Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin live updates: No. 4 Fighting Irish meet Badgers in marquee season opener

Equipped with one of college football's most convincing championship cases, Notre Dame may have its deepest team under Marcus Freeman. 

Returning production is the foundation of that optimism. Fourteen starters are back from a roster already built to handle the physical demands of a College Football Playoff run.

Six return on offense, led by quarterback C.J. Carr, whose continued development could raise the ceiling of an attack featuring experience where it matters. But the clearest reason Notre Dame belongs on the preseason shortlist of national championship contenders is a defense loaded with proven difference-makers.

Eight starters return on that side, including a secondary that should rank among the nation's best. Leonard Moore gives the Irish a lockdown presence on the perimeter as arguably the nation's top cornerback, while Adon Shuler brings range, instincts and toughness at safety. 

Christian Gray adds another experienced cover man capable of turning difficult matchups into weekly frustrations for opposing quarterbacks. This season, he'll be playing nickel.

College football returning production 2026: Returning starters for every FBS team

Cody Nagel

That combination gives Notre Dame flexibility. It can pressure and play aggressively at the line of scrimmage. Depth and continuity should also limit the usual early-season growing pains.

Championship teams need elite quarterback play and a defense that travels. With Carr leading the offense and this veteran secondary setting the tone, Notre Dame has both.

Wisconsin enters this season needing more than competence from Colton Joseph. The Badgers signed their new quarterback to become a stabilizing force for an offense that spent too much of last fall playing behind schedule and giving away possessions.

Joseph arrives from Old Dominion with dual-threat ability. He can create when protection breaks down, not something the Badgers have had in recent years. That mobility should help Wisconsin manufacture answers on third down, an area where it ranked near the bottom of the Big Ten last season. 

His decision-making will matter just as much. Wisconsin finished last in the league in turnover margin, a formula that made sustained success almost impossible.

Joseph's career at Old Dominion

There has to be balance within this offense — enough push in the running game to keep Joseph comfortable and explosiveness through the air to prevent defenses from crowding the box.  

Luke Fickell's tenure may hinge on whether Wisconsin finally finds an offensive identity. Joseph is the centerpiece of that effort, and merely surviving at quarterback isn't enough anymore.

Replacing one first-round running back is difficult enough. Notre Dame is replacing two, a rare challenge for an offense that leaned heavily on its backfield during last season's run.

The Irish may not have another established star ready to inherit the workload, but they believe there is enough talent in the room to survive those departures without dramatically changing their identity. Expect a true committee approach featuring Aneyas Williams, Nolan James and Kedren Young, three backs offering different strengths within an offense that should remain committed to controlling games on the ground.

Williams brings the most experience and has already shown he can contribute as a runner, receiver and pass protector. James provides another versatile option with the burst to generate explosive plays, while Young gives Notre Dame a more physical presence between the tackles. 

There is also considerable excitement surrounding a pair of freshmen who could force their way onto the field earlier than anticipated. Notre Dame's coaching staff has praised the readiness and ability to absorb the offense from Javian Osborne and Jonas Walton, suggesting both players will see action early this fall.

Replacing two NFL-caliber backs will require patience, but the Irish have options. This group lacks a household name entering the season, yet Notre Dame expects depth, fresh legs and competition to eventually produce another productive rushing attack.