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


    • Sep 14, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 51m AVG DURATION
    • 304 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

    Instant Reaction: Texas A&M 41 Notre Dame 40

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2025 40:38


    Sam Werner of the Three-Point Jesus podcast joins to file a report from the Irish's second loss of the 2025 season. Chris Ash, C.J. Carr, what the next ten games might look like and much more. Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse the merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport

    Week Three College Football Games To Watch

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2025 29:17


    Start your Saturday in the City of Brotherly Love and end it at the Golden Bowl in Berkeley. Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse the merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport

    Evaluating The Validity of Various Notre Dame Football Concerns Post-Bye Week

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2025 54:27


    The Spreadsheet and Tailgate newsletter's Michael Bryan joins to judge the severity of concerns about the Fighting Irish after their opening loss with another big game ahead of them on Saturday night. We also take a look at lessons learned from the first two weeks of the college football season. Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse the merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport

    Looking Ahead to Notre Dame's Monster Game vs Texas A&M

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2025 47:11


    GigEm247's Carter Karels returns to preview the Aggies' upcoming trip to South Bend. Topics include the improvement of Texas A&M's passing attack, optimism about a run game that started slowly and a whole lot of questions about Mike Elko's defense. Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse the merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport

    Week Two College Football Games To Watch

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2025 31:10


    There isn't a lot of sizzle this weekend but if you dig there's plenty of steak. Dave Campbell's Texas Football on Scott Abell Lawrence Journal-World on Bert Coan Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse the merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport

    Instant Reaction: Miami 27 Notre Dame 24

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2025 52:24


    Jessica Smetana joins to discuss the Fighting Irish losing their season opener to the Hurricanes. A real loopy one trying to work through this so apologies for that. Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse the merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport

    2025 Notre Dame Football Season Preview: Excitement Draft

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2025 60:13


    Jessica Smetana joins to close out the offseason with our annual discussion of things to be excited about for the upcoming Fighting Irish campaign.  Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse the merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport

    Week One College Football Games To Watch

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2025 30:50


    Recommending some of the most interesting games of the opening weekend, from an important G6 clash to Top Ten tilts. Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse the merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport

    2025 Notre Dame Football Season Preview: The Schedule

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2025 85:47


    Alex Herrmann and Andrew Smith of Notre Dame, Our Blogger join to preview all 12 opponents on this fall's Fighting Irish schedule. A spicy start, the murky middle and some sad scenes. Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse the merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport

    2025 Notre Dame Football Season Preview: Freshman Orientation - Offense

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2025 51:24


    Irish Sports Daily's Jamie Uyeyama joins to run through every scholarship freshman on the Fighting Irish offense. A tight end and running back who could make an instant impact, a crop of promising linemen, three receivers trying to work their way into the mix and a quarterback who needs to be ready for action as soon as next season. Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse the merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport

    2025 Notre Dame Football Season Preview: Freshman Orientation - Defense

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2025 49:27


    Irish Sports Daily's Jamie Uyeyama joins to run through every scholarship freshman on the Fighting Irish defense. Corners set to carry on the Mike Mickens tradition, an elite lineman and options alongside him, promising safeties and a trio of intriguing linebackers. Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse the merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport

    2025 Notre Dame Football Season Preview: Depth Chart Power Rankings

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2025 67:11


    The Spreadsheet and Tailgate newsletter's Michael Bryan and Irish Sports Daily's Greg Flammang join to rank the top units on this year's Fighting Irish roster. Why it's nice to have the best players in the country, a debate about which line is better, safety life post-Xavier Watts, can wide receiver finally deliver and the continuing quarterback race. Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse the merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport

    2025 Notre Dame Football Season Preview: Meet The Transfers

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2025 52:31


    Blue and Gold's Eric Hansen joins to run through the transfer additions that could have a major impact for the Irish this fall, from Malachi Fields and Will Pauling juicing the passing attack to DeVonta Smith stepping in at nickel and Jared Dawson helping to hold things down along the line. Also included general camp thoughts, including a starting quarterback prediction, Eli Raridon hype and much more. Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse the merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport

    Notre Dame's Recruiting Boom, the Jagusah Injury and Schedule Tiers

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2025 61:34


    Irish Sports Daily's Jamie Uyeyama joins to talk about a big weekend of news, both good (recruiting successes) and bad (Charles Jagusah's injury), as well as a look at how Notre Dame is using NIL and how to best go about handling the wide receiver position. Then Jamie explains his schedule tiers for this fall's dozen Irish opponents. Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse the merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport

    Campus Vibe Check + Notre Dame Roster Updates + House Settlement

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2025 64:13


    Jessica Smetana joins to file a report on her visit to campus over the weekend. Then: Recruiting successes, how new jersey numbers could affect the season, a long look at the House settlement/what the future of NIL might look like and best movies of the 21st century. Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse the merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport

    The Best Coaches in College Football + Irish in the WNBA

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2025 95:29


    Jessica Smetana joins to rank the best coaches in college football, including where we place Marcus Freeman among his peers. (The Top 25 coaches newsletter referenced during the discussion.) Then (42:20) The Athletic's Sabreena Merchant joins to discuss the state of the Notre Dame women's basketball program, how there's a star void to be filled for the 2025-26 season and how Irish alumnae are thriving in the WNBA this season. Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse the merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport

    2025 College Football Offseason Respect Index

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 84:30


    Jessica Smetana and the Spreadsheets & Tailgates newsletter's Michael Bryan join to take a look at what preseason win totals might mean for a long list of college football teams. Topics include but are not limited to: Freedom from the Big Ten West, Cignetti Year Two in Bloomington, Clemson hype vs. reality, the cowardice of the USC Trojans, a big year for LSU, sad times in Palo Alto and Stillwater, interesting times in Miami, expectations for Deion, Narduzzi purgatory, the circus in Chapel Hill and potentially tough years for both Clark Lea and Steve Angeli. Sign up for the newsletter and/or browse the merch here: https://linktr.ee/rakesreport

    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.

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