IB Nation Sportsbeat: Notre Dame Backups Against The 2026 Schedule - We In Or We Out
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In this episode of Irish Breakdown, hosts Vince D'Addario and Sean Styers dive into a 'We In or We Out' format, tackling fan-submitted questions about Notre Dame's athletic future. The conversation centers on the financial and strategic challenges facing Notre Dame's basketball programs, with both hosts agreeing that the primary issue isn't coaching but a lack of investment due to football's dominance in resource allocation. They express skepticism about significant budget increases for men's or women's basketball, citing the high cost of transfer portal players and the financial reality of NIL deals. The discussion shifts to the 2026 football schedule, with cautious optimism about the backup quarterback's potential but skepticism about 10-win seasons for the second-string team or true freshmen. Key topics include the value of a Notre Dame degree versus immediate financial gain, the future of conference championship games, and the likelihood of Notre Dame winning a national title with a top draft pick and Broyles Award winner before achieving nine All-Americans. The hosts also reflect on the unpredictability of spring weather in South Bend and the excitement around the upcoming South Bend Cubs season.
Football remains the top priority at Notre Dame, leading to underinvestment in basketball despite coaching concerns.
Transfer portal players command high salaries, making it difficult for Notre Dame to compete for top talent without significant budget increases.
The 2026 schedule presents challenges for backups and freshmen due to lack of experience, especially at quarterback.
Hannah Hidalgo is expected to return, which could elevate Notre Dame women’s basketball to Final Four contention.
The hosts support expanding the college football playoff and eliminating conference championship games to improve fairness and competitiveness.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Opening Segment & Spring Game Anticipation
The hosts kick off the show with a lively intro, discussing the South Bend Cubs' season opener and the upcoming Notre Dame spring game. They express excitement about the return of live radio broadcasts and the festive atmosphere, while also acknowledging the unpredictable weather in South Bend.
Budget Priorities: Football Over Basketball
“I just don't see that being the case. I just don't. Sloppy Joe says he disagrees. He says, I think if Micah was that dude, they'd be investing in the program similar to the football program.”
Transfer Portal Realities & NIL Economics
“If you're that player, if you're player X, who happens to be a rotational type player, and you have an opportunity to make seven, eight times what you're making, and you're not going to play in the NBA. Like that ship is not a thing.”
2026 Football Schedule & Backup Team Potential
“I'm nervous about 10 plus. Yeah. So like it's right there at that line for me. And that's, you know, again, that's why I said seven and a half, eight and a half because if you put it at seven and a half, I would probably take the over.”
Future of College Football Playoffs & National Championship Outlook
“I'm all in all over the place here. Our old buddy Mr. John in the YouTube chat is out because he wants people wearing leather helmets he never wants any change just ports well he also thinks the pirates are going to win the sun”
“If you're that player, if you're player X, who happens to be a rotational type player, and you have an opportunity to make seven, eight times what you're making, and you're not going to play in the NBA. Like that ship is not a thing.”
“I just don't see that being the case. I just don't. Sloppy Joe says he disagrees. He says, I think if Micah was that dude, they'd be investing in the program similar to the football program.”
“You've got a chance to win a national championship. But I think she's got a chance to do that here.”
Hosts
Vince D'Addario
person
Sean Styers
person
Micah Shrewsbury
person
Hannah Hidalgo
person
South Bend Cubs
other
CJ Carr
person
SEC
other
Big Ten
other
Audie Crooks
person
Florida State Seminoles
other
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Notre Dame Buy/Sell/Hold - Part II
Irish Breakdown • 32m • 3/31/2026
Notre Dame Buy/Sell/Hold - Part III
Irish Breakdown • 1h 10m • 3/31/2026
Former Notre Dame Basketball Star Demetrius Jackson Faces Battery Charges, Final Four And ND Women's Hoops Thoughts
Irish Breakdown • 20m • 4/1/2026
IB Nation Sportsbeat: Brian Jean-Mary Talks Lou Holz Interview And Notre Dame Linebackers
Irish Breakdown • 32m • 4/1/2026
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