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.

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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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.

Nov 15, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman arrives at the stadium to coach the Fighting Irish against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

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Could the Notre Dame coach be off to the NFL after winning a national title in 2026?

Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Malachi Toney (10) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Indiana Hoosiers during the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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Notre Dame will face plenty of elite stars this 2026 football season. Here are the 10 best players the Fighting Irish will have to deal with.

Nov 22, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jeremiyah Love (4) runs the ball against the Syracuse Orange during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images

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Jeremiyah Love was an elite running back, even for Notre Dame. Replacing a player of his caliber isn't easy, even for the Irish. Here's the history of trying to move on after losing a top-five back.

Pete Bevacqua, athletic director for the University of Notre Dame, announces Pat Garrity as the new men's and women's basketball general manager, during a press conference at Notre Dame Stadium on Thursday, May 22, 2025, in South Bend.

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Sure, the paychecks dictate everything, but aren't we forgetting a central theme of Notre Dame's rise in the 2020s?

Oct 8, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish safety DJ Brown (2) sacks Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jaren Hall (3) during the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images

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The midseason matchup between Notre Dame and BYU won't get the same billing as the Miami showdown, but it's going to have massive implications.

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The recent report of resumed talks of continuing the annual series should serve as a reminder of why it's USC that needs this more than Notre Dame.

Nov 15, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman leads the team from the locker room to play the Pittsburgh Panthers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

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The Irish are back in the national title conversation, but when did they last enter a season as a genuine No. 1 contender?

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C.J. Carr has the talent, arm, and hype to take Notre Dame to the national title. But one critical factor could determine whether the Irish are truly championship-caliber.

Connor O'Gara

Joined: May 9, 2026

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

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

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A Notre Dame National Title Would Drive College Football Crazy

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

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How Would Notre Dame Fans React if Marcus Freeman Won the National Title and Left for the NFL?

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Top 10 Players Notre Dame Will Face in 2026

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Notre Dame Has to Replace Jeremiyah Love. History Shows How Hard That Can Be

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Notre Dame Supporting a 24-Team Playoff is a Mistake

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Don't Sleep On How Big Notre Dame-BYU Will Be in 2026

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Why USC Needs the Notre Dame Rivalry More Than the Irish

When Was Notre Dame Last Considered a True No. 1 Team Heading Into a Season?

The One Thing C.J. Carr Must Prove for Notre Dame to Become a Title Contender