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For this week’s show, the guys talked about Notre Dame officially landing Wake Forest quarterback Sam Hartman and Oklahoma State defensive back Thomas Harper, plus another intriguing potential addition from the portal.
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Where Notre Dame stands in way-too-early top 25s for 2023 season
We’re onto the 2023 season. The morning after the national title game brings the first round of prognostications for it – in the form of a deluge of way-too-early top 25s. Notre Dame is in every notable one.
The Irish’s average placement in 10 national outlets’ rankings is 11.5. The highest spot is No. 7 (Bleacher Report). The lowest is No. 14 (ESPN, Pro Football Focus). Here’s a look at all 10 and what they forecast for Notre Dame in 2023.
ESPN: Notre Dame is ranked No. 14
ESPN’s Mark Schlabach writes: “Things could have gotten ugly for Notre Dame in Marcus Freeman’s first season as coach, especially after an 0-2 start that included a home loss to Marshall. A 16-14 defeat against Stanford at home wasn’t much better.
“But Freeman and his staff got things back on track by winning six of seven games, including a 45-38 victory against South Carolina in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl. Former starting quarterback [Drew] Pyne transferred to Arizona State, but the Irish landed former Wake Forest starter Sam Hartman, who has thrown for nearly 13,000 yards with 110 touchdowns during five seasons with Wake Forest. He’ll compete with Tyler Buchner, who had five touchdowns against the Gamecocks.
“The top three tailbacks and three starting offensive linemen are expected to return, although [Michael] Mayer won’t easily be replaced. Top pass rushers [Isaiah] Foskey and Jayson Ademilola are moving on as well.”
The Athletic: No. 11
The Athletic’s Stewart Mandel writes: “Notre Dame has not had a star QB like Hartman (3,701 yards, 38 TDs) in some time. He boosts an offense that returns leading rushers Audric Estime and Logan Diggs and standout tackles Joe Alt and Blake Fisher and adds Virginia Tech WR Kaleb Smith (18.2 YPC). The defense, led by LB JD Bertrand and CB Ben Morrison, adds Oklahoma State S Thomas Harper but as of now is depleted on the D-line.”
