Notre Dame suffered a big loss on Friday when it was announced that starting offensive guard Billy Schrauth was declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft. In my “way too early offensive depth chart projection,” Schrauth was a part of that initial offensive line grouping, so it feels like a good time for a new projection.

That offensive line group will be the main point of conversation for much of the offseason. 

There are several positions on offense for head coach Marcus Freeman and the Fighting Irish staff that feel solidified. Then, there are others where there will be a legitimate battle this offseason. That also doesn’t include players who will be added once the transfer portal opens in less than a week. 

Here’s how I see the Notre Dame offense right now. 

Quarterback 

For the second straight season, CJ Carr will be the starting quarterback. Behind Carr, there is a group of talented quarterbacks, but they are also extremely inexperienced.

That includes Blake Hebert, Noah Grubbs, and Teddy Jarrard. With Jarrard reclassifying, I would be shocked if he wasn’t a pure redshirt option in 2026 while he develops. Don’t be surprised if the Fighting Irish add a veteran quarterback to strengthen the floor of the room. 

1. CJ Carr (RS So.)

2. Blake Hebert (RS Fr.)

3. Noah Grubbs (Fr.)

Running back 

With the recent news that Aneyas Williams will be returning to Notre Dame in 2026, he should be the heavy favorite to be the starting running back. The Irish staff likes Nolan James Jr., so he should get a lot of opportunities. The depth behind those two depends on whether Kedren Young has fully recovered from his knee injury. I also wouldn’t be shocked to see freshman Javian Osborne and Jonaz Walton also figure into the rotation. 

While some will hate it, there’s also a chance that Notre Dame brings in a running back via the transfer portal. I’m not sure if it definitely happens, but the staff is keeping their eyes open to potential fits. I would keep an eye on former NC State standout Hollywood Smothers when the portal opens on Jan. 2. 

1. Aneyas Williams (Jr.)

2. Nolan James Jr. (RS Fr.)

3. Kedren Young (RS So.)

Wide receiver 

I expect Notre Dame to bring in a boundary wide receiver this offseason through the portal. Even if they do, Micah Gilbert should still play a good bit in that alignment as well.

We also know that Jordan Faison will play a ton in 2026 after leading the team in receiving this past season. Jaden Greathouse also should have an opportunity to start if he’s fully healthy. The depth is the part that could change quite a bit. It wouldn’t be shocking to see someone like freshman Kaydon Finley demand an extensive role before too long. 

X – Micah Gilbert (RS So.) 

X – Cam Williams (RS So.)

Z – Jordan Faison (Jr.)

Z – KK Smith (RS Jr.)

Slot – Jaden Greathouse (RS Jr.) 

Slot – Logan Saldate (RS So.)

Tight end

Tight end could be a sneaky portal addition for Notre Dame this offseason. If it adds a talented option, then the depth chart could change quite a bit. If not, then this unit will be inexperienced, but also talented.

I’d expect the veterans, including Cooper Flanagan, to get the first crack at it, as long as he is healthy. True freshman Ian Premer could earn a substantial role at some point during the season. 

1. Cooper Flanagan (RS Jr.)

2. James Flanigan (RS Fr.)

3. Ty Washington (RS Sr.)

Offensive line 

With Schrauth off to the NFL, this does change things a bit for the offensive line. Charles Jagusah shifts over to left guard in this hypothetical, since he has experience playing in a left-handed stance. Guerby Lambert sticks at the right guard spot, where he started the majority of last season. With Aamil Wagner also off to the next level, this creates a huge opportunity for redshirt freshman Will Black to get on the field. 

While this unit just became a lot more inexperienced, you can also argue it got quite a bit more talented. If offensive line coach Joe Rudolph can get the most out of this group, the Joe Moore Award is not out of question. It will be an important offseason for the offensive line. 

LT – Anthonie Knapp (Jr.)

LT – Styles Prescod (RS So.)

LG – Charles Jagusah (RS Jr.)

LG – Chris Terek (RS Jr.)

C – Ashton Craig (RS Sr.)

C – Joe Otting (RS Jr.)

RG – Guerby Lambert (RS So.)

RG – Sullivan Absher (RS Jr.)

RT – Will Black (RS Fr.)

RT – Matty Augustine 

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