Notre Dame Football: Top 3 offseason 2022 storylines to follow

Notre Dame football has a lot of questions coming into this season. These are three major stories to keep an eye on this offseason.

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish enter the 2022 season with many changes to both its roster and its coaching staff. Former head coach Brian Kelly left to coach LSU. Last season’s defensive coordinator, Marcus Freeman takes over as head coach after a groundswell of support from players and people associated with the program.

Freeman and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees are the only two familiar names left on the coaching staff. Al Golden replaces Freeman as defensive coordinator, Chansi Stuckey (wide receivers), Gerad Parker (tight ends), and Harry Hiestand (offensive line) are some of the many new faces on the coaching staff.

The offense and defense lose a lot of experience as well. Kyren Williams, last season’s leading rusher, declared for the NFL. Transfer quarterback Jack Coan is done after one season, and last season’s second-leading receiver, Kevin Austin, has also graduated.

New faces should play a significant factor in the team’s success in 2022. This season, Blake Fisher should be at full strength after his Fiesta Bowl return. That allows Josh Lugg to move inside to guard, his more natural position.

After flashing last season, sophomores Deion Colzie and Lorenzo Styles are in line to be the top two receivers. Changes like these raise questions and storylines. Here are three storylines to keep an eye on this offseason.