Will Black ’25 Named to Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award Watch List

On Sunday, September 6, 2026, the fourth-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish cruised to a 41-13 season-opening win against the Wisconsin Badgers. Heisman hopeful CJ Carr threw for 239 yards and two touchdowns while Aneyas Williams ran for 90 yards and two touchdowns against the Big Ten squad. 

While skill-position players often receive the fanfare and media attention, Carr and Williams's success is backed by the play of the offensive line, which features several highly recruited standouts, including Will Black ’25.

"Will Black looked like a talented young player figuring out game speed! He'll be the player I'm most excited to watch next week," Mike Golic Jr., former member of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive line, commented. "You could already see him making strides by the second half; having [Anthonie] Knapp next to him is a blessing." 

After appearing in three games last season, the 6'7 tackle from Ontario is taking the next step in his journey as he transitions into a starting role for the Fighting Irish, and he's already garnering national attention. Before the first snap, Black was featured on the 2026 Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award Watch List. Named in honor of the former NFL MVP and former SEC Player of the Year, the award celebrates the top freshman in college football. Previous recipients include Jacksonville Jaguars Quarterback Trevor Lawrence, New England Patriots Quarterback Drake Maye, and Houston Texans star Will Anderson Jr., among other NFL standouts. 

Before earning national recognition in college, Black was a two-time NEPSAC champion and Founders League and NEPSAC Lineman of the Year. Coming out of high school, he was a Navy All-American and evaluated as a five-star recruit by On3.