Notre Dame football opens the 2026 college football season Sunday at Lambeau Field against the Wisconsin Badgers, and expectations for head coach Marcus Freeman’s squad couldn’t be higher.

Some believe the Fighting Irish have what it takes to win a national championship. With kickoff approaching, it’s time for some last-minute superlative predictions covering the team’s MVP, Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, unsung hero, biggest X-factor, and most improved players on both sides of the ball.

Let’s get into it before what promises to be a memorable 2026 season officially begins.

MVP prediction: CB Leonard Moore

The junior heads into the 2026 season as unquestionably one of the best overall players in college football. While many would predict quarterback CJ Carr to win this award, the nod should go to the best overall player on this team and the one who could potentially be the most impactful. Moore has the ability to shut down half a side of the field, and if Notre Dame wins a national championship this season, it will probably be because the Irish have one of the best defenses in the country. Enjoy Moore while you can because he won’t be in the blue and gold for very long. He is an outstanding overall football player.

Offensive Player of the Year prediction: QB CJ Carr

You could make an argument for Carr as the team MVP, and honestly, if he is even in the running for that distinction, it means Notre Dame probably had a big-time season. With the run game evolving and looking different in 2026 after losing Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price, a lot more is going to be on Carr’s shoulders. I expect him to live up to those expectations and lead another strong Notre Dame offense. Look for Carr to make some of the biggest plays of the season in the most important moments.

Defensive Player of the Year prediction: LB Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa

This is a bit of an outside-the-box prediction. It’s not because KVA isn’t great. In fact, he is one of the best linebackers in college football. The prediction has some volatility, however, because he is still coming back to full health from a late-season knee injury. I have questions about just how available he’ll be against Wisconsin this weekend. Regardless of whether he ends up playing 11 games, 12 games, or any other amount, he is a tremendous football player with difference-making potential. Look for Viliamu-Asa to be an absolute star when fully available this season.

Unsung hero prediction: TE Cooper Flanagan

Flanagan doesn’t get a lot of conversation because he isn’t a flashy pass catcher, but what he is able to do when healthy in the run game is incredibly important for this Notre Dame offense. Even if he has to share some of the passing game workload with the other tight ends on the roster, his value is immense in both areas of the game. Look for the 6-foot-6, 255-pound tight end to finally make his biggest impact for the Fighting Irish now that he is fully recovered from an Achilles injury.

X-factor prediction: WR Mylan Graham

Graham is penciled in on the slot depth chart behind Jaden Greathouse. The former Ohio State transfer had a good offseason, especially in the spring, and he brings a combination of explosiveness and after-the-catch ability that Notre Dame needs more of in their offense. I expect Graham, even if he isn’t starting, to have a huge impact for the Fighting Irish this fall. They will need his dynamic ability to create some chunk plays.

Most improved player on offense: OT Guerby Lambert

Lambert did a good job at right guard last season, but he is now back to his more natural position. Like any redshirt freshman last fall, he had some ups and downs, though the highs were outstanding. Now that he’s back at right tackle where he’s more comfortable, I expect Lambert to flourish in the Irish offense this season. Don’t be surprised if he ends up being one of the best overall tackles in the country.

Most improved player on defense: DT Armel Mukam

I will continue to ride the Mukam train, especially after he won a starting job at defensive tackle this offseason. Mukam has barely played over the last couple of years and was reportedly not much of a factor previously. A switch turned on this offseason, and he could go from an afterthought to a potential difference maker on the interior for the Fighting Irish defense.