THE ECHOES: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Jessica Smetana, Mike Golic Jr.
  • 4.9 (149)
  • Football
  • Updated Weekly

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. 21h ago

    5-0! Notre Dame’s Dominant Win Over Bill Belichick and UNC + Stanford Preview | The Echoes

    Notre Dame football is 5-0! Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana break down the Fighting Irish's rain-soaked 37-26 Notre Dame vs North Carolina win in Chapel Hill and 15th straight double-digit victory on The Echoes: A Notre Dame Football Podcast. Notre Dame took care of Bill Belichick's Tar Heels behind a dominant ground game and the offensive line's most complete performance of the season. Mike and Jessica break down Notre Dame football highlights from Chapel Hill, including run-game dominance, a defense that shut down the opponent's run game again, pass rush and key takeaways, and CJ Carr's continued growth at quarterback. Then it's a Stanford preview as Notre Dame returns home to South Bend. Can the Irish get more playmakers involved and avoid a letdown vs Stanford quarterback Davis Warren and the Cardinal?Plus, an early look at the huge primetime top-15 showdown with BYU football in Provo on October 17 — what makes BYU's physical lines and talented backfield a serious test, and why Notre Dame has to handle Stanford first. Subscribe to The Echoes for Notre Dame football analysis, reactions and previews all season long with Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana — two ND alums talking all things Fighting Irish. #notredamefootball #GoIrish #collegefootball 00:00 Notre Dame beats North Carolina, moves to 5-0 04:35 Notre Dame’s run game takes over against UNC 08:45 Offensive line delivers its most complete performance 13:20 Breaking down Notre Dame’s goal-line play calls 16:10 Defensive concerns: UNC’s big tight end and late-game scores 19:30 How Bill Belichick and North Carolina found some offensive success 24:10 What the UNC win says about Notre Dame’s season so far 28:40 Skill-position rotation and getting more players involved 34:20 Injury updates and Notre Dame’s defensive depth 46:50 Stanford preview: what to expect from the Cardinal 51:45 Looking ahead to Notre Dame vs. BYU Thank you to our sponsors Holy Cross Village at Notre Dame and Bar Louie. Retire like a champion. Learn more at HolyCrossVillage.org. #notredamefootball #GoIrish #CollegeFootball

  2. Sep 29

    Notre Dame Pounds Purdue, UNC and Bill Belichick Next, NDWBB Star Jacy Abii Joins the Show!

    Notre Dame football stays rolling! Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana react to the Fighting Irish's dominant 49-10 win over Purdue — Notre Dame's program-record 14th straight double-digit victory. Marcus Freeman's defense delivered again. The guys break down the disruptive defensive line play and the emergence of Bryce Young as one of Notre Dame's most dynamic pass rushers. On offense, Mike and Jess discuss the tough news that wide receiver Quincy Porter will miss the rest of the season following knee surgery, what it means for receiver depth, and why Micah Gilbert's production is now even more important. Plus, they revisit the viral CJ Carr touchdown vs. Purdue — his competitive response after getting shoved at wide receiver — and why the Irish quarterback continues to look poised and decisive. Later, Notre Dame women's basketball freshman Jacy Abii joins The Echoes to talk her transition from Dallas to South Bend, the standard set by head coach Niele Ivey, and the excitement around a talented new Irish roster. Abii shares what she's learning from Hannah Hidalgo, her goals for her freshman season, Notre Dame's WNBA pipeline, team chemistry, campus life and more. If you live for Irish football, traditions, and stories that make Notre Dame different, this is your full Notre Dame vs Purdue recap. 🎙️ THE ECHOES: A Podcast on the ND Fighting Irish with Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana 🔔 Subscribe for weekly Notre Dame football breakdowns, highlights and interviews all season long! 00:00 Intro 03:35 Notre Dame dominates Purdue, 49-10 05:10 Breaking down the Irish running back rotation 08:51 Quincy Porter ruled out for the season 13:00 Marcus Freeman’s fourth-down decisions 15:12 CJ Carr’s viral Wildcat touchdown moment 18:36 Bryce Young’s breakout and Notre Dame’s defensive front 21:25 Jacy Abii interview 23:58 Notre Dame vs. North Carolina preview 28:32 College football weekend recap: Wisconsin, Michigan, USC and more Thank you to our sponsors Holy Cross Village at Notre Dame and Bar Louie. Retire like a champion. Learn more at HolyCrossVillage.org. #notredamefootball #GoIrish #CollegeFootball

  3. Sep 22

    Notre Dame Football Is Rolling, 13 Wins in a Row, Micah Gilbert, Nolan James, KVA Shine | The Echoes

    Notre Dame football is rolling. Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana break down the biggest takeaways from the Fighting Irish's latest win on The Echoes. Is Notre Dame's backfield battle changing? Aneyas Williams vs. Nolan James Jr. is heating up, with James forcing his way into a bigger role. Mike and Jess debate what the depth chart really says, react to Micah Gilbert's breakout, and explain why CJ Carr is playing like one of the best young quarterbacks in college football. On defense, Marcus Freeman's group delivered again — turnovers, pressure, and a fast, physical secondary built to travel. Plus, KVA is back making plays with bad intentions, and the guys sound off on that ridiculous excessive-celebration penalty. If you live for Irish football, traditions, and stories that make Notre Dame different, this is your full Notre Dame recap. IN THIS EPISODE: Aneyas Williams vs Nolan James Jr: who leads the backfield? Micah Gilbert breakout + CJ Carr's leap Notre Dame defense: turnovers, pressure, physical secondary The excessive celebration flag debate CHAPTERS: 00:00 Intro - Irish roll again 02:15 RB battle: Williams vs James Jr. 10:30 Micah Gilbert breakout 14:45 CJ Carr playing like a star 22:10 Marcus Freeman's defense travels 30:05 KVA is back + penalty rant SUBSCRIBE for weekly Notre Dame football breakdowns with Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana on THE ECHOES: A Podcast on the ND Fighting Irish. Thank you to our sponsors Holy Cross Village at Notre Dame and Bar Louie. Retire like a champion. Learn more at HolyCrossVillage.org. #notredamefootball #GoIrish #CollegeFootball

  4. Sep 15

    Adon Shuler Joins the Show! Notre Dame Depth on Display, Rice Recap, Michigan State Up Next

    Notre Dame football DOMINATED Rice 52-0 in South Bend! Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana break down the Fighting Irish shutout on The Echoes: A Notre Dame Football Podcast. Marcus Freeman's team avoided the trap-game letdown, coming out prepared, physical and focused from the opening snap. The Irish defense set the tone early — forcing four fumbles, scoring a defensive touchdown, and pitching a complete shutout against Rice's option attack. Notre Dame safety and captain Adon Shuler joins the show to talk about the defense's fast start, preparing for a unique offense, leadership in the secondary, and why trusting every player to do his job was the key. Mike and Jessica also break down CJ Carr distributing the football, the expanding receiver rotation, the run game and offensive line play, plus standouts Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, Bryce Young, Rodney Dunham and the young players who shined in extended action. Adon also shares insight on Chris Ash, Aaron Henry, Luke Talich, and the NFL safeties he studies — Derwin James, Troy Polamalu, Ed Reed and Brian Dawkins. The show closes with an early look ahead to Notre Dame vs. Michigan State. Subscribe to THE ECHOES for Notre Dame football breakdowns every week with Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana. #NotreDame #NotreDameFootball #FightingIrish #CollegeFootball #GoIrish Thank you to our sponsors Holy Cross Village at Notre Dame and Bar Louie. Retire like a champion. Learn more at HolyCrossVillage.org. 00:00 Notre Dame crushes Rice 52-0 03:20 Defense sets the tone: Adon Shuler, takeaways and shutout 06:00 Notre Dame run game and offensive line breakdown 13:15 CJ Carr, passing game and offensive identity 18:00 Which Notre Dame receivers stepped up vs. Rice? 26:35 Irish defense shines; KVA, Bryce Young and young contributors 29:20 Rodney Dunham’s breakout flashes 31:55 Adon Shuler joins The Echoes 33:20 Notre Dame vs. Michigan State preview 37:30 Why Michigan State is a meaningful Notre Dame rivalry 39:00 Early prediction and what to expect against the Spartans 39:55 Notre Dame’s strong start under Marcus Freeman 40:50 College football and women’s basketball conversation 43:55 Closing thoughts: Michigan State week

  5. Sep 8

    Notre Dame Crushes Wisconsin. Carr, Shuler, Porath (!) Shine, Barry Alvarez Joins the Show!

    Notre Dame is 1-0 and still unbeaten in the Shamrock Series after a 41-13 win over Wisconsin at historic Lambeau Field. On this episode of The Echoes: A Notre Dame Football Podcast, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana react to the Fighting Irish’s second-half surge, break down the uneven start, and hand out game balls following a statement win over the Badgers. Mike and Jessica discuss why Notre Dame struggled to find rhythm early against Wisconsin’s physical defense, what changed after halftime in Green Bay, and how the Irish turned a 13-10 halftime lead into a decisive victory. They also break down quarterback CJ Carr’s calm, efficient performance, his command of the offense, and why he continues to show the poise Notre Dame needs at the position. The conversation also focuses on Notre Dame’s search for new offensive playmakers, including the emergence of Nolan James and the impact of Aneyas Williams, while examining why the offensive line could still become one of the team’s biggest strengths as the season progresses. On defense, Adon Shuler delivered an emotional, physical performance that earned game-ball consideration, while Spencer Porath may have provided an answer at kicker after going 2-for-2 on field goals, including a 52-yarder, and making all five extra points. And stay tuned until the end for our conversation with college football legend Barry Alvarez, the Hall of Fame former Wisconsin head coach and athletic director, recorded during our live show in Green Bay. #notredame #NotreDameFootball #GoIrish #ShamrockSeries #WisconsinFootball #CJCarr #AdonShuler #SpencerPorath #LambeauField #CollegeFootball Thank you to our sponsors Holy Cross Village at Notre Dame and Bar Louie. Retire like a champion. Learn more at HolyCrossVillage.org. 00:00 Notre Dame Beats Wisconsin 41-13 04:24 Lambeau Field and Shamrock Series Atmosphere 09:31 Why Notre Dame Started Slow vs. Wisconsin 11:49 Irish Offense Searching for New Playmakers 17:22 CJ Carr’s Poise and Command of the Offense 22:00 Nolan James, Jordan Faison and Offensive Playmakers 23:44 Offensive Line Breakdown and Adjustments 29:28 Notre Dame Defense Shuts Down Wisconsin 33:23 Spencer Porath Provides an Answer at Kicker 39:36 Adon Shuler’s Emotional, Physical Performance 44:35 Looking Ahead to Rice 46:30 Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin Game Balls 49:46 Barry Alvarez Interview

  6. Sep 1

    Game Week! Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin Preview + 2026 Captains Named | The Echoes

    The Echoes Podcast is back for game week! Notre Dame football is officially headed to Lambeau Field as the Fighting Irish prepare to take on Wisconsin in one of the most anticipated games of the early 2026 season. In this episode, we get you ready for kickoff with a full Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin preview, breaking down the matchup, the Badgers, and what the Irish need to do to leave Green Bay with a statement victory. We also discuss Notre Dame naming its four captains for the 2026 season, what each leader brings to the team, and what their leadership could mean as the Irish chase another College Football Playoff appearance. Plus, we look ahead to the atmosphere at historic Lambeau Field, where we'll be on the ground in Green Bay for Notre Dame-Wisconsin. It's finally here. Game week has arrived! The Echoes is your home for Notre Dame football coverage, analysis, and conversation. Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen!

  7. Aug 25

    Caroline Pineda Joins the Show! ND on NBC Sideline Reporter, Camp Ends, Shamrock Series | The Echoes

    School is back in session at Notre Dame, fall training camp is officially in the books, and college football season is right around the corner. On this episode of The Echoes: A Notre Dame Football Podcast, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana break down what Marcus Freeman had to say as the Fighting Irish shift from camp mode into game-week preparation. New Notre Dame sideline reporter Caroline Pineda joins the show. The 2022 Notre Dame graduate shares what it means to return to South Bend in her new role, the mentors who helped shape her career, and how Fighting Irish Media and student opportunities at Notre Dame helped launch her path to NBC. Pineda also explains what she believes makes great sideline reporting, previews storylines for Notre Dame-Wisconsin, and shares why this Irish team feels different heading into a highly anticipated season. Plus, The Echoes is headed to Wisconsin for Notre Dame’s season opener against the Badgers at Lambeau Field. Mike and Jess will host a live show in Green Bay on game day, so stay tuned to the show’s social channels for full details on how to join them before the Shamrock Series matchup. #sports #football #notredame #collegefootball #marcusfreeman #NBC #cjcarr #heisman #NFL #lambeaufield #wisconsin #badgers #bigten Thank you to our sponsors Holy Cross Village at Notre Dame and Bar Louie. Retire like a champion. Learn more at HolyCrossVillage.org. 00:00 INTRO 03:00 Best time of the year 05:30 Jess' ND class schedule 10:00 Freeman presser reax 21:00 Caroline Pineda interview 38:19 Notre Dame & eligibility

  8. Aug 18

    Notre Dame #4 in AP, Cignetti’s Shot, KVA & Jeremiyah Love Injury Updates | The Echoes

    On this episode of The Echoes, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana break down the Fighting Irish landing at No. 4 in the preseason AP Poll, Notre Dame’s highest preseason AP ranking since 2006. The Irish received six first-place votes, but what separates Marcus Freeman’s team from Ohio State, Oregon and Georgia at the top of the rankings? And does Notre Dame have everything it needs to make a run at the College Football Playoff and a national championship? There’s also encouraging news surrounding Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa (KVA). After suffering a torn ACL last November, the Notre Dame linebacker is back participating in full-contact practice and working without a knee brace. We discuss what a healthy KVA could mean for an already talented Notre Dame defense and linebacker room. The rivalry conversation heats up with Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti taking a shot at Notre Dame following the cancellation of the Notre Dame-Indiana series. Cignetti said he’d like to play the Irish, but suggested Notre Dame should travel to Bloomington twice while Indiana visits South Bend once because the Fighting Irish aren’t in a conference. Mike and Jess react to the provocative comments, question the logic behind Cignetti’s scheduling proposal, and discuss why Notre Dame’s football independence continues to be an easy target across college football. Plus, former Notre Dame superstar Jeremiyah Love is dealing with a high ankle injury after his NFL preseason action with the Arizona Cardinals. Love recorded 11 carries and three receptions before the injury, sparking debate about preseason workloads for high-profile rookies. Subscribe to The Echoes for Notre Dame football news, analysis, injury updates, AP Poll reaction, College Football Playoff discussion and everything Fighting Irish. #NotreDame #NotreDameFootball #FightingIrish #CollegeFootball #CFB #APPoll #KyngstonnViliamuAsa #KVA #JeremiyahLove #GoIrish #CollegeFootballPlayoff Thank you to our sponsors Holy Cross Village at Notre Dame and Bar Louie. Retire like a champion. Learn more at HolyCrossVillage.org. 00:00 INTRO 02:00 AP Poll 10:45 Injury updates 22:00 Cignetti takes shot 27:00 New pace in CFB 42:00 Jeremiyah Love injured

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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.

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