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. 3D AGO

    End of an Era? Notre Dame–USC Rivalry on Hiatus + Marcus Freeman NFL Rumors | The Echoes

    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 surrounding one of college football’s most iconic rivalries: Notre Dame–USC is officially on hiatus. Stick with us through the opening minutes as the breaking news hit mid-show and Mike and Jess process the stunning development and what it means for Notre Dame and the sport at large. Before diving into the rivalry news, the show opens with a breakdown of the College Football Playoff — and yes, there’s still plenty of frustration over the Irish being left out by the committee. Then it’s on to the big story of the day: the end of the Notre Dame–USC rivalry… for now. Why is this happening? Who’s responsible? And who will Notre Dame schedule in USC’s place? Mike and Jess tackle all of it, including Notre Dame’s newly announced matchup with BYU. The conversation also turns to Marcus Freeman and growing speculation about his future. Should Irish fans be concerned about potential NFL interest, including rumors tied to the New York Giants? Golic shares his perspective, while Jess explains why chaos has become the norm in modern college football. 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/

    44 min

  2. DEC 16

    Notre Dame Award Season: Jeremiyah Love Wins Doak Walker, Looking Ahead to 2026, CJ Carr Heisman

    On the latest episode of The Echoes: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana begin turning the page toward 2026 while looking back at Notre Dame’s biggest award winners from the 2025 season. Jeremiyah Love spent the weekend in New York City attending the Heisman Trophy ceremony. While he did not take home college football’s top honor, Love made history by winning the Doak Walker Award as the nation’s best running back, the first Notre Dame RB to ever receive the prestigious award. Head coach Marcus Freeman was also in attendance, marking his first public appearance since Notre Dame’s College Football Playoff snub. What does the future hold for Love and Freeman in South Bend? Mike and Jess break it all down. Speaking of snubs, Notre Dame defensive back Leonard Moore shut down the nation’s top wide receiver, Makai Lemon, yet was passed over for the award as the country’s best defensive back. Mike and Jess explain why Moore deserved to win and how he was overlooked. While the Irish may have deserved more hardware, both Love and Moore earned All-American honors, and we celebrate their standout seasons. From there, the conversation shifts toward the future of Notre Dame football. While roster decisions are still unfolding, Mike and Jess preview what the 2026 team could look like, potentially led by Heisman favorite CJ Carr. The show also includes a full basketball update, starting with the reveal of Notre Dame’s new basketball leprechaun logo. Sound off in the comments and let us know what you think and which Notre Dame leprechaun is your favorite. Micah Shrewsberry’s men’s team is off to a strong start despite injuries to star guard Markus Burton. Freshman standout Jalen Haralson has stepped up, and the Irish also welcomed DB Mark Zackery to the roster. Could this be a March Madness team? We also check in on the women’s program, which is navigating injuries but trending in the right direction. Hannah Hidalgo continues to shine as one of the best players in America as conference play approaches. As the football offseason begins, we remind you that The Echoes will still be in your feed every week. Football may be over, but the content never stops, so make sure you’re subscribed. Finally, we cover offseason movement within the program, including linebackers coach Max Bullough departing for Michigan State and quarterback Kenny Minchey entering the transfer portal. Mike and Jess discuss what Minchey’s departure means for Notre Dame’s QB depth and who they’d like to see backing up CJ Carr next season. All that and more on The Echoes: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. #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/

    59 min

  3. DEC 9

    Notre Dame AD Pete Bevacqua Joins the Show to Discuss ND's CFP Snub and Opting Out of the Postseason

    On the latest episode of The Echoes: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana are joined by Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua to break down the Irish’s College Football Playoff snub and the decision to opt out of the postseason. Bevacqua shares his frustrations and lingering confusion with the CFP process, explaining why Notre Dame still hasn’t received clear answers days after the decision. He details why he believes the Irish earned a spot in the playoff, why other selections left him puzzled, and how Notre Dame continues to show respect for the universities that did make the field. He also opens up about the ACC’s role in the process and why he felt the conference worked against its relationship with Notre Dame. Pete also provides a promising update on the USC rivalry game and offers insight into where Marcus Freeman stands as the program’s head coach. Later, Mike and Jess continue the conversation with their own reactions to the CFP snub, questioning the purpose of the weekly rankings show and why projections, betting markets, and ESPN models consistently placed Notre Dame in the playoff, only for the Irish to be left out. They also dive into Notre Dame’s choice to decline a postseason bowl after the CFP decision. In the comments, let us know: Was opting out the right call? Finally, the crew discusses the future of superstar running back Jeremiyah Love. If this is the end of his Notre Dame career, it’s a shame it concluded quietly in a late-night game at Stanford. Should Love return, or declare for the NFL Draft? Drop your thoughts below. All that and more on The Echoes: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. #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/ Google - No matter what question comes next, you can just ask Google.

    1h 2m

  4. DEC 2

    Jeremiyah Love Joins the Show! Heisman Hopes, His Health and Future at Notre Dame | The Echoes

    On the latest episode of The Echoes: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana are joined by superstar running back and Heisman hopeful Jeremiyah Love — our first returning guest! We open with a breakdown of Notre Dame’s 10th straight win, all by double digits. As most of the nation slept through the final game of the weekend, the Irish once again rolled, securing their sixth Legends Trophy in the last seven meetings with Stanford. Then we welcome one of the greatest running backs in Notre Dame history: Jeremiyah Love. He stops by for the second time during a hectic stretch in his Heisman campaign. We dive into his brief injury scare last game, his reaction to breaking Jerome Bettis’ single-season touchdown record, the highs and lows of the season, what winning the Heisman would mean to him, his future in South Bend, and — of course — who’s making questionable Thanksgiving decisions at the dinner table. After our conversation with Love, Mike and Jessica examine the College Football Playoff picture. Do Miami and Texas have a real path to the playoff? Could the ACC be left out entirely? Drop your thoughts in the comments — who’s in and who’s out? We close with a look at the ongoing CFB coaching carousel, including Lane Kiffin’s expected move to LSU and Pat Fitzgerald’s return to college football at Michigan State. All that and more on The Echoes: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. #sports #football #notredame #bigten 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/ Google - No matter what question comes next, you can just ask Google.

    1h 3m

  5. NOV 24

    Jadarian Price Joins the Show! Love 4 Heisman, Syracuse Smashed, Stanford Next, Happy Thanksgiving!

    On this week’s episode of The Echoes: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana break down Notre Dame’s 70–7 Senior Day demolition of Syracuse, and star running back Jadarian Price joins the show! It was a record-setting performance for the Irish, who exploded for 35 first-quarter points and never looked back. Mike and Jessica relive their favorite moments from the blowout — and Price shares his as well. As this may have been the final home game for superstar RB Jeremiyah Love, the hosts continue their Love for Heisman campaign and lay out the case for why he should be the frontrunner for college football’s top award. In tougher news, Notre Dame lost friend of the pod Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa to a season-ending injury. Mike and Jess reflect on KVA’s impact and what he’s meant to the Irish this year. Then, Jadarian Price joins the show to talk about the wild weekend win, the team’s Thanksgiving plans, and the upcoming trip to the Bay Area to take on Stanford. He also shares his Thanksgiving food preferences — and exposes some questionable choices in the running backs room 👀 Finally, the crew previews Notre Dame vs. Stanford, the 38th meeting in the rivalry and battle for the Legends Trophy. Drop your score predictions in the comments! Plus: a look at the dramatic Notre Dame women’s basketball win over USC, a tough ending for ND women’s soccer, and postseason heartbreak for ND rugby. Mike and Jess close the show by wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and sharing what they’re thankful for — Notre Dame style. All that and more on The Echoes: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. #sports #football #notredame #bigten 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/ Google - No matter what question comes next, you can just ask Google.

    54 min

  6. NOV 18

    Tae Johnson Joins the Show! Notre Dame pounds Pitt, Senior Day Up Next, Hannah Hidalgo Did what??

    On this week’s episode of The Echoes: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana break down Notre Dame’s eighth straight win, a dominant 37–15 victory over No. 22 Pitt. They’re also joined by superstar defensive back Tae Johnson! In the 74th meeting between the Irish and Panthers, Notre Dame’s defense delivered yet another stellar performance. Johnson snagged his team-high fourth interception of the season and took it back for a pick-6. Tae tells us all about the play, Adon Shuler’s pick-2, what it’s like playing for Marcus Freeman, what he’s learned from his mentors, and what to expect from the Irish the rest of the season, before heading off to Portuguese class. Shoutout to Malachi Fields, last week’s guest, who hauled in two incredible catches and is emerging as Notre Dame’s top wideout as well. Also on offense, Jeremiyah Love continues to run his way into the Heisman race and into the hearts of Irish fans everywhere. Jessica was in Pittsburgh for the game and gives a first-hand account of how the Irish dismantled Pat Narduzzi’s team. Mike and Jess also react to Narduzzi’s comments from earlier in the week—maybe he should’ve taken the matchup a bit more seriously or was it all overblown? In the final block, Mike and Jess preview Senior Day in South Bend as the Irish host Syracuse. ND legend Steve Angeli won’t suit up for the Orange due to injury, but Mike shares some of his favorite Senior Day memories. Also, Mike is done with the USC-ND rivalry drama and wants to move on at this point. Plus, updates from around Notre Dame athletics: the rugby team clinched a Big Ten title, and Hannah Hidalgo delivered a jaw-dropping performance worthy of national attention. All that and more on The Echoes: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. #sports #football #notredame #bigten 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/ Google - No matter what question comes next, you can just ask Google.

    59 min

  7. NOV 11

    Pete Buttigieg Joins The Echoes! ND Star WR Malachi Fields + Navy Recap & Pitt Preview | The Echoes

    On this week’s episode of The Echoes: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana are joined by former South Bend Mayor and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, plus star wide receiver Malachi Fields. Mike and Jess kick things off by breaking down Notre Dame’s dominant 49–10 win over Navy — the team’s seventh straight victory — and preview this weekend’s tricky matchup against Pitt. Despite what head coach Pat Narduzzi says, it’s a big one, and ESPN’s College GameDay will be in town for it. Then, Mayor Pete joins the show to talk all things Notre Dame and South Bend. He shares his thoughts on Marcus Freeman, his favorite moments inside Notre Dame Stadium, and how the relationship between the city and the university has evolved over the years. Later, Malachi Fields stops by to discuss his unique perspective as a Virginia standout facing Notre Dame, what it’s like being in the opposing locker room, and how he handled playing in his first-ever snow game. Finally, Mike and Jess close things out by looking ahead to the rivalry matchup against Pitt — a game that always brings memories (and a few nightmares) for Golic. Plus, it’s a big week for both men’s and women’s basketball teams this week with two heavyweight matchups. Go Irish ☘️☘️ #sports #football #mayorpete #petebuttigieg 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/ Google - No matter what question comes next, you can just ask Google.

    1 hr

  8. NOV 5

    REACTION: Notre Dame College Football Playoff Ranking | The Echoes

    On this week’s episode of The Echoes: A Podcast on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Mike Golic Jr. and Jessica Smetana react to the College Football Playoff Rankings and our Notre Dame Fighting Irish being ranked 10th. As we all know, the haters will always have something to say about Notre Dame and the football program, and they have been very vocal especially in Miami, as the Hurricanes are ranked 18th even though they beat ND in the first game of the season. Thankfully, the committee used common sense and saw how the Irish are playing now compared to Miami and others, as ND is the highest ranked 2-loss team in the country. Mike and Jess break it all down and let you know how to handle all the ND hate in the best way possible. Up next for the Irish is a big test against Navy this weekend. Go Irish ☘️☘️ #sports #football #notredame #usctrojans #nfl #nfldraft Thank you to our sponsor: Wendy's Wake up with Wendy’s breakfast https://www.wendys.com/breakfast Limited time only during breakfast hours. U.S. price and participation may vary. No substitutions. Not valid in a combo. Single item at regular price. Google - No matter what question comes next, you can just ask Google.

    16 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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