

The Independent: A Notre Dame Football Podcast
The Independent: A Notre Dame Football Podcast
The Independent is the essential listen for fans of Fighting Irish football. Pete Sampson of the Athletic and Matt Fortuna of The Inside Zone are back to take you inside the Notre Dame program. With a combined 35 years + of experience on the ND beat, this twice weekly podcast has you covered for everything blue and gold.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 16, 2024 • 45min
Tourney Preview with Notre Dame Women’s Basketball Coach Niele Ivey
As we head deeper into March the hoops talk continues on the Independent as Matt & Pete are joined by Irish head Women’s Basketball Coach Niele Ivey. Coach Ivey talks about the ACC tournament win as well as what to expect from Notre Dame in the NCAA Tournament as the team hosts the first two rounds. Plus, Spring Practice rolls onward as Marcus Freeman and company continue to put in work with the squad and Pete shares details from his trip around the South to visit those connected Notre Dame’s past, present and future Quarterbacks.
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Mar 9, 2024 • 48min
Notre Dame First Spring Practice Impressions
The Irish were back on the field for the first time ahead of the 2024 season as Spring Practice as begun in South Bend. Tune in for thoughts from Matt & Pete on the new faces for Marcus Freeman’s team, where players were lining up while practicing out of pads and find out their first impression of the 2024 squad. Plus, thoughts on if the wide out group looks to have been elevated in the offseason and is the secondary the strength of this team?
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Mar 2, 2024 • 51min
Notre Dame Spring FB Preview & Men’s Basketball Head Coach Micah Shrewsberry
This week, Matt & Pete get ready for Notre Dame Spring Football as the first open practice of the year is on the horizon plus they are joined by first year Notre Dame Head Basketball Coach Micah Shrewsberry. The conversation also turns to the ever changing College Football landscape and how the playoff changes impact Notre Dame and what all this will do to the sport of College Football. Will Marcus Freeman’s squad make the CFB playoff this year and will the sport break up now that the Big Ten and SEC are forming an advisory committee?
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Feb 7, 2024 • 49min
Notre Dame Winter Player Availability: Riley Leonard, CJ Carr & More
Matt & Pete return to share their takeaways from their conversations with Notre Dame players prior to winter conditioning beginning. Find out their takeaways from their first conversations with Riley Leonard as well as CJ Carr plus what new Director of Football Performance Loren Landow. Also, thoughts on the college football coaching era in NIL and what makes an coordinator job in the NFL more attractive than a head coach job in college football. Plus, expectations continue to develop for the Irish and Marcus Freeman headed into 2024.
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Jan 20, 2024 • 49min
Notre Dame offseason notes & College Football headlines
Matt & Pete return to look back at the season that was for the Irish as well as discuss some of the sport altering news around Nick Saban retiring and the ensuing coach and player shuffle. Kalen DeBoer taking the Alabama job created the domino effect that spared Notre Dame but will other coaching moves impact the team. Plus, tune in for thoughts on where Marcus Freeman ranks among the top coaches in college football and early projections for the 2024 Irish season.
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Dec 30, 2023 • 50min
Notre Dame wins the Sun Bowl, 40-8
The Irish closed out a 10-3 season with a 40-8 victory over Oregon State to take home the Sun Bowl title and earn Marcus Freeman a Frosted Flakes bath. Steve Angeli threw for three touchdowns in his Notre Dame debut and the defense remained stout in the win. Jordan Faison earn MVP honors with 115 yards receiving and a score.
The 10-3 season sets up Notre Dame with momentum heading into 2024 as they will have a chance to make the expanded playoff next year.
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Dec 28, 2023 • 42min
Final Sun Bowl Preview: Notre Dame vs. Oregon State
Matt & Pete preview the Irish bowl game against Oregon State from El Paso where Pete has the latest from Notre Dame before tomorrow’s matchup. Tune in for thoughts on how the bowl will go and how it will setup Marcus Freeman’s team for the 2024 campaign.
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Dec 23, 2023 • 46min
Mike Denbrock is Notre Dame's next Offensive Coordinator
Join Matt & Pete as they discuss the hiring of Mike Denbrock as Notre Dame's offensive coordinator to replace Gerad Parker. How does this impact the Irish for next season and what will this mean for Marcus Freeman's staff.
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Dec 19, 2023 • 57min
Gerad Parker departs for Head Coach job at Troy
For the third consecutive year the Irish will have a new offensive coordinator under Marcus Freeman. Join Matt & Pete as they discuss the departure of Gerad Parker and what it means for the staff and Notre Dame’s prospects in 2024. Plus, updates from the transfer portal and thoughts on how the bowl game will be impacted by this turnover on the staff.
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Dec 13, 2023 • 38min
Riley Leonard Commits to Notre Dame
For the second straight year the Irish bring in a highly sought after transfer portal QB in Riley Leonard from Duke. Matt & Pete discuss Leonard joining Marcus Freeman’s team and how he will fit in with this offense as well as how he compares to Sam Hartman. Plus, more news out of the portal as well as Sun Bowl opt outs and what other offseason news to expect for the Irish.
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