Notre Dame's 2026 Freaks List: A Celebration of Athletic Freakiness
The annual Freaks List, a celebration of the most freakish athletes in college football, has once again been released, and it's a testament to Notre Dame's athletic prowess. This year, four Notre Dame players made the list, a significant achievement that highlights the program's commitment to building a strong foundation through its offensive and defensive lines. But what makes this list particularly fascinating is the diverse range of skills and strengths that these athletes bring to the table, each in their own unique way.
One thing that immediately stands out is the program's ability to identify and develop freakish athletes. The list is a result of feedback from college strength coaches, trainers, NFL scouts, and college coaches, and it's a testament to the program's commitment to excellence. The fact that four Notre Dame players made the list this year is a clear indication that the program is on the right track, and it's an exciting prospect for fans and analysts alike.
What makes this list particularly interesting is the variety of skills and strengths that these athletes possess. For example, junior defensive tackle Francis Brewu, who transferred from Pittsburgh, is a force to be reckoned with on the defensive interior. His bench press of 500 pounds is a testament to his sheer strength, and his ability to start in his first season with the Irish is a clear indication of his potential. Brewu's ranking on the list is a reflection of his impressive performance last season, and it's a clear indication that he's a player to watch in the coming years.
Another standout player on the list is junior defensive end Bryce Young, who dropped down six spots heading into the 2026 season. Young's athletic abilities are truly remarkable, with a vertical jump of 35 inches, a broad jump of 10 feet, 2 inches, and a squat of 455 pounds. His ability to add nine inches to his broad jump is a testament to his incredible athleticism, and it's a clear indication that he's a player who can make a significant impact on the field.
The 6-5, 305-pound Knapp, who has moved inside to left guard after starting at left tackle in his first two seasons with the Irish, is another standout player on the list. His impressive strength and athleticism numbers, including a 33-inch vertical jump and a 9-2 broad jump, are a clear indication of his potential to make the position transition successfully. Knapp's ability to lift 585 pounds in the squat rack and 405 pounds on the bench press is a testament to his incredible strength, and it's a clear indication that he's a player who can make a significant impact on the offensive line.
Finally, senior defensive tackle Elijah Hughes, who reached 9-9.5 in a broad jump while weighing 295 pounds, is another standout player on the list. His ability to reach 33 inches on a vertical jump and squat 610 pounds is a testament to his incredible athleticism and strength. Hughes' performance last season, which included 21 tackles, three tackles for loss, and one sack, is a clear indication that he's a player who can make a significant impact on the defensive line.
What many people don't realize is that the Freaks List is not just a celebration of individual athletic prowess, but also a reflection of the program's commitment to building a strong foundation. The fact that seven of Notre Dame's regular-season opponents landed at least one player on the list is a clear indication that the program is competing at the highest level, and it's an exciting prospect for fans and analysts alike.
In my opinion, the Freaks List is a testament to the incredible athletic potential of college football. It's a celebration of the freakish athletes who push the boundaries of what's possible, and it's a clear indication that the future of the sport is bright. As a fan of the sport, I can't help but be excited about the prospects of these athletes, and I'm eager to see what they can achieve in the coming years. From my perspective, the Freaks List is a reminder that the beauty of college football lies not just in the wins and losses, but in the incredible athletic potential that these athletes bring to the table.
