John Kennedy

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) on the field in the second half at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Notre Dame wide receiver Micah Gilbert (14) celebrates after getting a first down during a NCAA football game against Purdue at Ross-Ade Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, in West Lafayette.

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

Notre Dame running back Aneyas Williams (22) hurdles Purdue defensive back John Slaughter (13) during a NCAA football game at Ross-Ade Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, in West Lafayette.

Notre Dame wide receiver Micah Gilbert (14) celebrates after getting a first down during a NCAA football game against Purdue at Ross-Ade Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, in West Lafayette.

Football

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

Notre Dame safety Brandon Logan (25) celebrates after getting a stop during a NCAA football game against Purdue at Ross-Ade Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, in West Lafayette.

Football

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

Notre Dame wide receiver Micah Gilbert (14) catches a pass during a NCAA football game against Michigan State at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, in South Bend.

Football

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

Notre Dame running back Aneyas Williams (22) rushes the ball during a NCAA football game against Michigan State at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, in South Bend.

Football

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

Notre Dame running back Aneyas Williams (22) rushes the ball during a NCAA football game against Michigan State at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, in South Bend.

Football

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

Football

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

Notre Dame defensive lineman Armel Mukam (88) celebrates after getting a stop during a NCAA football game against Michigan State at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, in South Bend.

Football

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

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman leads his team onto the field before a NCAA football game against Rice at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, in South Bend.

Football

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

Notre Dame wide receiver Micah Gilbert (14) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during a NCAA football game against Rice at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, in South Bend.

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

Notre Dame linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa celebrates after getting a stop during a NCAA football game against Rice at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, in South Bend.

The Irish aren't a finished product, but are doing exactly what they need to do, improve each week

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman believes there's something about this Irish football team that won't fall into the trap of a Week Two letdown.

The Irish are in for a unique September home challenge from a funky Rice offensive attack. What do we need to learn from Notre Dame?

Notre Dame running back Aneyas Williams (22) rushes the ball against Wisconsin during their game at Lambeau Field on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026, in Green Bay, Wis.

The Irish are taking it one week at a time, but there's a big picture focus.