Notre Dame enters its bye week with renewed momentum and plenty of big-picture questions to answer — from playoff possibilities to Marcus Freeman’s evolution as a head coach and the next wave of 5-star recruiting momentum in South Bend. Tyler Wojciak answers listener questions about what the Irish must fix offensively, how realistic a home playoff game truly is, and why the 2026 class might be Notre Dame’s most talented in decades. Plus, a look at Pitt as a potential trap game, a ranking of Jadarian Price among the best Irish backs of the last 25 years, and Tyler’s all-time favorite Notre Dame football moment.

(0:00) - Intro

(2:03) - Playoff Path & Bye Week Fixes

(14:25) - Freeman’s Growth & Roster Outlook

(28:31) - Fan Favorites & Rooting Guide

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Notre Dame football enters the bye week with momentum after a huge win over USC, but key questions remain about injuries, playoff positioning, and Marcus Freeman’s future. In this week’s Irish Squad Show, Locked On Irish host Tyler Wojciak is joined by Irish legends Allen Pinkett and Reggie Brooks, plus Allison Hayes from ABC57 Kickoff, to break down what Notre Dame needs to fix during the bye, how the team can sustain momentum, and whether Freeman could be tempted by other job openings. The crew also debates Notre Dame’s No. 12 ranking in the AP Poll, previews the biggest games of the week, and shares their updated Heisman predictions — including whether any Irish player deserves a spot in the Top 5.

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Notre Dame football is rolling after five straight wins, capped off by a dominant performance over USC. Tyler Wojciak is joined by Jamie Uyeyama of Irish Sports Daily to break down exactly how the Irish have turned their season around. From Boubacar Traore’s breakout and the defense’s resurgence under Chris Ash, to the offensive line’s best game of the year and CJ Carr’s steady growth under Mike Denbrock, this episode dives deep into why Notre Dame is finally playing like a Playoff contender again.

(0:00) - Intro

(1:39) - Defensive Turnaround

(16:14) - Big Game for the OL

(21:58) - RB Dominance

(28:02) - Carr’s Growth

(31:36) - Looking Ahead

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Notre Dame football is surging on the recruiting trail after a statement win over USC. Tyler Wojciak is joined by Steve Wiltfong, the Vice President of Recruiting & Transfer Portal for On3, to break down all the latest buzz. Wiltfong explains why five-star running back Kemon Spell could be leaning toward the Irish, the impact of new running backs coach Ja’Juan Seider, and how Notre Dame’s 2026 class stacks up nationally. They also discuss elite defensive targets like DJ Jacobs and the Rolesville trio, and why Marcus Freeman’s program is building long-term recruiting momentum across multiple classes.

(0:00) - Intro

(1:47) - Kemon Spell/RB Recruiting

(7:00) - DJ Jacobs No. 1 EDGE

(13:18) - TE Recruiting

(14:23) - OL Commit Coming?

(15:39) - North Carolina Prospects

(18:31) - DB Recruiting/Mike Mickens

(23:11) - 2026 Class Outlook

(26:20) - Freeman’s Recruiting Momentum

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Notre Dame dominated USC in South Bend behind a relentless rushing attack, a physical offensive line, and a shutdown defensive performance from Chris Ash’s group that completely neutralized the Trojans’ offense. Tyler Wojciak is joined by Luke Smith for their weekly postgame segment to recap the rivalry win. Together, they give their boots-on-the-ground report from Notre Dame Stadium, then the two break down the three things they liked and didn’t like from the Irish victory — including Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price’s legacy performances, Adon Shuler and Drayk Bowen’s leadership on defense, Chris Ash’s creative adjustments, and lingering concerns with red-zone play-calling, special teams, and injuries.

(0:00) - Intro

(1:51) - Report From South Bend

(7:40) - What We Liked

(28:34) - What We Didn’t Like

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Notre Dame defeated USC in one of the most emotional rivalry games in recent memory, and Tyler Wojciak breaks down everything from the Irish win. He explains how Notre Dame controlled the line of scrimmage, ran the ball at will behind Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price, and made game-changing plays on defense to seal the win. He also details what this victory means for Notre Dame’s College Football Playoff hopes, the improvements still needed to truly make a championship run, and why this win mattered so much to Marcus Freeman, the players, and the entire Notre Dame fanbase after months of off-field tension with USC. Tyler wraps by discussing the future of the Notre Dame–USC rivalry and takes live questions from the chat.

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DoorDash
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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.

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

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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)

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish TAKE DOWN USC in what could be the last of this rivalry game for a long time. Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price dominate again, CJ Carr struggles at times and Marcus Freeman's team has a ton of penalties in the 34-24 victory.

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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.

Gametime
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Monarch Money
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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)