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Notre Dame football identifies five breakout candidates for 2026 season

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 1, 2026, 11:03 AM

Last updated Sep 1, 2026

Notre Dame football identifies five breakout candidates for 2026 season

Summary

Following the release of the 2026 depth chart, Notre Dame football coaching staff identified five players expected to emerge as key contributors. Head coach Marcus Freeman continues to integrate new transfers alongside returners in a roster restructure. The list includes defensive end Bryce Young and defensive tackle Armel Mukam, who earned a starting spot for the season opener. Offensive tackle Will Black, sophomore running back Aneyas Williams, and safety Joey O’Brien round out the group. While some players enter the season with starting roles, others are expected to see expanded time as the schedule progresses. These assessments arrive as the Irish prepare to finalize their rotation for upcoming games.

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Status Watch

•Bryce Young enters his third season aiming for increased sack totals as a starter.
•Armel Mukam secured a starting defensive tackle role for the season opener.
•Aneyas Williams is projected to see more carries in the offense.
•Will Black starts at offensive tackle as a sophomore.
•Joey O’Brien earns a place on the defensive two-deep after recovering from an injury.

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