Irish coaches and players detail spring progress and look ahead to the 2026 season, highlighting new leaders and offensive potential.
Another spring practice has come to a close in South Bend and the Irish are one day closer to the Blue Gold game and the start of their 2026 campaign. There's been a lot of speculation around the skilled talent at Notre Dame and what they'll do with the absence of players like Jeremiyah Love, Jadarian Price and receivers Malachi Fields and Will Pauling. Today, we got to hear from wide receivers coach Mike Brown, running back coach Ja'Juan Seider and a host of players for their position rooms on what this season will look like for them.
With the exception of Ohio State transfer Quincy Porter, almost every wide receiver that will likely be in the rotation this year is currently going through spring practice. The same cannot be said for the Irish running backs. Rising junior Aneyas Williams, redshirt sophomore Kedren Young and true freshman Javian Osborne are all out or limited throughout the spring leaving Nolan James and Jonaz Walton to take the lion's share of carries. Both of these rooms are loaded with talent, and their offense is poised for a big year with the return of both offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock and quarterback CJ Carr.
You can watch the entire press conference here:
Here are some of the main quotes from this morning's post-practice press conference:
Mike Brown On Coaching The Veteran And Young Players In The Room
"Regardless of who's in and who's in the room, there's got to be a standard and the standard doesn't change," Brown explained. "We've got a lot of new faces which puts a lot more of the leadership on myself and some of the older guys that have been around and some of the second and third year guys that have been around. Those guys have done a good job of stepping up and holding the standard, pushing guys and helping guys along. It's a process, and it's a tricky one but guys are going really well with it."
Aneyas Williams On His Relationship With Coach Seider
"It's developed a lot and really quickly," Williams explained. "He's a vocal leader as well. He likes guys that are going to speak up and I've always been tight in that way with him. Now, it's playing more and watching film more with him and being able to relate. We're making sure we're seeing things the same way and relate. I'd say that's the biggest thing with us."
Jordan Faison On Where He's Seen Himself Grow
"First and foremost, I'd say being more of a vocal leader in the wide receiver room helping out the young kids," Faison explained. As far as my own game, everything is slowing down for me. I'm able to play faster and understand defenses faster. I'd say that's been a big thing for me. I'm more vocal with the guys and making myself available for any of the young guys that have questions whether that's on the field issues, off the field issues, questions with the playbook and coverages they see. I'm making myself more available for them being in this leadership role."
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