Connor O'Gara

Joined: May 9, 2026

Connor O'Gara is a Midwestern-born, 30-something dad who has been covering college football for the last 13 years. After moving to Orlando and being the writer who launched the Big Ten site "Saturday Tradition" in 2015, Connor pivoted to predominantly SEC and national content for Saturday Down South in 2017. In addition to writing a daily column and hosting the site's twice-a-week podcast (now called "The OG Kickoff"), he consistently appeared on national platforms like the SEC Network's "The Paul Finebaum Show" and Sirius XM's "Off Campus." He's been a Heisman Trophy voter the last 4 years and continues to be one of the voices of reason in college football. But Connor's biggest claim to fame? After watching his alma mater win a national championship, he asked Curt Cignetti the question that got him free beer for life.

Oct 31, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman takes notes during the second half against the Navy Midshipmen at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images

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Oct 17, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman looks on during the first half against the Brigham Young Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images

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Oct 10, 2026; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman before facing the Stanford Cardinal at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images

Sep 19, 2026; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback CJ Carr (13) looks on after the game against the Michigan State Spartans at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images

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The Irish came into the 2026 campaign knowing that the schedule set up well, but a few things appear to look different than originally expected.

Nov 22, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman greets fans while walking to the stadium before facing the Syracuse Orange at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images

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Notre Dame will have a chance in a (somewhat) standalone audience to make a loud Week 1 statement vs. Wisconsin.

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The Irish could have a national championship trend working in their favor with the release of the preseason rankings.

Jan 9, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Nicholas Singleton (10) moves the ball defended by Notre Dame Fighting Irish safety Adon Shuler (8) in the first half in the Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

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The ever-pressing subject of the Irish's future schedule is worth revisiting.

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Does Notre Dame have a future first-round caliber pick to catch passes from CJ Carr? If this is a national title-level team, it might be a requirement.

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Just how much has Marcus Freeman passed up Brian Kelly? Four years after the coaching change, here's how the two most recent Irish head coaches compare.

Apr 25, 2026; Notre Dame, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman talks with quarterback CJ Carr (13) during the Blue-Gold game at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images

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After much as been made of the Irish's favorable schedule, can we have a realistic projection about the floor?

Aug 31, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes running back CharMar Brown (6) scores a touchdown against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the third quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

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From Wisconsin and Michigan State to USC and Stanford, here's one number that means the most for every team on Notre Dame's 2026 schedule.

Nov 27, 2021; Stanford, California, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Brian Kelly walks on the field during the second quarter against the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

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Brian Kelly may never land a job as good as Notre Dame again, but he's still a big name with the potential to grab a big-time gig somewhere.

Jan 18, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua during 2025 CFP National Championship Media Day at Georgia World Congress Center, Building A. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

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Let's not pretend like losing more games would be widely accepted in college football.

Dec 20, 2024; Notre Dame, Indiana, USA; The mascot for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the third quarter against the Indiana Hoosiers at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-Imagn Images

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Notre Dame has always been one of college football's most polarizing brands, but the last six months have shown that it's built to be public enemy No. 1.

Nov 22, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback Leonard Moore (15) celebrates with defensive lineman Bryce Young (95) and cornerback Christian Gray (6) after scoring against the Syracuse Orange during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images

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Notre Dame's Leonard Moore is a premier defensive back, and Miami's Malachi Toney is one of the nation's most explosive players. It will be one of the must-watch matchups of the season.

Connor O'Gara

Joined: May 9, 2026

Notre Dame vs SEC? That's What the National Championship Picture Feels Like

Can Notre Dame be Trusted to Win a Close Game against Miami?

If You're Worried About Notre Dame's Playoff Chances, You Shouldn't Be

Has the CJ Carr Heisman Trophy Discussion Already Lost Juice? Not So Fast

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Have Notre Dame's Expectations Already Changed? Let's Take a Closer Look

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Why Notre Dame's Opener vs Wisconsin Has Major Implications for 2026

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Why There's an Ideal Spot for Notre Dame to Appear in the Preseason Associated Press Top 25

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No Indiana? No Problem. Notre Dame Could Line Up These 5 Headliner Home-and-Home Games

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National Champions Have Elite NFL Pass-Catchers. Does Notre Dame?

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Marcus Freeman vs Brian Kelly: Revisiting Notre Dame's Coaching Change

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Mapping Out Notre Dame's Worst-Case Scenario for 2026

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1 Stat That Matters Most for Each Notre Dame Opponent in 2026

Brian Kelly Won't Get Another Job Like Notre Dame, But These 5 Destinations Make Sense

The Super League That Notre Dame AD Pete Bevacqua Warned About Would Face a Massive Perception Issue

A Notre Dame National Title Would Drive College Football Crazy

Leonard Moore vs Malachi Toney Could Be College Football’s Best Matchup