John Kennedy

Joined: Aug 1, 2024

Founder and content creator of the Always Irish LLC Notre Dame Football social media, podcast, and radio show brand since 2016 covering all things Irish football daily from the fan's perspective. Previously Notre Dame Football staff writer for USA TODAY Fighting Irish Wire before joining Notre Dame On SI. Known as the “voice of the Irish fan.”

Oct 3, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback CJ Carr (13) passes the ball in the first quarter at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

The Irish's schedule will soon get much harder, and Notre Dame has some boxes it wants to check before entering this season-defining stretch of ballgames

Sep 12, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick on the sidlines in the second quarter at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

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The Irish prepare to square off against North Carolina in a fascinating matchup with Bill Belichick, who has the edge in this battle of the brains?

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The Irish have been dominating opponents for a solid calendar year, yet this streak cannot be fully appreciated due to mitigating circumstances

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CJ Carr and the Irish offense are still very much a work in progress, and while not ideal, that's okay as the schedule allows for this kind of extended developmental arc

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The Irish are 4-0 and have beaten opponents by a combined score of 169-33 behind a relentless defense and an offense that will continue to get better. Notre Dame has now passed its first in-season mission, being undefeated through the first month

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Purdue will provide an interesting challenge for the Irish with a pass-happy offense and lackluster defense. Can Notre Dame take advantage?

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The Irish will face a familiar in-state foe who allows a ton of yardage on the ground. This needs to be the week the Notre Dame ground game comes together for all four quarters

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Notre Dame has a perfect 3-0 record and is ranked third in the country, yet some Irish fans have worries about the ceiling for this team. Are these fears warranted?

Sep 19, 2026; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive line Will Black (74) and offensive line Guerby Lambert (76) celebrate with quarterback CJ Carr (13) after a touchdown against the Michigan State Spartans during the second half at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images

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The Irish offense has looked a bit clunky at times so far in 2026, but will hit its stride when it matters most, led by a quarterback who is ready to guide the group to the next level

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The Irish are fast and physical. Chris Ash's group is the foundation of Notre Dame's success and represents the identity of Notre Dame under Marcus Freeman

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The Irish look to get to 3-0 against a program with which it shares a great history, and that has a head coach who's beaten Notre Dame as both a player and coach

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The Irish now have two games under their belt, and some themes have emerged. What's trending up, and where are improvements needed?

John Kennedy

Joined: Aug 1, 2024

Notre Dame's Program Maturity Will Be Tested Against Stanford

Notre Dame Must Create Its Own Juice Against Stanford

Stanford Is A Perfect Opponent For Notre Dame This Week

Notre Dame's Win Over North Carolina Can Be Seen Two Different Ways

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The Clock Is Ticking For Notre Dame: The Big Games Are Coming

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Notre Dame Set To Face One Of The Best Defensive Minds In Football History

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Notre Dame Notches 14th Straight Dominant Victory: The Big Thing No One Is Talking About

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Notre Dame's Offense Makes Strides In Purdue Pummeling

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Notre Dame Sweeps September In Boilermaker Beatdown

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Notre Dame Seeks September Sweep Against Familiar Foe

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Notre Dame Looks To Groove The Run Game Against Purdue

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A Divide Is Forming In The Notre Dame Fan Base: Which Side Are You On?

Notre Dame's Offense Still A Work In Progress, And That Is Fine

What the Notre Dame Defense Did Best in the Win Over Michigan State

Notre Dame Hosts Michigan State Under The Lights With A Very Familiar Head Coach

What Early Data Suggests About Notre Dame After Two Games