Former Notre Dame Star Tipped as 2025 Breakout Player for Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Bold New NFL Projection

The NFL offseason is always a fertile ground for speculation, projections, and hot takes, but when a former Notre Dame star is tabbed as a breakout candidate for one of the league’s most intriguing young rosters, the buzz is worth tuning into. According to a growing number of analysts and insiders, Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker and former Fighting Irish standout Jack Kiser is on track to become one of the NFL’s most surprising breakout stars in the 2025 season.

Kiser, a versatile and intelligent defender out of Notre Dame, entered the league with less fanfare than some of his draft classmates. But those familiar with his college tape knew there was something different about him—his instinctual play, lateral quickness, and leadership qualities stood out in a Notre Dame defense that consistently produced NFL talent. After spending his rookie season primarily as a special teams contributor and rotational linebacker, signs point to Kiser stepping into a significantly larger role for the Buccaneers this fall.

What makes Kiser’s rise especially compelling is how seamlessly his collegiate strengths align with what Tampa Bay’s defense needs. The Buccaneers are in the midst of reshaping their defense under head coach Todd Bowles, who is known for maximizing the potential of athletic, intelligent players. Kiser’s ability to read offenses, dissect plays, and get to the ball with speed and efficiency has already caught the eye of the coaching staff during offseason workouts and minicamps.

With veteran departures and shifting roles in the Bucs’ linebacker corps, there is a real opportunity for a player like Kiser to seize the moment. He is currently penciled in to compete for starting reps at the weak-side linebacker spot—a position that requires quick processing, sound tackling, and the ability to drop into coverage. While Kiser’s size might not intimidate at first glance, his football IQ and explosiveness fill in the gaps, making him a prototype for the modern NFL linebacker in a hybrid-heavy scheme.

At Notre Dame, Kiser’s role steadily evolved. By his senior year, he was a captain and leader of the defense, constantly around the football and producing in all phases of the game. His 2023 campaign in South Bend saw him rack up tackles, pass breakups, and even a pick-six—showcasing the type of playmaking ability that doesn’t always show up in traditional box scores but is highly valued by coaches.

Buccaneers defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers spoke highly of Kiser following OTAs, noting, “He just gets it. He knows where he needs to be and gets there fast. That’s the kind of player who earns trust from teammates and coaches. He’s got a real shot to help us win games this year.”

What separates Kiser from other young defenders on the roster is his maturity and preparation. Teammates have praised his approach in the film room, with several veterans reportedly impressed by his grasp of the playbook and vocal presence during practices. These are not just empty compliments—on a team looking to reclaim the NFC South title and make a deeper playoff push, intangibles matter just as much as raw talent.

ESPN analyst Field Yates recently included Kiser in his list of under-the-radar breakout players for 2025, stating that “Kiser has all the makings of a starter who doesn’t come off the field—he’s already earning reps on passing downs, and his instincts will keep him around the ball. He could quietly put together a 100-tackle season.”

The Buccaneers themselves appear to be banking on a youth movement on defense. Following an offseason that saw them re-sign core veterans while allowing others to test the market, the door is open for ascending players like Kiser to claim meaningful roles. Tampa Bay’s recent draft strategy has also leaned toward high-upside, coachable defenders—Kiser fits that mold perfectly.

Of course, expectations alone won’t make the leap happen. Kiser will still need to prove himself against some of the NFL’s best offensive units, especially within a division that features a resurgent Falcons offense and a Saints team with plenty of playmakers. But if early returns are any indication, Kiser has the confidence of the locker room and the coaching staff to weather those storms and keep climbing.

Kiser himself remains humble about the attention, telling reporters during minicamp, “I’m just trying to improve every day and earn the trust of my teammates. I learned a lot last year, and I’m ready to take that next step. I know nothing’s given in this league—you have to earn it.”

For a player who once entered Notre Dame as a relatively unknown recruit from rural Indiana, Jack Kiser’s story is already remarkable. His college journey was marked by steady development, team-first play, and a relentless motor that made him a fan favorite in South Bend. Now, he’s writing the next chapter in Tampa Bay—one that could see him emerge as the heart of a defense aiming to make noise in the postseason.

The Buccaneers have quietly assembled a strong foundation on defense, with standouts like Vita Vea, Antoine Winfield Jr., and Lavonte David anchoring the unit. If Kiser can carve out his role alongside those veterans, Tampa Bay may have found a cost-effective, high-impact contributor without having to burn a high draft pick. In today’s NFL, that’s the kind of move that separates playoff teams from the rest.

There’s also something poetic about a player like Kiser earning his stripes the hard way. While others were projected to make immediate NFL impacts due to their combine numbers or flashy highlight reels, Kiser has done it through consistency, toughness, and brainpower. It’s a nod to old-school football values meshing with today’s athletic demands.

It’s still early in the 2025 calendar, and many things can change between training camp and Week 1. Injuries, scheme tweaks, and positional battles will all play a role. But for now, Jack Kiser is in the spotlight—and based on everything he’s shown from high school to Notre Dame and now Tampa Bay, he’s ready for it.

If the breakout buzz proves to be more than hype, the Buccaneers could have one of the league’s surprise defensive weapons on their hands. And for Notre Dame fans, it will be yet another source of pride watching one of their own thrive under the brightest lights.

Jack Kiser may not have been a household name entering the NFL, but if 2025 goes according to plan, he might just become one.