THE ECHOES: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Jessica Smetana, Mike Golic Jr.
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THE ECHOES is your home for Notre Dame Fighting Irish talk like you’ve never heard it before. Step into the world of Notre Dame football with Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana—two proud ND alums who bring the perfect mix of insight, energy, and humor to as they break down the latest on the Fighting Irish. From big-time matchups and memorable moments to the stories and traditions that make Notre Dame special, it’s all here. Fun, honest, and full of Irish pride, THE ECHOES is just two friends talking ball.  New episodes will be released weekly.  Watch on YouTube or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us @TheEchoesNDPod on Instagram, X, TikTok and Facebook.

  1. 1D AGO

    Notre Dame NFL Draft Buzz, Chambliss Chaos, Carr's Gift to OL, Irish Hoops in Rome! | The Echoes

    On the latest episode of The Echoes, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana dive into a packed Notre Dame offseason filled with storylines, surprises, and plenty of debate. The show opens with the viral moment everyone’s talking about: CJ Carr’s Valentine’s Day gifts for his offensive line. Mike and Jess react to the video, discuss how today’s college football culture has changed, and explain why taking care of the “big boys” still matters. With NFL Draft season heating up, the Fighting Irish are once again front and center. Six Notre Dame players are headed to Indianapolis for the combine, with Jereimiyah Love and Jadarian Price generating major buzz. Meanwhile, offensive lineman Billy Schrauth has been climbing draft boards and social feeds alike. Mike and Jess break down the hype and what it means for Notre Dame’s NFL pipeline. The episode also tackles one of the wildest eligibility sagas in recent memory: Trinidad Chambliss’ bizarre offseason journey. After multiple setbacks, Chambliss took his case to court and secured a sixth season of college football. The crew unpacks the chaos and what this ruling could signal for the future and how it impacts Notre Dame. Plus, some long-awaited good news on the hardwood: Notre Dame Men’s and Women’s basketball are headed to Rome. The Irish will face Villanova in a historic international opener, and Mike and Jess discuss the intrigue surrounding the matchup — including questions about Micah Shrewsberry’s future. To close things out, the show checks in on Notre Dame women’s basketball and its loaded recruiting class, along with early-season updates on Irish lacrosse. 🎧 Tap in, hit the comments, and subscribe for more Notre Dame talk every week. 🍀 #sports #football #notredame #NFL

    54 min

  2. FEB 10

    Irish Shine at the Super Bowl, Notre Dame's Ice Chapel, Winter Olympics, Tampering With Love

    On the latest episode of The Echoes: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana kick things off with Notre Dame flying all over the Super Bowl. 🍀🏈 Rylie Mills comes up with a massive sack, Julian Love seals it with a clutch interception, and the Irish make their presence felt on the biggest stage in football. Mike and Jess break down all the Notre Dame moments from Super Bowl Sunday and what they mean for the program. The conversation shifts back to campus, where last week’s ice chapel built during South Bend’s record-breaking snowstorm grabbed national headlines after Mass was held there. Peak Notre Dame energy. With the Winter Olympics underway, the crew also gives a shoutout to Notre Dame’s own Jadin O’Brien, a former Irish track star now competing in bobsled for Team USA. Will you be watching him represent ND in Milan this weekend? 🇺🇸❄️ After the break, Mike and Jess dive into the new faces leading Notre Dame football. The hires are official: Aaron Henry — Co-Defensive Coordinator / Defensive Backs Coach Brian Jean-Mary — Linebackers Coach / Run Game Coordinator What do you think of the new defensive staff? Hit the comments and let us know. Recruiting news rolls on as QB Teddy Jarrard officially signs with the Irish and is set to arrive on campus this summer, helping shape the quarterback room for life after CJ Carr. Are you excited—or skeptical—about the future of ND’s QBs? Sound off in the chat. Plus, roster updates for the 2026 season, including who’s rocking new jersey numbers, and a deep dive into the new CFP schedule, with the National Championship now pushing into nearly February. Is this too much for college football? To close things out, Mike and Jess discuss comments from friend of the pod and future NFL star Jeremiyah Love, who revealed he was contacted by other schools while still enrolled at Notre Dame. Fair or foul? The crew breaks down “legal tampering” in today’s college football landscape. 🎧 Tap in, hit the comments, and subscribe for more Notre Dame talk every week. 🍀 #sports #football #notredame #NFL

    43 min

  3. FEB 3

    Cooper Flanagan Joins the Show! Snowpocalypse in South Bend, Coaching Carousel, ND in NFL Draft

    On the latest episode of The Echoes: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana kick things off with the brutal winter weather that’s been hammering much of the country — including South Bend. From frozen temps to full-on snow days, students have been battling the elements and building snow chapels. Mike and Jess swap stories from their own snowy campus days and how the Irish always seem to make the most of it. From blizzards to the coaching carousel, the conversation turns to major staff changes. Mike Mickens heads to the NFL to join the Baltimore Ravens, while Aaron Henry steps in as Notre Dame’s co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach. Al Washington also makes the jump to the league, joining the Miami Dolphins. It’s never easy losing top assistants, but it’s also a sign the program continues to develop elite coaching talent — and Notre Dame now faces the challenge (and opportunity) of reloading. Draft buzz is building, and wide receiver Malachi Fields made serious noise at the Senior Bowl. With the NFL Scouting Combine around the corner, Mike and Jess break down how Fields boosted his stock in Mobile and why he could be working his way into first-round territory. Later in the show, junior tight end Cooper Flanagan joins the podcast. The Northern California native talks about adjusting to Midwest winters, battling through a frustrating year, and what the College Football Playoff snub felt like inside the locker room. He also shares what it’s like having another player with a nearly identical last name, and how head coach Marcus Freeman addresses the constant NFL speculation surrounding him. To close things out, Mike and Jess dive into how Notre Dame discovered the ACC may have been favoring other teams. Subscribe for weekly Notre Dame football insight, player interviews, and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. #sports #football #notredame #collegefootballplayoff

    53 min

  4. JAN 27

    MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT! Reaction to Cam Newton Comments, Notre Dame's Relevance, Onye Back, Mickens Gone

    On the latest episode of The Echoes: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana kick things off with a MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT — and you won’t have to wait long to hear some of the best news we’ve had in weeks. After the big reveal, the show turns back to the gridiron with the latest from South Bend. The NCAA granted Jason Onye a sixth season, giving Notre Dame’s defensive line another boost following a strong transfer portal cycle. Not all the headlines were positive, though. Defensive backs coach Mike Mickens is heading to the NFL, joining the Baltimore Ravens staff. Mike and Jess break down what his departure means for the Irish. Plus, they discuss Notre Dame finishing top 10 in the final AP Poll despite missing the College Football Playoff. The conversation then shifts to the future with an early look at Notre Dame’s 2026 schedule. Some people are calling it soft, we see you Cam Newton and First Take, the hosts explain why it might actually be more standard than people think. They also recap the national championship matchup between Indiana and Miami, but the real highlight? Marcus Freeman shining on ESPN’s College GameDay. Is there a future in TV for the Irish head coach someday? To wrap things up, the episode hits a mix of Notre Dame news and notes, including the start of men’s lacrosse season and a look at former Irish players who will be competing on Super Bowl Sunday. 💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments: Jason Onye returning for Year 6 Mickens heading to the Ravens Notre Dame’s AP Poll finish ND's "soft "schedule All that and more on The Echoes: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Subscribe for weekly Notre Dame coverage all offseason long ☘️ Subscribe to The Echoes for weekly Notre Dame recaps, CFP reactions, game previews, and insider analysis all season long. #sports #football #notredame #collegefootballplayoff Thank you to our sponsor: Wendy's Join Team Tendy’s and enjoy a line-up like never before. Crispy. Juicy. Tendys Now at Wendy’s. http://www.tendys.com/

    54 min

  5. JAN 20

    Marcus Freeman Speaks, Notre Dame Dominates the Transfer Portal & CFP Expansion Debate | The Echoes

    On the latest episode of The Echoes: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana break down everything from Marcus Freeman’s latest press conference to Notre Dame’s dominant run in the transfer portal. Freeman spoke publicly for the first time since the season ended, and Mike and Jessica react to his messaging, tone, and what it all means for the future of the program. Later in the opening segment, they address the recent incident involving Freeman at his son’s wrestling match, Notre Dame’s response, and why the situation is being put firmly in the rearview mirror. The conversation then turns to the 2026 Notre Dame roster, where the Irish have been on a tear. With major additions and a few key departures, Notre Dame now boasts one of the strongest transfer portal and high school recruiting classes in the country. Mike and Jessica break down the newest additions, discuss how the depth chart is shaping up, and share which newcomers they’re most excited about heading into 2026. In the final segment, the show looks beyond South Bend to the future of the College Football Playoff. With the Big Ten pushing for a 24-team format and the SEC preferring to stay at 16 (for now), Mike and Jess debate expansion, CFP fatigue, and whether the playoff has simply become too long. Drop a comment and let us know: • Which 2026 newcomer are you most excited about? • Should the College Football Playoff expand — or be shortened? All that and more on The Echoes: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Subscribe to The Echoes for weekly Notre Dame recaps, CFP reactions, game previews, and insider analysis all season long. #sports #football #notredame #collegefootballplayoff Thank you to our sponsor: Wendy's Join Team Tendy’s and enjoy a line-up like never before. Crispy. Juicy. Tendys Now at Wendy’s. http://www.tendys.com/

    56 min

  6. JAN 13

    Notre Dame’s Transfer Portal Is ON FIRE! CFP Preview, Are We Cheering or Rooting Against Indiana?

    On the latest episode of The Echoes: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana kick things off with Notre Dame’s transfer portal suddenly heating up. After a slow start to portal season, Marcus Freeman and the Irish made a major splash, adding a handful of high-impact transfers to the 2026 roster. Mike and Jessica break down who’s coming to South Bend, who’s heading out, and what it all means for Notre Dame football moving forward. Later, the conversation turns emotional as Jessica refuses to watch the now-viral clip of Notre Dame being snubbed by the College Football Playoff, featured on Here Come the Irish on Peacock. Mike steps in to describe the moment and relive what many fans are calling the worst day of 2025 for Irish football. Have you seen the clip? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. Once the tears are wiped away, the show shifts to the National Championship matchup. Notre Dame fans find themselves in a familiar moral dilemma as the Indiana Hoosiers—heavy favorites—take on the Miami Hurricanes. With regional pride and recent history at play, Mike and Jessica discuss who Irish fans can realistically root for, if anyone at all. The debate continues with a deep dive into potential College Football Playoff expansion. With 16- and 24-team formats on the table, Jessica makes the case for why a 16-team playoff could be the sweet spot—and how Notre Dame would benefit most. To wrap things up, the focus shifts to the hardwood as Notre Dame Women’s Basketball pulls off a huge upset win over ranked North Carolina. It’s been an up-and-down season, but beating a rival is always worth celebrating. Drop a comment and let us know who you’re rooting for in the Natty—and how many teams you want in the next CFP. All that and more on The Echoes: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Subscribe to The Echoes for weekly Notre Dame recaps, CFP reactions, game previews, and insider analysis all season long. #sports #football #notredame #collegefootballplayoff Thank you to our sponsor: Wendy's Join Team Tendy’s and enjoy a line-up like never before. Crispy. Juicy. Tendys Now at Wendy’s. http://www.tendys.com/

    53 min

  7. JAN 6

    Notre Dame Portal Season Begins! Salute to Harrison Smith & Riley Leonard, Shrewsberry Meltdown

    On the latest episode of The Echoes: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana open the show with a mix of NFL news and Irish pride. The conversation starts with Riley Leonard outperforming Hall of Fame quarterback Philip Rivers, followed by a salute to Harrison Smith’s outstanding 14-year NFL career—and a look ahead to what could eventually be a call to Canton. After spotlighting two Irish legends, Mike and Jessica catch you up on everything that’s happened this offseason in South Bend. The Irish welcome new defensive line coach Charlie Partridge, who arrives from the Indianapolis Colts. The discussion then shifts to departures, as offensive linemen Billy Schrauth and Aamil Wagner leave Notre Dame for the NFL. Mike and Jess break down what both players meant to the program and wish them success at the next level. Later in the episode, the focus turns to the transfer portal. While Notre Dame is expected to be active, it’s been a relatively slow start so far. Mike and Jessica explain why they believe portal movement will heat up soon and discuss who could be coming in, who could be heading out, and what it all means for the Irish moving forward. Unfortunately, the conversation then shifts to Notre Dame men’s basketball, where head coach Micah Shrewsberry made headlines after an emotional meltdown during a game at California. Shrewsberry was furious over a late call that may have cost the Irish a crucial conference road win, ultimately earning a reprimand from the ACC. Mike and Jessica discuss the incident and why Notre Dame basketball needs to find different reasons to be in the spotlight. To close the show, Mike and Jessica react to Jordan Faison’s decision to end his decorated lacrosse career in order to focus fully on football—a bittersweet moment, especially for Mike, the biggest Notre Dame men’s lacrosse fan we know. The episode wraps with Notre Dame New Year’s resolutions from both hosts. Hit the comments and let us know your resolutions for the Irish. All that and more on The Echoes: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Subscribe to The Echoes for weekly Notre Dame recaps, CFP reactions, game previews, and insider analysis all season long. #sports #football #notredame #collegefootballplayoff Thank you to our sponsor: Wendy's Join Team Tendy’s and enjoy a line-up like never before. Crispy. Juicy. Tendys Now at Wendy’s. http://www.tendys.com/

    57 min

  8. 12/30/2025

    Marcus Freeman Is Back at Notre Dame! USC’s Baffling Decision, Pop-Tarts Bowl & Malört

    On the latest episode of The Echoes: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana react to breaking news once again, as Marcus Freeman announces he will return as head coach of the Irish next season. It’s a major sigh of relief for Mike and Jess, as Freeman continues to draw consistent NFL interest. This season, that buzz included the New York Giants and Tennessee Titans, following last year’s rumors involving the Chicago Bears. Thankfully for Notre Dame fans, Freeman will be back on the sidelines in South Bend. After breaking down Freeman’s contract extension better than anyone, Mike and Jessica recap their holiday weekends. Mike shares his experience at the world-famous Pop-Tarts Bowl, while Jessica fulfills her long-standing Malört cocktail obligation—with a surprisingly unexpected outcome. The conversation then shifts to Notre Dame’s MOU with the College Football Playoff and USC’s reported confusion surrounding the agreement, which appears to be a key factor in putting the century-old rivalry on hiatus. Mike and Jess react to USC’s puzzling response and what it means moving forward. Later, the show highlights former Irish standouts in the NFL, including Audric Estime and Kevin Austin, who both found the end zone for the New Orleans Saints last weekend. The episode also celebrates Notre Dame players who earned Pro Bowl selections this season. Finally, the show wraps up with a preview of this week’s four CFP games and a discussion on Notre Dame men’s basketball head coach Micah Shrewsberry canceling Christmas?! All that and more on The Echoes: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Subscribe to The Echoes for weekly Notre Dame recaps, CFP reactions, game previews, and insider analysis all season long. #sports #football #notredame #collegefootballplayoff Thank you to our sponsor: Wendy's Join Team Tendy’s and enjoy a line-up like never before. Crispy. Juicy. Tendys Now at Wendy’s. http://www.tendys.com/

    55 min
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About

THE ECHOES is your home for Notre Dame Fighting Irish talk like you’ve never heard it before. Step into the world of Notre Dame football with Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana—two proud ND alums who bring the perfect mix of insight, energy, and humor to as they break down the latest on the Fighting Irish. From big-time matchups and memorable moments to the stories and traditions that make Notre Dame special, it’s all here. Fun, honest, and full of Irish pride, THE ECHOES is just two friends talking ball.  New episodes will be released weekly.  Watch on YouTube or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us @TheEchoesNDPod on Instagram, X, TikTok and Facebook.

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