Notre Dame and Wisconsin are set to headline the Sunday night slate in Week 1 of the college football season, playing in prime time at the historic Lambeau Field. The Irish offense has been one of the most talked about units this offseason with the return of quarterback CJ Carr and Mike Denbrock and the losses of key stars to the NFL Draft.The Fighting Irish offense, however, remains exceptionally deep and talented with new player stepping up across the board.

This talented and deep unit will be tested this weekend by a host of experienced and talented players from the Badger's defense, some are returning starters while some are new faces acquired through the transfer portal. If the Irish are going to start off the season strong, they'll have to win these key matchups Sunday night. 

Sunday night will be our first opportunity to see the former 2025 five-star recruit in meaningful action in an Irish uniform. Earlier this offseason, Joe Rudolph made the decision to bump former left tackle Anthonie Knapp inside to guard paving the way for sophomore Will Black to step into the starting lineup at left tackle. The 6-7, 316-pound Canada native has been, and remained, the starting left tackle for the duration of the offseason. 

Matchup To Watch: We knew Black would be tested early on in the regular season, and this matchup on Sunday night with Wisconsin is no exception. He will be going against one of the most experienced and productive defensive players on the roster in Sebastian Cheeks. The 6-3, 243-pound edge rusher finished last season with 24 total tackles, 3.0 sacks, 5.5 tackles for a loss and 15 run stops according to PFF. There will be no 'ease into the season' for Black. This will be one of the premier matchups to watch on September 6. 

The Texas native had a very disappointing follow up to his spectacular end to the 2024 season. Senior Jaden Greathouse only recorded four catches last season and was limited throughout the season due to a lingering, severe hamstring injury. Thankfully, the 6-1, 212-pound receiver elected to return to Notre Dame this fall and is poised for a massive bounce-back season in the Fighting Irish offense. This season, he's expected to be one of the many focal points of the offense. 

Matchup To Watch: Similar to Black along the offensive line, there's no ease into the season for Greathouse. He'll be matched up against one of the newer faces on Wisconsin's defense, Ohio State transfer cornerback Bryce West. West, a former four-star recruit, came to Madison earlier this offseason and got the nod at the nickel corner position. He'll be matched up with Greathouse throughout the evening on September 6. The last time Greathouse was matched up against an Ohio State receiver, he had a very memorable performance. Will that be the case Sunday night? 

The California native is another player the Irish get back this season from injury. Senior tight end Cooper Flanagan is stepping into the No. 1 tight end role after Eli Raridon's departure. The 6-6, 255-pound tight end has proven abilities as an impactful run blocker and will now take on the mantra as an impact pass catcher in the Irish offense. Every tight end, for the last 20 years, has broken out when stepping into the spotlight. We, as Notre Dame fans, have every reason to believe the same will be true for Flanagan. 

Matchup To Watch: Wisconsin safety Matt Jung is one of the biggest safeties the Notre Dame offense will face this fall. The returning starter comes in at 6-3, 213-pounds and was a very productive player for the Badgers last fall. Flanagan's matchup with the veteran safety has a two-fold impact. First and foremost, their meetings in the run game should be fun to watch. Jung finished the season with nine total run stops and 49 total tackles. I'm also expecting Flanagan to be an impact down near the red zone where he'll most likely be matched up against the 6-3, 213-pound safety. 

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