Notre Dame Football Mailbag: Jaiden Ausberry’s role, the arrival of Malachi Fields, and some 2026 recruiting
Notre Dame football has just about wrapped up spring practice with the team conducting their annual Blue-Gold game wrapped up on Saturday. We are about to experience a break in Fighting Irish action, but in the world of the Transfer Portal and NIL, the action never truly stops. There’s always something to talk about. In […]
Notre Dame football has just about wrapped up spring practice with the team conducting their annual Blue-Gold game wrapped up on Saturday. We are about to experience a break in Fighting Irish action, but in the world of the Transfer Portal and NIL, the action never truly stops. There’s always something to talk about.
In this week’s Notre Dame Football Mailbag, the 2026 recruiting class was a big part of the conversation. We also discussed linebacker Jaiden Ausberry, the offseason, revenue sharing, and Harrison Smith. As always, a massive shoutout to everyone who submitted questions this week.
Jaiden Ausberry in 2025
I’d like to define what a “more consistent role” means exactly. If the question is asking if we will see Ausberry in one position more consistently, then I hope not. Ausberry is such a unique blend of versatility and movement skills. I think we are going to see even more of him, but I hope it’s at all three linebacker positions, and blitzing a ton.
Revenue share in CFB
To my knowledge, the revenue is given out each year. From that total pot, the Notre Dame administration has the power to share it directly with the players. Most college football players are either working off of one or multi-year contracts with their respective school but that’s separate from the rev share. They are each their own unique thing.
End of the 2026 recruiting class
Oh, this question is fun, and I’ve never been asked anything like it. If I only had eight remaining spots, they would go to running back Javian Osborne, wide receiver Kaydon Finley, wide receiver Brayden Robinson, tight end Ian Premer, offensive tackle Ekene Ogboko (unlikely), defensive lineman Elijah Golden (he probably isn’t coming to Notre Dame), cornerback Joey O’Brien, and safety Zech Fort.
Dream 2026 class
Please see the answer directly above. If I had to narrow it down to three, it would be Osborne, O’Brien, and Finley.
Is Harrison Smith a HOF?
Yes, I believe so. Safety is a tough position to get in so I imagine the Hitman will have to wait for a while. Not only was he a great player, but Smith’s longevity also strengthens his case. Add in that he is a universally loved person, and you have a strong candidacy.
Grading the offseason
I think Notre Dame has had a very good offseason. I’d probably give it something like an A- since they were able to regain a large part of their roster, and almost none to the Transfer Portal. The Irish staff also attacked the portal well, and got some really nice pieces like former Virginia wide receiver Malachi Fields.
The only slight criticism was their choices to not push for transfer tight end Max Klare and pass rusher David Bailey with the injuries in each room. I believe they would have had a very good shot at the former if they made a stronger move.
2026 defensive line class
I’d say that the number for Notre Dame right now is six defensive lineman in the 2026 class. The team obviously holds two commitments right now, including defensive ends Rodney Dunham and Ebenezer Ewetade. The Irish are also in a great spot with Texas defensive tackle Tiki Hola who is set to make his college decision on May 10th.
They will need to find one more guy who could potentially play on the interior longterm. Players like Khary Wilder and Elijah Golden fit that mold, but we will see if they can close the deal on either. After that, finding one more defensive end like McHale Blade will be important, as well as pursuing one more hybrid.
Notre Dame football closing quickly on dynamic offensive recruit, and there is an end in sight
Notre Dame looks to continue recruiting momentum
