After spring practice ends, the Notre Dame defensive depth chart for the 2025 campaign is projected.
As spring practice concludes in South Bend, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish are shaping what could be one of their deepest and most athletic defenses in recent memory. Under the continued leadership of head coach Marcus Freeman and defensive coordinator Al Golden, the Irish are looking to reload following the departure of multiple NFL-bound defenders. While the 2024 defense ranked among the top 10 nationally in scoring and yards allowed, the 2025 unit may be more versatile and explosive.
Following a productive spring camp, we take a deep dive into the projected defensive depth chart for the Irish heading into summer workouts and fall camp. From established stars like Benjamin Morrison and Xavier Watts to rising talents such as Drayk Bowen and Bryce Young, Notre Dame has the personnel to anchor a College Football Playoff push.
Botelho enters his final season at Notre Dame with something to prove. Long viewed as a high-ceiling pass rusher, he has yet to fully put it all together. His athleticism and effort are unquestioned, and he’s expected to be a disruptive force on the edge. Behind him, Bryce Young is making a case to be the breakout star of the defensive line. With a 6-foot-5 frame and elite burst, Young flashed in the Blue-Gold Game and will see plenty of action in pass-rush situations.
Mills returns for a fifth year and offers NFL measurables and versatility. Able to slide across the line, Mills will be primarily stationed at the 3-tech, where his size and strength give him a chance to collapse pockets. Vernon, who redshirted in 2024, impressed in limited spring action and has all the traits to be a dominant interior player.
Cross may be undersized for a traditional nose tackle, but he makes up for it with quickness, leverage, and high motor. A returning starter, Cross is one of the most consistent players on the roster. Onye brings more size to the position and has steadily improved over the last two seasons.
Burnham, a former linebacker, has transitioned seamlessly into a hand-in-the-dirt role. He has become a reliable run defender with developing pass-rush skills. Mukam, raw but talented, continues to add strength and could be a factor in rotation.
Sneed has finally translated his athleticism into consistent performance. His range allows him to cover ground in both run defense and pass coverage. Ziegler, who returned to football in spring after addressing mental health issues, is a capable and smart player who will be key in sub-packages
Bowen is already a leader despite his youth. He handles the play-calling and positioning responsibilities with poise beyond his years. Ausberry, another highly touted recruit, brings athleticism and coverage ability, giving the Irish depth and flexibility at the MIKE.
Kiser, the experienced veteran, has seen it all. His football IQ and toughness make him invaluable. Behind him, Viliamu-Asa, one of the top linebacker recruits in the country, has already begun turning heads. Don’t be surprised if the freshman carves out a larger role as the season progresses.
Morrison is a future first-round NFL draft pick. He has elite ball skills, patience, and technique. Morrison can be trusted to lock down the opponent’s top receiver each week. Gray is a physical and promising young corner who provides capable backup and could see time in nickel formations.
Mickey has grown into a reliable starter opposite Morrison. He’s aggressive in man coverage and improving in zone awareness. Bell, arguably the fastest player on the team, adds a dangerous speed element to the position group.
Lewis is entering his fifth season and brings a high floor of reliability. Carter, a transfer from Rhode Island, adds depth and experience. Together, they form a steady duo capable of handling modern spread offenses.
Watts is one of the faces of this Notre Dame team. He led the team in interceptions last year and continues to build his draft stock. Shuler, hard-hitting and instinctive, is being groomed as the future of the position.
Brown chose to return for another year, giving the Irish another veteran presence. Minich, fast and smart, is likely to become a full-time starter next season but will get significant reps in 2025.
- Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa (LB): Has the size, intelligence, and explosiveness to make an immediate impact.
- Leonard Moore (CB): Long and fluid, Moore could push for time on special teams and even defensive reps.
- Ivan Taylor (S): A dynamic playmaker who could rotate in during third-down packages.
- Vyper End: Botelho has experience, but Bryce Young may have more upside.
- Nickel Corner: Lewis and Carter are neck-and-neck, with situational matchups likely determining playing time.
- Mike LB: Bowen holds the edge, but Ausberry’s skillset makes him hard to keep off the field.
- Boundary CB: Mickey’s edge is slim, as Bell’s elite speed gives him a chance to overtake the spot.
- DE (Vyper): Jordan Botelho
- DT (3-Tech): Rylie Mills
- NT (1-Tech): Howard Cross III
- DE (Big): Joshua Burnham
- WILL LB: Jaylen Sneed
- MIKE LB: Drayk Bowen
- Rover: Jack Kiser
- CB (Field): Benjamin Morrison
- CB (Boundary): Jaden Mickey
- Nickel: Clarence Lewis
- FS: Xavier Watts
- SS: DJ Brown
Notre Dame’s defense is loaded with returning talent and young contributors ready to break out. The blend of experience at every level—from the seasoned front line to the battle-tested secondary—sets the Irish up for another dominant campaign. If players like Bryce Young, Drayk Bowen, and Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa reach their potential, this could be one of the best units in the nation.
Marcus Freeman’s fingerprints are all over this defense: fast, physical, and fundamentally sound. The depth and versatility of this group not only give Notre Dame a chance to repeat as one of the top defenses in the country but also provide the flexibility to adapt against both power-running teams and spread attacks.
As the summer approaches and fall camp looms, one thing is clear—the Irish defense will be the bedrock of a team with championship aspirations. With talent, experience, and rising stars in place, Notre Dame fans have every reason to be excited about the 2025 season.
