Marcus Freeman Provides Updates on Luke Talich, Quincy Porter and Matty Augustine

Notre Dame suffered another injury at the safety position as senior Luke Talich will miss Saturday’s game at Purdue with a left wrist injury.

The Wyoming native left the field in the final minutes of last weekend’s win over Michigan State, but there is positive news as Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman expects Talich to return soon.

“Luke will be out this week,” stated Freeman. “We hope to get him back next week is what we're expecting.”

In the past, Notre Dame might have been extremely concerned about losing two of its top three safeties.

But it’s 2026.

Freshman Joey O’Brien will make the first start of his career Saturday. The Pennsylvania native has played 22 snaps this season, including six against Michigan State as part of Notre Dame’s three-safety package.

The former five-star prospect doesn’t have much experience, but that’s a far cry from the situation the Irish could have been in just a few years ago.

Notre Dame has recruited and developed enough talent at safety that losing Talich doesn’t leave the position without options.

“Joey O'Brien's really done a great job in practice,” Freeman said. “He's a guy that we knew at any moment could go in the game last week. He was the backup, and he's done a great job in the starting role this week. We have a lot of confidence in what he can do.” 

O’Brien isn’t the only young safety Notre Dame can turn to.

Sophomore Ethan Long is next in line and has flashed multiple times since arriving in South Bend. Last fall, Long recorded an interception against Syracuse and appeared in six games during his career.

“Ethan Long would be the next guy in,” said Freeman. “Ethan's had a really good week. Ethan's been a guy who has really progressed over the year and a half he's been here.” 

Freeman also pointed out that both O’Brien and Long have practiced at a high level leading into Saturday’s game, giving the coaching staff confidence that they are ready for expanded roles.

“This is why you recruit,” explained Freeman. “This is why you have depth. This is why young guys have to practice to be ready to play. You don't know what each Saturday is gonna present itself. If you wait for your opportunity, it's gonna be too late. Those guys have all done a great job of preparing, and now they'll have the opportunity to go do it in the game.” 

The Irish could be inching closer to having sophomore receiver Quincy Porter available. 

Porter underwent offseason surgery on his left knee before having another procedure in August. He has returned to the practice field, but it remains unclear when he will be ready to contribute in a game.

“He's doing more than he's ever done since he's gotten here,” Freeman stated. “He had a good week. He increased his volume this week in terms of what he's been able to do. He's out there.

“He's not practicing with the offense, but he's doing individual. I think he's a couple weeks away, but he's getting closer.” 

Freeman also provided a positive update on sophomore offensive lineman Matty Augustine, who continues to work his way back from a foot injury.

“He's progressing,” said Freeman. “He's getting better. I don't have a timetable, but he's getting better.” 

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