Boot Camp: Notre Dame has big hopes with small roster

PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD/WYZZ) -- Notre Dame saw this coming.

The Irish figured they may be playing with a small roster in 2026. Coach Pat Armstrong has around 30 players on his varsity roster, 14 fewer than he had last season.

But the expectations are still big with the Irish. They are a perennial playoff team and they expect to be in the postseason again in 2026.

Why? They have standout returning lineman like Noah Tockes and Dominic Jones anchoring the Wing-T offense which will likely feature running backs Ronin Spinks and Dallas Harder, two more significant returning players.

"Our line has a lot of experience. They are a bunch of two-way guys, so they'll be on our offensive and defensive lines," said Harder. "Most of our guys have been playing varsity since they were sophomores. It's great having them back."

The Irish dropped their first two games a year ago, then won eight straight. They finished 8-3 with their 13th playoff appearance since 2011.

"Obviously, with the Wing-T offense, it's all about physicality. Being able to hold your water throughout the whole game and then take it to them," said Tockes. "Experience is all you can do to get better at that. We definitely have that this year."

So even with small numbers in the program, Notre Dame is hoping for a big season.

"The key is toughness and grit," said Jones. "That's why we are out here now, working hard and sweating. Overall, we need to be smart and run our plays right."

Notre Dame hosts Richmond-Burton in the season opener on Friday.

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