Boot Camp: Notre Dame has big hopes with small roster
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD/WYZZ) — Notre Dame saw this coming. The Irish figured they may be playing with a small roster in 2026. Coach Pat Armstrong has around 30 players on his varsity roster, 14 fewer than he had last season. But the expectations are still big with the Irish. They are a perennial playoff team […]
Peoria, Illinois (WMBD/WYZZ) - Notre Dame anticipates playing with a smaller roster in 2026, as coach Pat Armstrong has 30 players on his varsity roster, 14 fewer than last season. However, the Irish remain confident in their abilities and anticipate another appearance in the postseason. Standout returning players include lineman Noah Tockes and Dominic Jones, along with running backs Ronin Spinks and Dallas Harder.
Tockes and Harder, two key returning players, praised the experience of the team, as most of the players have been on the varsity squad since their sophomore year. The team's success can be attributed to their physicality and ability to hold their ground throughout games, as highlighted by Tockes and the determination of returning player Jones.
With a focus on toughness, grit, and smart execution of plays, Notre Dame aims to bounce back from their first two losses last season and secure another impressive 8-3 record and their 13th playoff appearance since 2011. Their first game of the season is scheduled against Richmond-Burton on Friday.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
