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Notre Dame football: Five breakout candidates for 2026
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- Notre Dame football: Five breakout candidates for 2026
Now that Notre Dame football has released its first depth chart of the 2026 season , we now know where many players stand in the eyes of the coaches.
It's a great time to think about some of the Irish's non-starters that made the depth chart, and even some of the first-year starters as well. The way that head coach Marcus Freeman has transformed this roster is exactly why the expectations are sky high.
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Not only will the first-team produce, there are more than a few players on the roster that can get the job done at a high-level. That's not even mentioning some of the transfers that have entered the program, as most of them will contribute early and often.
Let's take a look at five candidates for Notre Dame who could breakout into national names in 2026.
5 - Defensive end Bryce Young
Notre Dame junior Bryce Young (95) walk into practice during a practice Friday, Aug. 7, 2026, at the Irish Athletics Center in South Bend.
Unfortunately, Young didn't progress like many of us though he would during his sophomore season, and while it was still a solid performance (20 tackles and 2 sacks), it wasn't the impact that was expected. Years three should be a big one for him, as he's now firmly in the starting lineup and knows Chris Ash's defensive scheme. If you can pass the seven sack plateau, he's going to be a name everyone knows.
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4 - Defensive tackle Armel Mukam
Defensive lineman Armel Mukam during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Probably the biggest surprise on this list, as Mukam is the classic senior whose light finally goes on. He's been one of the early stories of the fall, as he's earned the right to start the season opener. I don't think that Mukam is just going to be out there, I think he's going to make plays. He beat out transfers Francis Brewu and Tionne Gray, two players with much more extensive playing histories. As Freeman often says, delayed gratification, and it looks like Mukam is a great example of that. While I don't think Mukam puts up huge stats, he'll be a solid plug in the middle with flashes of disruption.
3 - Running back Aneyas Williams
Running back Aneyas Williams during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026, in South Bend.
There might not be a player on offense that I'm more excited to see get extended playing time over Williams. He's played sparingly over the past two seasons, but when he's been on the field there has been plenty of production. Williams averaged an absurd 9.3 yards-per-carry last year, 7.6 in his career. He's scored every just over every 8 carries, which is extremely impressive. I don't think it's out of reach to say that Williams will rush for over 1,000 yards with 10 touchdowns at minimum.
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2 - Safety Joey O'Brien
Defensive back Joey O'Brien during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
The hype around O'Brien began when he committed, as a 5-star prospect who ultimately enrolled early. There were extremely positive reports during the spring about his play, but an injury during the Blue and Gold game put a stunt on his progression. O'Brien has managed to return quickly, and not only that, earning a spot on the two-deep and coaches already saying he's going to have a role in this year's defense. The safety lineage for Notre Dame is in good hand with O'Brien, who will flash more than a few times this season and will have tons of hype entering 2027.
1 - Offensive tackle Will Black
Offensive lineman Will Black during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, in South Bend.
Another former 5-star who is getting an opportunity is Black, who Freeman talked about during his Monday press conference. The sophomore played in three games last fall, but didn't get a start, however, he will on Sunday. Black's potential gave the coaches leeway to move Anthonie Knapp inside to guard, giving the Irish even more depth at the position. As the youngest starter on the line, he probably has the most upside out of everyone. Black might not win national awards or be an All-American, but he's going to shoot up draft boards and everyone will know him when he enters his junior season.
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This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: Notre Dame football: Five breakout candidates for 2026
