The defense for Notre Dame was tremendous in 2023. The offense also has its moments, leading to a per game scoring average of 39.2 points per game, which ranked No. 7 in all of college football. For those who watched, you know the Irish still need to be a lot more consistent offensively in the bigger games.

Enter offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock, who did a tremendous job at both Cincinnati and LSU the last several years. That included a stellar 2023 campaign in Baton Rouge, leading the nation’s top scoring offense that averaged 45.5 points per game. Coach Denbrock helped quarterback Jayden Daniels go from Arizona State castoff to Heisman Trophy winner and top NFL Draft pick in just two years working together.

Now Coach Denbrock returns for his third stint with the Irish. Optimism and expectations are at an all-time high, with most Notre Dame fans expecting a deep playoff run in 2024. If the team is able to reach their potential, a big reason for it will be how the offense performs this upcoming campaign.

Maximizing Skill

There is a lot of talent at the skill positions for Notre Dame. Anyone who argues against that, is a part of the problem. It starts at quarterback, where the Irish program might be in the best spot they have been from a depth perspective in a long time. Former Duke signal caller Riley Leonard will get a lot of the publicity, but having players like Kenny Minchey, Steve Angeli, and CJ Carr as depth is incredible.

The running back position is even more of an embarrassment of riches. Most fans are so excited to see the two-headed monster of Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price, and for good reason. Those two are a home run waiting to happen. True freshman Aneyas Williams and Kedren Young are also tremendously talented, and could earn reps in their first season.

One position you’ll never have to worry about is tight end. Notre Dame is set to have a trio of Mitchell Evans, Eli Raridon, and Cooper Flanigan. Evans is one of the best tight ends returning in college football, Raridon is a freaky athlete and Flanagan is one of the more underrated players on the offense. That depth is wild to think about.

Wide receiver is a spot that has to be a ton better, but has seemingly a lot more optimism going into the 2024 season. A big reason for that are the trashed additions of Kris Mitchell (FIU), Beaux Collins (Clemson), and Jayden Harrison (Marshall). Add that to the impending breakouts of guys like Jaden Greathouse and Jordan Faison, and you have the recipe to be much better this season.

The 2025 NFL Draft brings a lot of upside, but a ton of question marks concerning the offensive tackle class

The offensive tackle class for the 2025 NFL Draft is extremely volatile. There is certainly talent, but a lot of question marks to figure out.

Solidifying group up front

On the offensive line, Notre Dame is always extremely talented. Heading into the 2024 season, however, this is a unit that is extremely inexperienced. Of the projected starters currently, Pat Coogan is the only one to start every game last season, and he may be your least talented player up front.

Notre Dame is expecting breakouts from left tackle Charles Jagusah, center Ashton Craig, and right guard Billy Schrauth. The problem, those three have combined for just seven career starts. They are all very talented, but there are bound to be some hiccups early on this season.

Right tackle is the spot with a lot more uncertainty. Tosh Baker left the spring as the projected starter, but that’s more out of default than anything. Aamil Wagner is the younger and more talented player, and is projected to make a big move during fall camp. Also keep an eye on true freshman Guerby Lambert, who might be the most talented offensive lineman on the roster, at least in the conversation with Jagusah.