrible time, (willingham years) although BQ is my fave of all time, ever, Last year's team was the first I ever (EVER) felt legitimately could win and was on par or better than any other roster in the nation. Hopeful that this year's team can avenge the disrespect, but last year's team was special. It's a real shame we didn't get a chance.
 

DONTH8

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@arrowryan told him its not worth posting a practice report. You'll wake up the next morning with Prister, BD, Horka, and six anonymous accounts explaining to you that you're a liar, you've never watched a football game in your life, your mother should be ashamed, and you personally caused the 2008 financial crisis. They'll have him questioning his own name before Tuesday.

I hear Arrow is still having to live off the grid after fall camp for fear that his location will be exposed.
 
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