“Notre Dame is targeting Texas Tech’s James Blanchard for its new general manager position, sources tell me and @TomLoy247 for @CBSSports/@247Sports,” Matt Zenitz said in a post. “At Texas Tech, Blanchard has become of the nation’s most respected college front office figures.”

Two of Notre Dame's ACC foes have a bye the week before facing the Irish: Pittsburgh and Syracuse. N.C. State faces FCS-level Campbell as a prelude to its trip to South Bend, while Boston College plays at Louisville, and Stanford hosts archrival California the week before facing Notre Dame.

Three major college football programs are reportedly in the mix for Notre Dame transfer Rocco Spindler. The 6-foot-5, 325-pound offensive lineman appeared in 40 games with 23 starts over the last four seasons. He started the 2023 season before missing the final three games due to injury and returned to his starting role in 2024.

Freeman made an extended run to snag Blanchard away from Texas Tech before the Red Raiders at the time awarded Blanchard with one of college football's top dea

Notre Dame football offensive line coach Joe Rudolph worked with Chris Ash at Wisconsin for two seasons, coaching tight ends.