SEC whining again, playoff fever and other Notre Dame Fighting Irish news

Notre Dame Fighting Irish Junior cornerback Leonard Moore was selected earlier this week as a nominee for the 2026 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. This group recognizes those who are making an impact through community service, academic achievement, and leadership through causes ranging from maternal health and youth mentorship to supporting children with disabilities and veterans.

Moore is one of 162 nominees for the honor. The final roster of the 2026 Good Works Team will be announced in September. In 2025, Irish offensive lineman Aamil Wagner was selected to the Good Works Team. In 2024, Irish linebacker Jack Kiser was selected to the team, and Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman was named the team’s honorary head coach for their efforts in the community.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish recruiting keeps rolling along

• If anyone really believed that 2028 quarterback Trey Tagliaferri’s decommitment was a blow to Notre Dame, then they don’t know Marcus Freeman very well. It took no time at all for the Irish to turn their attention to Lucas Prock, and they’ve made up ground quickly: Prock believes that the Irish have already checked most of the mental boxes. "Relationships are the biggest thing," he said recently. "Then I think stability in the coaching staff and the program, talent, the degree obviously means something at Notre Dame. That's non-negotiable there, so that's good. Development's another big one."

• 4-star defensive lineman Brayden Parks will announce his school of choice tomorrow, and after many twists and turns, it appears the Golden Domers are the frontrunners. If the Chicago area defender does pick the Irish, it will be the 23rd commitment in the 2027 class and a big win over the Oregon Ducks.

Marcus Freeman offers updates about Notre Dame ahead of fall camp

• Speaking to a collection of local media, Marcus Freeman made his strongest comments yet that he isn’t looking to take another job. Whether that be in the NFL or another college, it looks like those who come calling will be rebuffed: “I’m all-in. I’ve been all-in. I don’t see myself being the head coach or coaching anywhere else.”

• Freeman also talked about the latest update on offensive lineman Charles Jagusah. This news was not as positive. He said that there’s still no timeline for the player to return after suffering an offseason ATV injury quite a while ago. He does still hope that Jagusah plays with the Irish someday soon.

• Just how good is Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr? A recent survey by The Athletic of more than 30 industry insiders and coaches laid out that the Irish signal-caller is the No. 3 QB in the entire country. That obviously puts him in Tier 1 of all 138 quarterbacks in the FBS.

• One has to wonder if the SEC knows just how badly their latest claims that they might leave the NCAA and just play each other will go for the conference. Considering how often they’ve talked about it this week during media days, it doesn’t appear it’s hit home just yet. It’s possible that once they go solo, they could strike a deal with the NCAA, but at that point, they’d still be at the mercy of the organization.

• Notre Dame Fighting Irish fans are so excited about the team’s prospects this year that they’re even buying playoff championship tickets before the season starts. It’s just the latest sign that fans are more than a little bit hyped about how good they think Freeman and Co. can be in 2026.

Today's best reads

• Notre Dame’s new motto puts every 2026 opponent on notice as they rev up for the CFP
• Notre Dame may have two future stars ready for South Bend spotlight
• Marcus Freeman delivered his clearest statement yet about his tenure with Notre Dame
• Notre Dame’s QB recruiting reset rolling thanks to the 'difference' of the Irish
• Marcus Freeman pinpoints Notre Dame's focus in 2026, and Aneyas Williams is built for it

This article was originally published on slapthesign.com as SEC whining again, playoff fever and other Notre Dame Fighting Irish news.