Notre Dame’s four captains bring different paths, shared leadership into 2026 season
SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Quarterback CJ Carr, wide receiver Jordan Faison, safety Adon Shuler and linebacker Drayk Bowen were voted team captains for the 2026 season. Carr and Faison earned the honor for the first time, while Shuler and Bowen were selected for the second consecutive year.
Head coach Marcus Freeman said four players separated themselves during the voting process, while the next five players finished within single-digit votes of one another, leaving Freeman to choose between naming four captains or nine.
For Carr, the title reflects the responsibility he already carries as Notre Dame’s starting quarterback. Carr threw for 2,741 yards and 24 touchdowns during his first season as the starter, and now, he is preparing to lead more than the huddle.
“It’s amazing,” Carr says. “I knew it was something I wanted — to be named a captain by your teammates, who you go to work with every day. It’s one of the greatest achievements of my life, and it felt really special to be called.”
Faison took a much different path to becoming a captain. He arrived at Notre Dame as a lacrosse recruit and football walk-on. Since then, Faison has become a national champion in lacrosse, earned Sun Bowl MVP honors and developed into Notre Dame’s leading receiver last season.
“It means the world,” Faison says. “It’s one of the greatest honors for me in my life. You’ve got a group of guys at Notre Dame, and when they vote for you to be captain, there’s no greater feeling I’ve had in my life.”
However, it's Notre Dame’s two defensive captains that bring experience to the role. But for Shuler, the honor now carries even greater personal significance. His father, Don, passed away on Monday. He was Shuler’s first football coach, teaching him the game in their backyard. Shuler said becoming a stronger leader was something they discussed as he prepared for the upcoming season.
“I’m so excited for the team and myself,” Shuler says. “It’s something me and my dad always talked about, especially going into this season — just being a better leader.”
While Shuler’s selection carries deep personal meaning, Bowen is focused on demonstrating what the title requires each day.The linebacker said leadership begins long before game day. It shows through preparation, recovery and a complete understanding of the opponent.
“I want to be that example of being in the facility early, recovering, doing the things you need to do to get your body right,” Bowen says. “Knowing the playbook, knowing Wisconsin or any other team.”
Leonard Moore and Anthonie Knapp were among the players who finished close behind the four captains in the team vote, but Freeman reminded the group that leadership is not limited to those who carry an official title.
The four horsemen: Carr, Faison, Shuler and Bowen. They will lead the Irish into the 2026 season, but Freeman expects the responsibility to extend throughout a roster preparing to compete for a championship.