

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

Sep 1, 2025 • 1h 3min
Notre Dame falls to Miami, 27-24, in the season opener
Convicts 1, Catholics 0. That's the scoreboard after Notre Dame fell to Miami in a 27-24 contest at Hard Rock Stadium that came down to the final minute. How did CJ Carr perform in his debut? How did defensive coordinator Chris Ash look? And where do Marcus Freeman and his Fighting Irish program turn to now with a huge game against Texas A&M on-deck? Matt Fortuna and Pete Sampson are here to break it all down and take your questions on the postgame live edition of The Independent. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aug 28, 2025 • 1h 6min
Notre Dame at Miami Game Preview, Fighting Irish Season Preview with Tim Murray
Football is back! And Matt Fortuna and Pete Sampson are here to preview Notre Dame's 2025 season and much more. Submit your questions for those two and special guest Tim Murray here as the trio previews Marcus Freeman's squad's game this weekend at Miami and much more! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aug 19, 2025 • 31min
Notre Dame names CJ Carr its starting quarterback
Marcus Freeman named CJ Carr Notre Dame's starting quarterback for the 2025 season, a surprise move given how well Kenny Minchey played in fall camp. Matt Fortuna and Pete Sampson react to the news plus share notes on the team captains and what this means for the season opener against Miami. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aug 7, 2025 • 38min
Notre Dame QB Battle is Real
Matt & Pete breakdown the latest out of Fall camp for Marcus Freeman and the Irish as CJ Carr and Kenny Minchey battle for the Notre Dame starting quarterback spot. Mike Denbrock’s offense has had success with duel threat QBs and with CJ Carr struggling with three picks in practice, the competition has become more serious for the Notre Dame signal caller. Plus, thoughts on how the quarterbacks could be used in the opener against Miami and other news and notes out of Notre Dame camp. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jul 31, 2025 • 46min
Notre Dame training camp opens & catching up with Jack Kiser
Matt & Pete are joined by Jack Kiser to look back on his career with the Irish, training camp in Jacksonville and thoughts on this year’s Notre Dame team. Plus, expectations of camp opening in South Bend and what Marcus Freeman’s team can do to repeat last year’s success. When will C.J. Carr be anointed and thoughts on the offensive line following the injury to Charles Jagusah. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jul 15, 2025 • 49min
Recruiting updates & catching up with Trey Mancini
Matt & Pete are joined by former Major Leaguer and World Series Champion Trey Mancini to hear about his experience as a Notre Dame baseball player, an Irish football fan and an avid listener of the Independent. Plus, Matt & Pete discuss latest out of South Bend this summer, Marcus Freeman’s recruiting run as of late and what to expect as the season draws closer. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jul 2, 2025 • 51min
2025 Notre Dame Football Fan Survey
This episode dives into the recent fan survey revealing insights on the future of Notre Dame football. Fans share their thoughts on the evolving rivalry with USC and what makes a successful season. The conversation includes opinions on Marcus Freeman’s leadership and highlights potential breakout stars for 2025. Additionally, there's a fun discussion on the best sports commentators and how AI could change the broadcasting landscape. Fans reflect on their emotional ties to the team, using humor and nostalgia to express their hopes for the upcoming season.

Jun 25, 2025 • 58min
Greg McElroy on the state of Notre Dame Football
Matt & Pete are joined by ESPN analyst and former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy to get his perspective of the state of the Irish heading into the 2025 season. What are his impressions of Marcus Freeman after covering the team so closely during the playoff run last year, how does he feel like Notre Dame is setup in terms of depth for the season and does he expect another deep playoff run for 2025? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jun 2, 2025 • 42min
Recapping the latest from Marcus Freeman
It may be May, but there is no shortage of Notre Dame football news to cover. Matt Fortuna and Pete Sampson have you covered on the latest from Marcus Freeman, the USC rivalry, College Football Playoff talks and much, much more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 13, 2025 • 44min
ESPN’s David Hale talks Clemson series & ACC
Matt & Pete are back to talk about the latest news from the Fighting Irish and are joined by David Hale of ESPN to talk about the Clemson Series and the ACC. Never too early to look ahead at the Notre Dame season and with the news of the kick times for games on NBC, Matt & Pete share their thoughts on the lineup Marcus Freeman’s team will face once the Fall begins. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.


