Rakes Report: A Notre Dame podcast

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A conversation about Fighting Irish football and basketball. An audio supplement to the Rakes Report newsletter, available at www.tinyletter.com/rakesreport. Hosted by Chris Wilson.

Chris Wilson


    • Apr 29, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 50m AVG DURATION
    • 287 EPISODES

    4.8 from 71 ratings Listeners of Rakes Report: A Notre Dame podcast that love the show mention: nd, notre dame football, irish, chris does a great job, non sports, report, blue, covid, matt, anyway, ones, fans, analysis, game, 5 stars, perspective, conversation, old, host, great podcast.


    Ivy Insights

    The Rakes Report: A Notre Dame podcast is a highly informative and entertaining show that brings in knowledgeable guests and provides unique perspectives on all things related to Notre Dame. Hosted by Chris Wilson, the podcast offers in-depth discussions on Notre Dame football and basketball, as well as other topics of interest to fans. The show stands out for its ability to combine traditional respect for the program's history with modern statistical analysis and insightful commentary. Chris asks thought-provoking questions while keeping the conversation fun and engaging, making it an enjoyable listen for both casual fans and die-hard supporters.

    One of the best aspects of The Rakes Report is the quality of its guests. Chris consistently brings in experts and insiders who provide valuable insights into various aspects of Notre Dame athletics. This allows listeners to gain a deeper understanding of the program, backed by statistical analysis and expert opinions. The podcast also stands out for its respect for tradition, acknowledging the rich history of Notre Dame while incorporating 21st-century analytics to provide a well-rounded perspective on the team.

    While it's difficult to find any major faults with The Rakes Report, some listeners may prefer more diverse content beyond just sports-related topics. However, it should be noted that the podcast does occasionally cover non-sports topics, such as social issues like Black Lives Matter. Additionally, hosting duties are primarily handled by Chris Wilson himself, which may limit the range of perspectives offered on certain episodes.

    In conclusion, The Rakes Report: A Notre Dame podcast is a must-add to any fan's podcast rotation. With its informative guests, unique perspectives, and engaging host, this show provides a comprehensive view of Notre Dame athletics while keeping things fun and entertaining. Whether you're a die-hard Irish fan or simply interested in insightful sports analysis, The Rakes Report is sure to satisfy your craving for high-quality content.



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    Latest episodes from Rakes Report: A Notre Dame podcast

    Frosh O Rewind: Carr vs. Minchey

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2025 19:51


    We're dusting off a few of our old conversations with Irish Sports Daily's Jamie Uyeyama to remember what we thought about C.J. Carr and Kenny Minchey before their freshman seasons at Notre Dame began. Also including a bonus Steve Angeli Frosh O report out of respect. Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse the merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport

    Wildly Specific 2025 Notre Dame Football Predictions + TV Club: Reacher

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2025 75:41


    Irish Sports Daily's Greg Flammang and the Spreadsheets & Tailgates newsletter's Michael Bryan join to review our depth chart power rankings from last season and to look ahead to who might stand out on this fall's roster. Plus, a review of Reacher Season 3 (56:45). MB's wildly specific prediction newsletter. The August 2024 depth chart power rankings. Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse the merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport

    Steve Angeli Transfer News + TV Club: The Pitt

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2025 99:01


    Jessica Smetana joins to talk about big news for the Notre Dame quarterback room and to appreciate Steve Angeli, plus the WNBA and NFL Drafts. Then (32:40) the Report Medical Team joins for a lengthy discussion of the excellent television series "The Pitt," focusing on our favorite characters from the deep ensemble. Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse the merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport

    Blue-Gold Review + 2025 Notre Dame Quarterback Derby, Vol. III + Transfer Headlines

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2025 61:45


    Jessica Smetana joins to talk about where Notre Dame football stands as spring practice winds down. Updates on the quarterback race and a how the projected 2025 depth chart compares to last year's team as well as a look at The Shirt and what a couple major transfers mean for for college sports. Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse the merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport

    2025 Notre Dame Quarterback Derby, Vol. II + Spring Practice Thoughts + TV Club: The White Lotus

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2025 72:47


    Jessica Smetana and Irish Sports Daily's Jamie Uyeyama join to discuss what Jamie learned on his visit to campus over the weekend. A quarterback race with no obvious leader, reflecting on Riley Leonard, new faces at wide receiver, the defensive tackle situation and a vibe check on the new front office and coaching staff members. Then (53:30) a spoiler-filled discussion of the most recent season of The White Lotus. Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse the merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport

    2025 Notre Dame Quarterback Derby, Vol. I + Sweet Sixteen Preview

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2025 51:19


    Inside ND Sports' Eric Hansen joins to talk about the battle between Steve Angeli, C.J. Carr and Kenny Minchey as well as new additions to the coaching staff and front office. Then (32:00) a look at how Niele Ivey pulled her team out of the late-season slump, an appreciation of Sonia Citron and what it will take for the Fighting Irish to get to the Final Four. Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse the merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport

    Instant Reaction: Notre Dame 76 Michigan 55

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2025 33:15


    Jessica Smetana and Notre Dame, Our Blogger's Andrew Smith join to discuss Niele Ivey's squad dominating the Wolverines to advance to their fourth straight Sweet Sixteen. Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse the merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport

    2025 March Madness Mega Preview

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2025 129:36


    Strap in for a deep dive on the upcoming NCAA Tournaments.   Segment 1: Jessica Smetana, Paul Coletti (The Irish Alert newsletter) and Alex Carson (The Green Nails Newsletter) discuss potential causes of Notre Dame's late-season struggles and potential fixes that could lead to a deep tournament run.   Segment 2 (47:00): The Athletic's Sabreena Merchant talks about the Fighting Irish's corner of the bracket, why she picked them to make the Final Four, why UConn is her title pick and other assorted tournament thoughts.   Segment 3 (1:21:00): Sam Werner of the Three-Point Jesus podcast on Micah Shrewsberry's second season at the helm and what to watch for in the men's bracket.   Segment 4 (1:51:00): Jess returns to talk about her experience at the Unrivaled final and give a brief hater's guide to the women's tournament. Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse the merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport

    Rakes Rewatch: 2015 Men's ACC Basketball Tournament

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2025 66:17


    Celebrating Mike Brey, Jerian Grant and Pat Connaughton's run to the ACC championship via the Duke and North Carolina games in Greensboro. Topics include Zach Auguste and Bonzie Colson vs Jahlil Okafor, ACC regional broadcasts, the excellence of Demetrius Jackson, sad Coach K, crafty Steve Vasturia, the 2015 NBA Draft, the Tar Heel crowd, patiently waiting for the 26-3 run to start, hugs, perfect basketball and what this team means. Guests: Mike Laskey (AMDG Podcast), Joe Schueller (18 Stripes), Sam Werner (Three-Point Jesus Podcast) Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse the merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport

    Hoops Swoon, Football Questions and Movie Club: Oscars Preview

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2025 101:09


    Jessica Smetana joins to talk about the Notre Dame women's basketball team's troubling two-game losing streak, the state of the football offseason, the war on spring games and some of this fall's opponents. Then (25:00) a discussion of Sunday's Oscar ceremony with Priya Desai, starting with a Best Picture draft. (FYI: The explicit tag is earned on this one.) Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse the merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport  

    Chris Ash Hire Kicks Off Football Offseason + Women's Basketball Check-In

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2025 107:13


    Jessica Smetana joins for a potpourri edition discussing Chris Ash, Chad Bowden, Top 100 games, transfer portal entries, an Atlanta field report, Excitement Draft recap, "The Americans" and much more. Then (53:00) The Athletic's Sabreena Merchant joins to talk about how Niele Ivey has built a team that is one of the nation's top title contenders. The best backcourt, how new faces are fitting in, threats in the ACC and beyond plus some Paige Bueckers Narrative Watch and potential WNBA CBA repercussions.   Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse the merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport

    Instant Reaction: Ohio State 34 Notre Dame 23

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2025 42:25


    Jessica Smetana joins for initial thoughts on the College Football Playoff final, this past Fighting Irish season and what the future may hold.  Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse the merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport

    Ranking Our Favorite Wins of the 2024 Notre Dame Season (Thus Far)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2025 90:26


    Jessica Smetana joins to rank all 14 of Notre Dame's wins that have taken them to the cusp of a national championship, from the opener in College Station to the thriller in Miami Gardens. Remembering some games, some touchdowns, some announcers and a whole lot more from a special season. Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse the merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport

    Notre Dame vs. Penn State Orange Bowl Field Report

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2025 66:04


    Jessica Smetana joins to talk about being in the building for an epic College Football Playoff semifinal. Walking through everything from the tailgate scene to Mitch Jeter's kick and the aftermath, plus what this season has meant and a whole lot more. Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse the merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport

    Instant Reaction: Notre Dame 27 Penn State 24

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2025 52:43


    Sam Werner of the Three-Point Jesus podcast and Michael Bryan of 18 Stripes join to talk about the epic Orange Bowl victory as the Irish advance to the national title game. (This is the loopiest and least edited podcast in existence.) Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse the merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport

    Notre Dame vs. Penn State Orange Bowl Preview

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2025 54:14


    Diving in on the Fighting Irish/Nittany Lions College Football Playoff semifinal and also Remembering Some Games. Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse the merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport

    Instant Reaction: Notre Dame 23 Georgia 10

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2025 63:56


    Jessica Smetana joins to discuss the Fighting Irish's win in the Sugar Bowl to advance to the semifinals of the College Football Playoff. Topics include but are not limited to: The tragedy in New Orleans and feelings going into the game, big plays in all three phases, Riley Leonard, the defense, Marcus Freeman and general postseason thoughts. Donate to the Center for the Homeless here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/754gdw-rakes-report-christmas-giving-2024 Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport

    Instant Reaction: Notre Dame 27 Indiana 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2024 62:40


    Jessica Smetana joins to discuss the Fighting Irish dominating the Hoosiers to open up the first-ever 12-team playoff.  Donate to the Center for the Homeless here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/754gdw-rakes-report-christmas-giving-2024 Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport

    Christmas Giving 2024: Good King Takes-ceslas

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2024 74:14


    To close out Christmas Giving, we're revisiting an episode many of you probably (and understandably) deleted right away. Jessica Smetana joins for the post-NIU discussion, in which we talked about Marcus Freeman, transfer quarterbacks, stadium atmosphere, coaching searches and a lot more.  Donate to the Center for the Homeless here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/754gdw-rakes-report-christmas-giving-2024 Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport

    Christmas Giving 2024: Notre Dame's Playoff Journey

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2024 47:41


    Inside ND Sports' Eric Hansen joins to talk about the hype around the Indiana/Notre Dame game, the evolution of Riley Leonard and Marcus Freeman, the greatness of Xavier Watts, Hoosier history and much more. Donate to the Center for the Homeless here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/754gdw-rakes-report-christmas-giving-2024 Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport

    Christmas Giving 2024: Nicole Auerbach on College Football Playoffs Past, Present and Yet To Come

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2024 49:43


    NBC Sports College Football Insider Nicole Auerbach joins to review what the expanded playoff meant for the regular season, what changes we might see to the bracket going forward, Notre Dame's independence and much more. Donate to the Center for the Homeless here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/754gdw-rakes-report-christmas-giving-2024 Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport

    Christmas Giving 2024: Reviewing the Irish and Previewing the Hoosiers

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2024 55:22


    Irish Sports Daily's Jamie Uyeyama joins to talk about how Marcus Freeman performed in his third season, the improving Irish offense, a big question about the Irish defense, how Notre Dame matches up with Indiana and how to define a successful season. Donate to the Center for the Homeless here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/754gdw-rakes-report-christmas-giving-2024 Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport  

    Christmas Giving 2024 Kickoff: There's No Place Like Home For The Holidays

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2024 58:31


    Jessica Smetana joins to kick off our annual fundraising for the Center for the Homeless in South Bend. Donate here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/754gdw-rakes-report-christmas-giving-2024 Topics include assessing the playoff committee's work, SEC gaslighting, early look at the Hoosiers and much more. Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport

    Instant Reaction: Notre Dame 49 USC 35

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2024 47:00


    Jessica Smetana joins to discuss the Fighting Irish's very exciting and in no way nerve-racking win in Los Angeles to clinch a home playoff game.  Subscribe to the Rakes Report newsletter at rakesreport.substack.com.

    Army Review + Notre Dame/USC Preview Feast Week Palooza

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2024 65:31


    Jessica Smetana and our USC Insider Nick Tresnowski join to talk the win over Army at Yankee Stadium, Lincoln Riley's status among Trojan fans, how Southern Cal might be able to attack the Notre Dame defense, whether they'll be able to hold up against the Irish rushing attack, playoff positioning, the monster win for Niele Ivey in Los Angeles and the future of the Irish/Trojans rivalry. Subscribe to the Rakes Report newsletter at rakesreport.substack.com.

    Instant Reaction: Notre Dame 35 Virginia 14

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2024 57:15


    Jessica Smetana joins to discuss the Senior Day victory over the Cavaliers, Notre Dame's eighth consecutive win. Topics include special teams injustice, defensive dominance, sloppy offense, long drives with no points, some silly ACC results elsewhere and feelings going into the final two games. Subscribe to the Rakes Report newsletter at rakesreport.substack.com.

    Preparing For Notre Dame Football's Closing Stretch + The Miles/Hidalgo Backcourt Arrives

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2024 84:39


    Michael Bryan of 18 Stripes joins to take a look at Notre Dame's stat profile with three games left, as well as playoff rankings, future schedules and stadium atmospheres. Then (44:45) Paul Coletti of The Irish Alert newsletter discusses the hot start for the Olivia Miles/Hannah Hidalgo backourt and Notre Dame basketball.   Subscribe to the Rakes Report newsletter at rakesreport.substack.com.

    Instant Reaction: Notre Dame 52 Florida State 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2024 50:52


    Jessica Smetana joins to discuss the Fighting Irish dominating Florida State to get to 8-1 on the season. Topics include: A stellar defensive effort against a horrific offense, splash plays from Riley Leonard and company, questions on special teams, how this weekend affects the playoff race and much more. Subscribe to the Rakes Report newsletter at rakesreport.substack.com.

    Movie Club: Halloween III: Season of the Witch

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2024 63:00


    Happy Halloween! As a bye week trick and treat, we're taking a look at the 1982 film Halloween III: Season of the Witch, which swaps out Michael Myers as the villain and replaces him with an Irish witch/business tycoon. Topics include how this film views the Irish, the greatness of Tom Atkins' Dr. Dan Challis, an evil scheme that has a few holes in it, robot specifics, why John Carpenter remains the king of kings and much more. Guests: Niamh Cavanaugh, Jessica Smetana, Joseph Sposato

    Instant Reaction: Notre Dame 51 Navy 14

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2024 53:44


    Jessica Smetana and Sam Werner join to discuss the Fighting Irish's dominant win over the Midshipmen to get to 7-1.  Subscribe to the Rakes Report newsletter at rakesreport.substack.com.

    Olivia Miles

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2024 20:57


    Notre Dame point guard Olivia Miles joins to talk about building chemistry with teammates, her excitement about the newcomers to the Irish roster, growing her game, the legacy of the program's success in the WNBA, hearing transfer rumors about yourself and much more. Subscribe to the Rakes Report newsletter at rakesreport.substack.com.

    Instant Reaction: Notre Dame 31 Georgia Tech 13

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2024 46:14


    Jessica Smetana joins to discuss the Fighting Irish improving to a 63% chance at making the playoff after a win in Atlanta. An up-and-down day from the offense, young stars on defense, Brent Key making his way onto the Enemies List, Dog In Him rankings, the psychic damage of that atrocious broadcast and another fun day of college football. Subscribe to the Rakes Report newsletter at rakesreport.substack.com.

    Instant Reaction: Notre Dame 49 Stanford 7

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2024 38:24


    Jessica Smetana joins to walk through the Fighting Irish's dominant and delayed win over the Cardinal and a fun weekend of college football overall.  Subscribe to the Rakes Report newsletter at rakesreport.substack.com.

    The Notre Dame Football Post-Bye Week Assessment

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2024 61:31


    Jamie Uyeyama of Irish Sports Daily joins to talk about what the Fighting Irish might look like over the second half of the season. Topics include how the offense could improve, underrating the line's effect, Mitchell Evans, third-down running back usage, how to survive injuries along the defensive line, linebacker snap counts, elite secondary play and lessons learned from the Deuce Knight decommitment. Subscribe to the Rakes Report newsletter at rakesreport.substack.com.

    Instant Reaction/Celebration/Appreciation: Chaos Bye Week

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2024 58:14


    Jessica Smetana joins to talk about the carnage that descended on college football while Notre Dame rested and what it means for the rest of this season. Then (32:30) Priya Desai gives her review of the Fighting Irish game day experience for last week's Louisville visit. Subscribe to the Rakes Report newsletter at rakesreport.substack.com.

    Instant Reaction: Notre Dame 31 Louisville 24

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2024 52:23


    Jessica Smetana joins to discuss the Fighting Irish pull out the win in a Top 20 battle. Topics include a sloppy first quarter, the depth of the defense stepping up, big plays from the offense, questionable late-game decisions from both coaches and color (green and otherwise) from inside the stadium. Subscribe to the Rakes Report newsletter at rakesreport.substack.com.

    Instant Reaction: Notre Dame 28 Miami (OH) 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2024 42:04


    Sam Werner of the Three-Point Jesus podcast joins to talk about the victory over the RedHawks. Topics include The Riley Leonard Discourse, a dominant defense (except for second and long), an assessment of special teams and how playing a big game against Louisville changes the tenor of the week/gameday experience. Subscribe to the Rakes Report newsletter at rakesreport.substack.com.

    Instant Reaction: Notre Dame 66 Purdue 7

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2024 43:57


    Jessica Smetana joins to discuss the Fighting Irish's demolition of the Boilermakers in West Lafayette. Topics include a dominant run game, dominant defense, concerning injuries, if there's a quarterback controversy and some (well, maybe more than some) lingering thoughts from last weekend. Subscribe to the Rakes Report newsletter at rakesreport.substack.com.

    Northern Illinois Take-Pocalypse and Wellness Check

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2024 70:47


    Jessica Smetana joins to examine the wide world of takes — including fair critiques, honest questions, sizzlers and some creative fan-fiction — that resulted from Notre Dame's loss to Northern Illinois. Understand if you auto-delete this but it's not overly gloomy or whiny. Subscribe to the Rakes Report newsletter at rakesreport.substack.com.

    College Station Field Report and Next Steps for Notre Dame

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2024 44:42


    Michael Bryan of 18 Stripes joins to recap his Saturday at Texas A&M. Also included: Marcus Freeman's fourth down decisions, what one game affirmed/undercut as far as preseason expectations and what we're looking for in Week 2. Subscribe to the Rakes Report newsletter at rakesreport.substack.com.

    Instant Reaction: Notre Dame 23 Texas A&M 13

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2024 51:51


    Jessica Smetana joins to discuss the monster win in College Station. Sorry this is very loopy and rambly and not edited, we'll be more coherent next time. Buy Golden-Denbrock 2024 merch here. Subscribe to the Rakes Report newsletter at rakesreport.substack.com.

    2024 Notre Dame Football Excitement Draft

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2024 60:13


    Jessica Smetana joins to select the things we're most excited to see this Fighting Irish football season. Also: Big-picture thoughts, predictions, advice for Notre Dame fans traveling to College Station and the debut of campus' newest statue, Hot Dog Jesus. Subscribe to the Rakes Report newsletter at rakesreport.substack.com.

    2024 Notre Dame Football Schedule Preview

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2024 80:09


    Alex Herrmann and Andrew Smith of Notre Dame, Our Blogger join to preview all 12 opponents on this fall's Fighting Irish schedule. Subscribe to the Rakes Report newsletter at rakesreport.substack.com.

    Freshman Orientation: 2024 Defense

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2024 64:02


    Jamie Uyeyama of Irish Sports Daily returns for Part Two of this year's Frosh O series to talk about every scholarship freshman on the Notre Dame defense. Included: Can Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa really be Manti 2.0? Tae Johnston has upside at safety, but Kennedy Urlacher could be in the mix on special teams from the jump. Leonard Moore's stock continues to rise as he appears to in the cornerback rotation. Bryce Young is a monster at defensive end. Jamie's overall thoughts on a big 2024 season for Marcus Freeman and the Fighting Irish, including a thin margin for error. Subscribe to the Rakes Report newsletter at rakesreport.substack.com.

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