THE ECHOES: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Published by Jessica Smetana, Mike Golic Jr.
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THE ECHOES is your home for Notre Dame Fighting Irish talk like you’ve never heard it before. Step into the world of Notre Dame football with Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana—two proud ND alums who bring the perfect mix of insight, energy, and humor to as they break down the latest on the Fighting Irish. From big-time matchups and memorable moments to the stories and traditions that make Notre Dame special, it’s all here. Fun, honest, and full of Irish pride, THE ECHOES is just two friends talking ball. New episodes will be released weekly. Watch on YouTube or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us @TheEchoesNDPod on Instagram, X, TikTok and Facebook.
Dayne Crist Joins the Show! SoFi Sponsorship, Training Camp Preview, Rewatch Pitt-ND 2010 | ECHOES
The Irish made headlines this week with a jersey sponsorship deal with SoFi, reportedly worth around $20 million annually. Is it a tradition-breaker or a necessary move in the modern college football arms race? Mike and Jess dig into just how controversial the deal really is — and why keeping up with championship-caliber rosters in today's landscape means the math has to work. Then, former Notre Dame quarterback Dayne Crist joins the show! He's Mike's former roommate, teammate, and BFF — and the energy in this conversation doesn't disappoint. They relive the 2010 Notre Dame–Pitt game, and Dayne opens up about what it was really like playing QB for the Fighting Irish, why he chose Notre Dame as the top QB recruit in the country, and what his relationship with ND looks like today. As a financial advisor, Dayne also shares what advice he'd give recruits navigating the NIL era — because today's players are managing more money in high school than most adults see in years. And the big question: would Dayne transfer if he were playing Notre Dame football today? 00:00 Intro 01:50 SoFi uniform sponsorship 08:30 Dayne Crist joins the show! 28:30 Rewatch Pitt-ND with Dayne 🎙️ Subscribe for weekly Fighting Irish coverage #NotreDame #FightingIrish #CollegeFootball #NDFootball #NotreDameFootball #TrainingCamp #NIL
Brian Kelly is Back! Notre Dame Media Day, Another USC Mistake, Pretender or Contender? | ECHOES
Notre Dame football is EVERYWHERE — and so is Brian Kelly. 🏈 Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana break down the Irish media blitz, Kelly's image rehab tour, and which college football 2025 contenders are the real deal on this week's episode of The Echoes. In This Episode: 🎙️ Marcus Freeman & The Irish Media Blitz Notre Dame football was all over the airwaves last week — First Take, ESPN Radio, the New York Stock Exchange, and the Stephen A. Smith Show. We break down what Marcus Freeman and CJ Carr had to say and why it matters for the upcoming season. Oh, and Michigan barely recruited CJ Carr. Wolverines can't get out of their own way. 🔄 Brian Kelly Is Back The polarizing former Notre Dame coach is making his own media rounds. We take a hard look at Kelly's image rehabilitation tour, why he left South Bend, how Baton Rouge went sideways, and what's actually next for him. 🏆 Pretender or Contender? "Will or Will Not!" We're taking stock of the college football 2025 landscape and putting the top programs on trial. Which teams with similar playoff odds as the Fighting Irish are for real — and which ones are frauds? 🎮 USC Football's Social Media Fail USC tried to ride the viral wave of the new Odyssey movie and it did not go well. We break down the cringe and take a look at if Notre Dame will ever join a conference. 💬 Drop a comment below — which team do you think can give the Irish a tough game this season? 🔔 Subscribe for weekly Notre Dame football analysis, recruiting updates, and insider takes you won't hear anywhere else. #NotreDame #NotreDameFootball #FightingIrish #MarcusFreeman #BrianKelly #CollegeFootball #USCFootball #NotreDamePodcast #CFB2025 #TheEchoes
Shamrock Series Uniforms Reaction, Nick Black of Under Armour Joins the Show, ND Top 5 players!
On this episode of The Echoes, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana welcome Nick Black, Director of Design Footwear & Team Sports at Under Armour, to break down the story behind Notre Dame’s 2026 Shamrock Series uniforms. From the inspiration and historical details to the years of planning that went into every element, Nick shares how these special uniforms came to life. Before diving into the design process, Mike and Jess give their honest reactions to the new Shamrock Series look. Love them or hate them, one thing is certain: Notre Dame will be turning heads when they take on Wisconsin at Lambeau Field. Then, before Nick joins the show, Mike and Jess tackle the impossible task of ranking their Top 5 Notre Dame players heading into the season. Their lists might surprise you—but whose rankings are more shocking? Watch, then drop your own Top 5 in the comments. Finally, Nick Black joins the show to reveal the inspiration, history, and hidden details behind the Shamrock Series uniforms. Discover what makes this design unique and why it means so much to the Notre Dame and Under Armour teams. 👍 Do you love the Shamrock Series uniforms or would you change them? Let us know in the comments! #NotreDame #FightingIrish #ShamrockSeries #UnderArmour #MikeGolicJr #JessicaSmetana #TheEchoes #CollegeFootball #NDFootball #WisconsinVsNotreDame
Notre Dame's ELITE Recruiting Class, Golic's Top Offseason Wish, Mabrey Makes WNBA History | ECHOES
On the latest episode of The Echoes, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana are back after a week off, and there’s plenty to discuss as Notre Dame’s recruiting momentum continues to build. Before diving into recruiting, Mike explains what the final weeks of summer look like for players before fall camp officially begins. With the season just around the corner, he shares what happens behind the scenes before the pads come on and preparations ramp up. Then it’s all about Notre Dame’s recruiting surge. Mike and Jess break down why the Irish continue to land elite talent—especially in the South—and what has made Marcus Freeman and his staff one of the hottest recruiting programs in college football. Notre Dame’s recruiting success has everyone excited, but Mike also reveals his biggest wish for the offseason. What does he want to see before Week 1? Let us know in the comments if you agree. The offseason hasn’t just been about recruiting. Mike and Jess also discuss the ongoing legal battles surrounding college athletics, including the proposed 5-for-5 eligibility rule and how it could impact Notre Dame across multiple sports, including football and women’s basketball. To wrap up the show, the conversation shifts to the WNBA, where former Notre Dame star Marina Mabrey made history by tying the league record with an incredible 53-point performance. Be sure to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode of The Echoes. #sports #football #notredame #NFL
Brady Quinn Joins the Show! CJ Carr, Notre Dame's Expectations & Parallels, Irish All-Americans
On the latest episode of The Echoes, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana welcome legendary Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn to the show! As Mike points out early in the episode, there are plenty of similarities between Quinn's Notre Dame teams and the 2026 Fighting Irish squad—both carrying sky-high expectations heading into the season. Before Brady joins the show, Jess shares what it was like being in New York City as the Knicks captured their first NBA Championship in 53 years and how she celebrated the historic victory with her fiancé's family. The conversation then shifts to Phil Steele's Preseason All-American Team, which featured several Notre Dame standouts. Who earned the recognition, who got snubbed, and where did quarterback CJ Carr land among the nation's best? Mike and Jess catch up with Brady about life with his family this summer, what it was like playing under immense expectations during the Charlie Weis era, and the parallels he sees between those teams and Notre Dame's current roster. Brady also discusses which Fighting Irish wide receiver is poised for a breakout season, where CJ Carr can improve, how he ranks Carr among quarterbacks nationally, and what it was like being recruited to Notre Dame from Ohio State territory. Plus, Brady shares what makes South Bend so special during the summer, reflects on Notre Dame's rich quarterback tradition, tells the funniest Paul Hornung story you've ever heard, and gives his thoughts on the current state of the USC rivalry. Subscribe, rate, and review for more Notre Dame football coverage all season long. #sports #football #notredame #NFL
Notre Dame Spending Big NIL Money, Summer in South Bend, and College Football Drama | The Echoes
On the latest episode of The Echoes, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana are back after a two-week hiatus with an action-packed show! Mike returns from Europe just as Notre Dame's freshman football players arrive on campus and the countdown to the season continues. Could incoming freshman quarterback Teddy Jarrard gain an early edge in the battle for the backup QB job? We break down the quarterback competition and Mike explains what makes summertime in South Bend so special. The college football offseason has also been filled with courtroom drama. We dive into some of the biggest stories in the sport, including whether Notre Dame is spending enough in the NIL era, Brendan Sorsby's gambling addiction and eligibility situation, and the growing debate around a potential college football super league and salary cap. Even when we're talking litigation, we keep things fresh and fun on The Echoes. Unfortunately, while we were away, the Notre Dame men's lacrosse team fell to Princeton in the national championship game. Mike explains why Fighting Irish fans shouldn't panic and why the future remains bright for the program. Plus, could the Chicago Bears really end up moving to Hammond, Indiana? All that and more on The Echoes! #sports #football #notredame #NFL
On the latest episode of The Echoes, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana welcome special guest and Notre Dame Women’s Basketball Head Coach Niele Ivey to the show! Before Coach Ivey joins the program, Mike and Jess break down the latest comments from Notre Dame AD Pete Bevacqua on why the College Football Playoff should expand to 24 teams — and what changed over the last few months. Plus, they discuss whether the ACC needs Notre Dame more than Notre Dame needs the ACC after some anonymous conference quotes made headlines recently. Later in the show, Coach Niele Ivey joins The Echoes for an awesome conversation covering everything from Notre Dame’s deep March run, Hannah Hidalgo’s superstar expectations heading into next season, and Coach Ivey’s Notre Dame Women’s Basketball Mount Rushmore, to her favorite travel spots, favorite HBO show, and what it’s like watching her former players thrive in the WNBA. To wrap things up, the crew celebrates Notre Dame Men’s Lacrosse as the Fighting Irish head back to the Final Four once again. #sports #football #notredame #NFL
Notre Dame Football Home Schedule Released, ND-USC Rivalry Back On?? Brian Kelly Returns | Echoes
On the latest episode of The Echoes, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana are back after a week off — and Mike is ENGAGED! 💍 Plus, Notre Dame officially released kickoff times for the 2026 home schedule, so we break down the biggest matchups coming to South Bend this season. We also react to breaking news surrounding the University of Notre Dame and University of Southern California rivalry. Are ND and USC finally working toward saving one of college football’s most iconic matchups? We dive into the latest in the scheduling saga and what it means for the future of college football. Later, Brian Kelly is making media appearances again and even talked about using AI in coaching — while also hinting at a return to South Bend. Would Irish fans welcome him back around the program? Let us know in the comments. Plus, Dabo Swinney had more to say about Notre Dame football, ND Men’s Lacrosse continues its NCAA Tournament run, and the WNBA is filled with former Irish stars, including Skylar Diggins. Subscribe for more Notre Dame coverage, player breakdowns, and weekly insights from The Echoes. #sports #football #notredame #NFL
Ian Book Joins the Show! Blue-Gold Game, NFL Draft, Golic Subpar Classic Recap | The Echoes
On the latest episode of The Echoes, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana return from a packed weekend in South Bend—balancing a family charity golf tournament, the Blue-Gold spring game, and all the action from the NFL Draft. They kick things off by breaking down what stood out in the Blue-Gold Game—what impressed them, what didn’t, and which areas the team needs to sharpen heading into the summer. From there, the conversation shifts to a huge day for Notre Dame in the NFL Draft. Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price made history as first-round selections from the same backfield, a rare feat in today’s game. Plus, several other Fighting Irish players heard their names called, capping off a strong showing for the program. Then, former Notre Dame QB Ian Book joins the show! Fresh off calling the Blue-Gold Game, Ian shares his perspective from the booth and dives into a range of topics with Mike and Jess—including Heisman hopeful CJ Carr’s performance, standout playmakers, the dominant offensive and defensive lines, the QB2 competition, and his transition into broadcasting. Subscribe for more Notre Dame coverage, player breakdowns, and weekly insights from The Echoes. #sports #football #notredame #NFL
Notre Dame NFL Draft Preview with Nate Tice! Spring Game Preview, Hoops Teams Cookin' in Portal
On the latest episode of The Echoes, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana get you set for Notre Dame’s spring football game and break down everything you need to know ahead of the NFL Draft with Nate Tice. CJ Carr has been turning heads all spring, and the hype around Notre Dame’s potential star QB is starting to feel very real. It’s not just him—the offensive line has been dominant up front, and (fingers crossed) the Irish may have finally found some stability at kicker. Mike and Jess dive into all the key takeaways from last week’s spring scrimmage. Then, Nate Tice joins the show to preview the NFL Draft. Is Jeremiyah Love worthy of a top-3 pick? Where could Jadarian Price land? Which Irish players are expected to hear their names called—and who is Tice higher on than most? They cover it all. To close things out, the show shifts to basketball and lacrosse updates. Both Notre Dame basketball programs are making moves in the transfer portal, and the crew even wonders: could the Pope make an appearance in Rome when the Irish open their season in November? Subscribe for more Notre Dame coverage, player breakdowns, and weekly insights from The Echoes. #sports #football #notredame #NFL
Jordan Cornette Joins the Show! Hidalgo BACK, Men's Hoops Teams Struggles, & Spring Ball | Echoes
On the latest episode of The Echoes, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana kick things off by celebrating Hannah Hidalgo and her return to Notre Dame women’s basketball. After a surprising run this past season, the Irish look poised to be even more dangerous with a strong recruiting class and potential impact transfers on the way. With the Notre Dame Spring Game approaching, the show turns to football as they break down Leonard Moore’s “revenge tour” comments, what fans should expect from the spring game, and whether there’s real concern around the backup quarterback situation. Later, former Notre Dame hooper Jordan Cornette joins the show to dive into the current state of the men’s basketball program. With key players transferring out, the group discusses NIL challenges, roster outlook, and whether head coach Micah Shrewsberry is truly on the hot seat. To close things out, the guys check in on the red-hot Notre Dame men’s lacrosse team following two massive wins over top-ranked opponents, and look ahead to what’s next for the MLAX squad. Plus a special cameo from Jess’ dog, Willow. Subscribe for more Notre Dame coverage, player breakdowns, and weekly insights from The Echoes. #sports #football #notredame #NFL
Hannah Hidalgo and The Irish are ELITE. ND Pro Day, CJ Carr Throwing for Scouts | The Echoes
On the latest episode of The Echoes, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana kick things off by celebrating a historic run from Notre Dame Fighting Irish women's basketball.Before diving into football, the spotlight is on head coach Niele Ivey and her squad after reaching the Elite 8 for the first time in her tenure. Led by superstar Hannah Hidalgo, the Irish proved they’re among the nation’s best—and Mike and Jess make sure to give them their flowers.From there, the conversation shifts to the men’s program, where roster changes are already underway with players entering the transfer portal—and potentially more to come. Then it’s back to the gridiron as the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football hold their annual Pro Day. Mike and Jess break down who boosted their draft stock, why CJ Carr throwing was such a big storyline, and how Will Pauling turned heads. To close things out, Mike and Jess preview their upcoming trip to South Bend for the Spring Game and Mike’s family golf tournament. 👉 Learn more about the event: Golic Family Foundation Subscribe for more Notre Dame coverage, player breakdowns, and weekly insights from The Echoes. #sports #football #notredame #NFL
Notre Dame Spring Ball Starts, Marcus Freeman Speaks, Position Battles and Breakout Players
On the latest episode of The Echoes, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana are back talking ball and getting you set for spring football at Notre Dame. Head coach Marcus Freeman met with reporters last week, and Mike and Jess break down everything he had to say—from the team’s energy heading into spring to how the program is responding after last season’s tough ending. One name already popping during spring ball is Tae Johnson, a friend of the show who’s flashing early and often. The crew dives into what makes Johnson so special and what expectations look like for him and a defense loaded with talent. With stars all over the roster, competition is heating up across multiple position groups. Mike and Jess take a closer look at the biggest position battles this spring and who has the inside track heading into fall camp. They also cover key injury updates, including which impact players are working their way back and what their timelines could mean for the season. Plus, a breakdown of the new-look offensive line and how those changes could shape the Irish offense moving forward. To close things out, the show celebrates the continued dominance of the Notre Dame fencing team and highlights Hannah Hidalgo and the women’s basketball team as they make a run in NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Tournament, including a big matchup against Ohio State. Subscribe for more Notre Dame coverage, player breakdowns, and weekly insights from The Echoes. #sports #football #notredame #NFL
Aaron Taylor Joins to Reflect on the Life of Lou Holtz
On this week’s episode of The Echoes: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana reflect on the life of legendary Notre Dame head coach, Lou Holtz, following his death at the age of 89. One of coach Holtz’s former players, 2-time All American Aaron Taylor, joins to share some his amazing stories and experiences during his time playing under the college football hall of famer. Whether it was Lou’s ability to command a room or his ability to rile you up, Aaron has a profound memory of it. So, we hope you enjoy this look back on the life of Notre Dame’s last championship winning head football coach, Lou Holtz. Subscribe to The Echoes: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish for weekly recaps, game previews, and insider analysis all season long.
Notre Dame at NFL Combine with Mike Renner! Jeremiyah Love Top 5 Pick? Jadarian Price 1st Rounder?
On the latest episode of The Echoes, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana are joined by Mike Renner to break down a massive weekend for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. From viral weight room clips that had the internet fired up to standout performances in Indy, the Irish were everywhere last week. We open the show by diving into the social media reaction to Notre Dame’s “big boys” moving serious weight. Why it matters, why it’s fun, and why people seem so eager to be upset about it. Then we shift gears to the hardwood, where Hannah Hidalgo is putting together a historic season for Notre Dame Fighting Irish women's basketball. With March here and the NCAA Tournament around the corner, we break down Hidalgo’s legendary run and what it means for the Irish as they heat up at the perfect time. No one turned more heads at the Combine than Jeremiyah Love. Renner explains why scouts can’t stop raving about Love’s size, speed, agility, and all-around explosiveness — and where he could realistically land in the NFL Draft. Plus, we spotlight other Irish prospects like Jadarian Price and Malachi Fields, and what their performances in Indy mean for their draft stock. We close the show with a quick update on the men’s basketball team’s Senior Night win and a look ahead at the surging, and top-ranked, Notre Dame men’s lacrosse squad. Irish fans, this one covers it all. 🎧 Tap in, hit the comments, and subscribe for more Notre Dame talk every week. 🍀 #sports #football #notredame #NFL
Julian Love Joins the Show! Super Bowl, Seahawks, Notre Dame Memories, and Mylan Graham's Comments
On the latest episode of The Echoes, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana welcome Julian Love, Super Bowl champion with the Seattle Seahawks, former Notre Dame defensive back, and Chicago native. Mike and Jess kick things off by celebrating Notre Dame’s presence on the international stage, highlighting two Irish alums who helped power Team USA women’s hockey during a historic Winter Olympics run in Milan. The conversation then shifts to football, where the hosts break down recent transfer portal storylines and discuss standout wide receiver Mylan Graham’s candid comments about the student-athlete experience in South Bend compared to his time at Ohio State. Then, Julian Love joins the show for a wide-ranging and entertaining interview. Love reflects on life as a Super Bowl champion, the surreal feeling of winning the biggest game in football, and the significance of becoming just the second player in Notre Dame history to record a Super Bowl interception. He also shares his perspective on watching fellow Irish players shine on the sport’s biggest stage, what the post-championship whirlwind has been like, and why his reputation as a host and teammate remains legendary. Love also opens up about his time as a graduate student at Notre Dame, discussing the realities of balancing academics and athletics, his most challenging classes, proudest achievements, and favorite campus memories. To close the episode, Mike and Jess check in on Notre Dame women’s basketball as March approaches, with Hannah Hidalgo continuing to establish herself among the nation’s elite. Finally, the show heads to Mike’s Complaint Corner, where he vents about the frustrations of trying to watch Notre Dame men’s lacrosse following a massive top-five victory. 🎧 Tap in, hit the comments, and subscribe for more Notre Dame talk every week. 🍀 #sports #football #notredame #NFL
Notre Dame NFL Draft Buzz, Chambliss Chaos, Carr's Gift to OL, Irish Hoops in Rome! | The Echoes
On the latest episode of The Echoes, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana dive into a packed Notre Dame offseason filled with storylines, surprises, and plenty of debate. The show opens with the viral moment everyone’s talking about: CJ Carr’s Valentine’s Day gifts for his offensive line. Mike and Jess react to the video, discuss how today’s college football culture has changed, and explain why taking care of the “big boys” still matters. With NFL Draft season heating up, the Fighting Irish are once again front and center. Six Notre Dame players are headed to Indianapolis for the combine, with Jereimiyah Love and Jadarian Price generating major buzz. Meanwhile, offensive lineman Billy Schrauth has been climbing draft boards and social feeds alike. Mike and Jess break down the hype and what it means for Notre Dame’s NFL pipeline. The episode also tackles one of the wildest eligibility sagas in recent memory: Trinidad Chambliss’ bizarre offseason journey. After multiple setbacks, Chambliss took his case to court and secured a sixth season of college football. The crew unpacks the chaos and what this ruling could signal for the future and how it impacts Notre Dame. Plus, some long-awaited good news on the hardwood: Notre Dame Men’s and Women’s basketball are headed to Rome. The Irish will face Villanova in a historic international opener, and Mike and Jess discuss the intrigue surrounding the matchup — including questions about Micah Shrewsberry’s future. To close things out, the show checks in on Notre Dame women’s basketball and its loaded recruiting class, along with early-season updates on Irish lacrosse. 🎧 Tap in, hit the comments, and subscribe for more Notre Dame talk every week. 🍀 #sports #football #notredame #NFL
Irish Shine at the Super Bowl, Notre Dame's Ice Chapel, Winter Olympics, Tampering With Love
On the latest episode of The Echoes: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana kick things off with Notre Dame flying all over the Super Bowl. 🍀🏈 Rylie Mills comes up with a massive sack, Julian Love seals it with a clutch interception, and the Irish make their presence felt on the biggest stage in football. Mike and Jess break down all the Notre Dame moments from Super Bowl Sunday and what they mean for the program. The conversation shifts back to campus, where last week’s ice chapel built during South Bend’s record-breaking snowstorm grabbed national headlines after Mass was held there. Peak Notre Dame energy. With the Winter Olympics underway, the crew also gives a shoutout to Notre Dame’s own Jadin O’Brien, a former Irish track star now competing in bobsled for Team USA. Will you be watching him represent ND in Milan this weekend? 🇺🇸❄️ After the break, Mike and Jess dive into the new faces leading Notre Dame football. The hires are official: Aaron Henry — Co-Defensive Coordinator / Defensive Backs Coach Brian Jean-Mary — Linebackers Coach / Run Game Coordinator What do you think of the new defensive staff? Hit the comments and let us know. Recruiting news rolls on as QB Teddy Jarrard officially signs with the Irish and is set to arrive on campus this summer, helping shape the quarterback room for life after CJ Carr. Are you excited—or skeptical—about the future of ND’s QBs? Sound off in the chat. Plus, roster updates for the 2026 season, including who’s rocking new jersey numbers, and a deep dive into the new CFP schedule, with the National Championship now pushing into nearly February. Is this too much for college football? To close things out, Mike and Jess discuss comments from friend of the pod and future NFL star Jeremiyah Love, who revealed he was contacted by other schools while still enrolled at Notre Dame. Fair or foul? The crew breaks down “legal tampering” in today’s college football landscape. 🎧 Tap in, hit the comments, and subscribe for more Notre Dame talk every week. 🍀 #sports #football #notredame #NFL
Cooper Flanagan Joins the Show! Snowpocalypse in South Bend, Coaching Carousel, ND in NFL Draft
On the latest episode of The Echoes: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana kick things off with the brutal winter weather that’s been hammering much of the country — including South Bend. From frozen temps to full-on snow days, students have been battling the elements and building snow chapels. Mike and Jess swap stories from their own snowy campus days and how the Irish always seem to make the most of it. From blizzards to the coaching carousel, the conversation turns to major staff changes. Mike Mickens heads to the NFL to join the Baltimore Ravens, while Aaron Henry steps in as Notre Dame’s co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach. Al Washington also makes the jump to the league, joining the Miami Dolphins. It’s never easy losing top assistants, but it’s also a sign the program continues to develop elite coaching talent — and Notre Dame now faces the challenge (and opportunity) of reloading. Draft buzz is building, and wide receiver Malachi Fields made serious noise at the Senior Bowl. With the NFL Scouting Combine around the corner, Mike and Jess break down how Fields boosted his stock in Mobile and why he could be working his way into first-round territory. Later in the show, junior tight end Cooper Flanagan joins the podcast. The Northern California native talks about adjusting to Midwest winters, battling through a frustrating year, and what the College Football Playoff snub felt like inside the locker room. He also shares what it’s like having another player with a nearly identical last name, and how head coach Marcus Freeman addresses the constant NFL speculation surrounding him. To close things out, Mike and Jess dive into how Notre Dame discovered the ACC may have been favoring other teams. Subscribe for weekly Notre Dame football insight, player interviews, and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. #sports #football #notredame #collegefootballplayoff
MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT! Reaction to Cam Newton Comments, Notre Dame's Relevance, Onye Back, Mickens Gone
On the latest episode of The Echoes: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana kick things off with a MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT — and you won’t have to wait long to hear some of the best news we’ve had in weeks. After the big reveal, the show turns back to the gridiron with the latest from South Bend. The NCAA granted Jason Onye a sixth season, giving Notre Dame’s defensive line another boost following a strong transfer portal cycle. Not all the headlines were positive, though. Defensive backs coach Mike Mickens is heading to the NFL, joining the Baltimore Ravens staff. Mike and Jess break down what his departure means for the Irish. Plus, they discuss Notre Dame finishing top 10 in the final AP Poll despite missing the College Football Playoff. The conversation then shifts to the future with an early look at Notre Dame’s 2026 schedule. Some people are calling it soft, we see you Cam Newton and First Take, the hosts explain why it might actually be more standard than people think. They also recap the national championship matchup between Indiana and Miami, but the real highlight? Marcus Freeman shining on ESPN’s College GameDay. Is there a future in TV for the Irish head coach someday? To wrap things up, the episode hits a mix of Notre Dame news and notes, including the start of men’s lacrosse season and a look at former Irish players who will be competing on Super Bowl Sunday. 💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments: Jason Onye returning for Year 6 Mickens heading to the Ravens Notre Dame’s AP Poll finish ND's "soft "schedule All that and more on The Echoes: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Subscribe for weekly Notre Dame coverage all offseason long ☘️ Subscribe to The Echoes for weekly Notre Dame recaps, CFP reactions, game previews, and insider analysis all season long. #sports #football #notredame #collegefootballplayoff Thank you to our sponsor: Wendy's Join Team Tendy’s and enjoy a line-up like never before. Crispy. Juicy. Tendys Now at Wendy’s. http://www.tendys.com/
