2026 has already looked different for Jordan Faison.
The South Florida native has typically split his spring between football and lacrosse, but in December, Faison made a difficult decision about his future.
He stepped away from lacrosse to focus solely on football as he prepares for a shot at the NFL.
That doesn’t mean it’s been easy.
“Going out there and watching the lacrosse games, it hurts a little bit not being out there with your brothers,” stated Faison. “You miss a sport you used to play, but I had to make a decision.”
What Faison has gained, however, is something he hasn’t always had this time of year. Health.
“All the extra time’s going straight into football,” explained Faison. “Each time I get out of practice, I have time to recover. No practice later in the day with lacrosse, so I'm able to get in, watch extra film, extra recovery, extra treatment, all the little things that allow me to function better. It's been great so far.”
Faison has battled a few nagging injuries during his time in South Bend, and he hopes that less wear and tear on his body will lead to better results on the field.
“I feel great so far,” said Faison. “The whole body feels great. I'm able to come out of practice and feel way better than I used to. Little minor injuries are less prevalent. I'm able to treat those as well.”
On the field, Faison returns as Notre Dame’s leading receiver after posting 49 receptions for 640 yards and four touchdowns last fall.
With a revamped receiver room around him, he’s now embracing a leadership role within his position group.
“I'm just trying to be a guy that they can come to and ask any questions,” Faison said of leading a young receiver room. “If they've got playbook questions, off-the-field questions, anything, kind of just being a resource and always making time to be available for the younger guys. Answer those questions that they have.
“I know when I was a freshman, I had a lot of questions that I'd ask the older guys and they'd make time for me. It's taking that lesson that I've learned and giving it to the younger guys.”
The challenge for Faison is to become a more vocal leader. He has never lacked confidence, but it is also different leading 14 other receivers and an offense.
“I kind of got to use my voice a little more and be more of that vocal leader with the team,” Faison explained. “That's the biggest thing. I care less about what I'm able to do and more about going out there and being able to make my brothers better players.”
That evolution has come naturally with experience.
“You come in as a young guy and you don't really use your voice because you're a young guy on the block,” said Faison.”You don't want to speak out of line. But being the older guy now, it's kind of almost free rein, letting it fly.”
Notre Dame receivers coach Mike Brown has also noticed several positive changes in his senior playmaker.
“The player is the player, but more important than that is just his leadership and the way guys look up to him,” Brown explained. “He’s a great example for the young guys in how he goes about his business, how he studies film, how he works, how he practices. All of those things.”
Faison will look to build on his junior season alongside quarterback CJ Carr. It’s the first time he’s had a returning quarterback and it’s allowed both to enhance their game this spring.
“I feel like we're always on the same page,” Faison explained. “He's on the same page with all of our guys. Whatever we see, he's already seeing it. We might have a choice route. We pick our route. He's already on that page and it just allows you to click so much faster and keep rolling.”
Faison doesn’t believe Carr’s success is a coincidence. He’s seen his quarterback put in the time to be great, which has added another level of respect and confidence.
“His IQ is through the roof,” Faison stated. “The amount of time he puts into the film room is ridiculous. He comes out here, and you can see how it translates. He's able to read defenses fast, make choices fast, and it goes a long way for sure.”
With his focus fully on football, Faison has also been able to attack the offseason in a way he never has before.
“I pretty much missed all these springs doing lacrosse,” said Faison. “With lacrosse, we're lifting in-season, which is different from offseason workouts. This offseason in football, I was definitely able to hit the weight room hard.”
Want the latest scoop on the Fighting Irish? Sign up for our newsletter and become an ISD Premium Subscriber: Sign Up for ISD
Notre Dame Fighting Irish Under Armour Custom Replica Football Jersey
