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.”

Head coach Marcus Freeman, right, taps running back Aneyas Williams on the helmet during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Friday, March 20, 2026, in South Bend.

Nov 15, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman (middle) joins his players in singing the victory song after defeating the Pittsburgh Panthers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Notre Dame linebacker Drayk Bowen (34) celebrates after getting a stop in the second half of a NCAA football game against NC State at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, in South Bend.

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

Nov 15, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback CJ Carr (13) calls an audible at the line of scrimmage against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Football

After losing Kenny Minchey to the transfer portal, the Irish's QB2 role is up for grabs and could make or break the season should Notre Dame lose CJ Carr for any amount of time

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman celebrates after a touchdown in the first half of a NCAA football game against Syracuse at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend.

Football

No coach in South Bend since Lou Holtz has truly loved Notre Dame for what it is, not what it could do for them, until Marcus Freeman

Jan 1, 1990; Miami, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Notre Dame Irish head coach Lou Holtz is carried off the field following their victory over Colorado winning the 1989 National Championship at the Orange Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Imagn Images © Copyright Imagn Images

Football

Lou Holtz's impact goes far beyond his time in South Bend. Lou reached and motivated countless people from all areas with his unique flair and zest for life.

Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love (RB11) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Football

Jeremiyah Love's ascension to the top of the football world will have positive repercussions for him individually and will help Notre Dame even though his time in South Bend is over

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman celebrates after a touchdown in the first half of a NCAA football game against Syracuse at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend.

Football

The Irish's title window is wide open

Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price (24) returns a kick for a touchdown in the second half of a NCAA football game against Southern California at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in South Bend.

Football

There are no winners in this debate

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman takes the field with his team before a NCAA football game against Texas A&M at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, in South Bend.

Football

Notre Dame must sweep its September schedule in 2026 to remain on track for a successful season.

Nov 8, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Jordan Faison (6) celebrates scoring a touchdown against the Navy Midshipmen during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images

Football

The Irish are expecting big things from an interesting blend of pass catching talent.

Sep 25, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers assistant head coach Charlie Partridge (right) talks with defensive lineman Calijah Kancey (8) against the New Hampshire Wildcats during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Big expectations await the Irish defense in 2026 under defensive coordinator Charlie Partridge.

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman celebrates after a touchdown in the first half of a NCAA football game against Syracuse at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend.

The Irish must remain nimble in the rapidly changing College Football Playoff world.

Notre Dame defensive coordinator Chris Ash looks on in the second half of a NCAA football game against NC State at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, in South Bend.

Chris Ash is looking for more consistency in Year Two from the defensive side of the ball.

Notre Dame offensive coordinator and tight ends coach Mike Denbrock addresses media after a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in South Bend.

Mike Denbrock has plenty of new players and parts to navigate on the Irish attack.