Notre Dame football is set for a massive recruiting weekend as Marcus Freeman’s eighth-ranked Irish host No. 16 Texas A&M under the lights in South Bend. Tyler Wojciak is joined by recruiting analyst Eric Thomas from Irish Illustrated to break down why this weekend is crucial for Notre Dame’s future. They discuss the top visitors to watch, including legacy prospect Julius Jones Jr., the strategy behind bringing 2026 commits back to campus, and which five-star names along the trenches could be game-changers. Eric also shares his impressions of the 2026 class so far and what this weekend could mean for the Irish’s long-term recruiting momentum.

(0:00) - Intro

(1:44) - Why It’s Important

(6:39) - Names To Know

(9:00) - Julius Jones Jr.

(12:22) - 5-Stars

(17:43) - Wide Receivers

(19:44) - Defensive Backs

(22:15) - Quarterbacks

(26:59) - Class of 2026

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The Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Texas A&M Aggies are set to square off in a huge matchup to kickoff the 2024 college football season. Tyler Wojciak breaks down the keys to the game for the Irish and shares his predictions for the big game.

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Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman spoke to the media for the first time since the Irish’s disappointing loss to Miami, and he didn’t hold back. Tyler Wojciak breaks down Freeman’s biggest takeaways, from the emotional toll of the loss to how the Irish used the bye week to reset. Freeman detailed what went wrong against Miami, how the staff plans to get Jeremiyah Love and CJ Carr more involved, and why this Saturday’s matchup against Texas A&M is a defining moment for the program.

(0:00) - Intro

(2:08) - Mindset After The Loss

(12:09) - What Needs Fixed

(23:35) - What’s At Stake Against A&M

Follow Tyler on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TylerWojciak

Follow Locked On Irish on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LockedOnIrish

Follow Locked On Irish on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lockedonirishpod/?hl=en

Subscribe to Locked on Irish on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC749D_LgykIE8WLu7W4UQlQ

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

5-Hour ENERGY

Tee up that trip! Enter for a chance to win a dream golf trip for two to any golf tournament* in the USA. Visit https://5HEWIN.com for full rules and entry. No purchase necessary. Excludes the Master’s tournament. Ends October 31, 2025.

The Game Cap
Grab your team’s classic bar or retro circle designed hat and use code LOCKEDON for an exclusive discount. Head to Because legends wear The Game. Head to thegamecaps.com

DoorDash
With DoorDash Streaks, you save every Saturday you order — stack it up all season and you could save up to $250. Order this Saturday. Keep the streak alive. Fuel your gameday — only with DoorDash. Terms apply. Promo period through 11/18.

Mazda
It’s the small details that make the big plays. And just like there’s more to every player, there’s more to a Mazda vehicle. Mazda. Move and Be Moved.

SupplyHouse
Join the free TradeMaster program today and score serious perks like priority shipping, lower prices, and a dedicated support line. Visit https://www.supplyhouse.com/apply-for-trademasterto sign up for free and use promo code SHCOLLEGE5 for 5% off your first order.

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

Monarch Money
Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE at www.monarchmoney.com/lockedoncollege for 50% off your first year.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)