⚡ CFB Dashboard

Ahead of the 2026 Purdue game, Marcus Freeman said Notre Dame safety Luke Talich had a hand injury awaiting further evaluation. Depending on its severity and whether taping or casting would allow him to play, Talich could return that week or miss roughly a week; he was not yet cleared.

Freeman said freshman defensive end Rodney Dunham deserved more defensive work than his late-game snaps against Michigan State. Notre Dame already has four proven ends, but the staff intends to find more snaps for Dunham alongside his existing special-teams role.

Freeman said Notre Dame kept Nolan James Jr. in against Michigan State because he had the hot hand. James and Aneyas will both continue to play, with game production influencing who stays in; Freeman did not announce an exclusive starter or a permanent benching.

Notre Dame's run concepts remain similar from 11 and 12 personnel. Freeman said the staff chooses those packages around the opponent's likely defensive responses, sometimes using 12 personnel because the expected look is more predictable.

Freeman said Notre Dame tailors its third-down pressure package each week to the opponent's protections. The defensive line is identifying protection tells and making in-game adjustments, while rotating fresh players; Purdue preparation also emphasizes disguising the defense before the snap.