“NEXT MAN IN: USC Transfer Elijah Hughes Set to Bolster Notre Dame’s Defensive Tackle Rotation Behind Rubio, Onye, and Dawson, Says Marcus Freeman”

Elijah Hughes’ arrival in South Bend might not have been met with the same fanfare as a five-star recruit or a high-profile starting quarterback, but make no mistake—his role in Notre Dame’s 2025 defensive scheme could prove crucial by season’s end. Coming over from USC via the transfer portal, Hughes finds himself in a new environment, with a new challenge, and perhaps most importantly, a clear path to meaningful playing time. During his recent media availability, Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman made it a point to mention Hughes by name while discussing depth along the defensive line, especially behind presumptive starters Gabriel Rubio, Jason Onye, and Jared Dawson. That public acknowledgment signals one thing: Elijah Hughes is firmly in the mix and has a legitimate chance to make an impact this season.

For Notre Dame, the defensive tackle spot is foundational to the kind of physical, aggressive front Freeman wants. The Fighting Irish defense, built on multiple fronts and flexibility up front, leans heavily on its interior linemen to occupy gaps, control double-teams, and create opportunities for edge rushers and linebackers to make plays. In a system that demands high motor, high IQ, and discipline at the point of attack, having reliable depth is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. And that’s exactly where Hughes fits in. His presence allows Notre Dame to rotate fresh bodies and avoid overtaxing starters, especially as the grind of a full college football season inevitably takes its toll.

Elijah Hughes played sparingly at USC, a program known for developing blue-chip defensive linemen, but that lack of statistical production belies the skill set he brings. At 6-foot-3 and around 295 pounds, Hughes boasts a strong lower body and long arms, ideal for shedding blocks in the trenches. While he didn’t crack the Trojans’ starting rotation, Hughes benefited from practicing daily against one of the nation’s better offensive lines and under coaching that emphasized explosiveness and pad level. Those reps, even if limited to practice and spot duty, prepared him for this moment at Notre Dame, where the door is open for him to become a valuable rotational piece.

Marcus Freeman’s decision to spotlight Hughes as a backup option behind Rubio, Onye, and Dawson speaks volumes. Rubio is the most experienced of the trio, known for his disruptive ability and size. Onye is a rising star who’s drawn rave reviews throughout spring and fall camp, a player whose combination of athleticism and tenacity gives the Irish a high-ceiling interior presence. Dawson, the dark horse of the group, offers a mix of strength and motor that has made him a camp standout. For Hughes to even be mentioned in the same breath as those three indicates that he’s impressed the coaching staff enough to earn their trust. And for a unit that will likely rotate six or more players regularly, Hughes has a pathway not just to the field—but to real influence.

The beauty of Hughes’ position is that he doesn’t need to be an All-American to make a difference. His job will be to spell the starters without a drop in performance, maintain gap integrity, and hold his ground against interior run plays. On passing downs, he can be used in stunts or as part of a package that features quicker linemen to disrupt the quarterback. Given how Notre Dame likes to disguise pressure and move bodies around pre-snap, a versatile player like Hughes—who’s capable of playing both 1-tech and 3-tech—becomes even more valuable. He won’t need to rack up sacks or lead the team in tackles to be considered a success. Instead, his success will be measured by consistency, effort, and reliability—traits that Freeman and defensive line coach Al Washington value deeply.

It’s also worth considering the psychological and cultural aspect of Hughes’ arrival. When a player transfers from a high-profile program like USC, they bring with them a different kind of experience. Hughes has already seen the highest levels of college football, understands the expectations of a Power Five environment, and has gone up against elite talent in both practice and competition. His maturity and work ethic could influence younger players in the locker room, especially those still adjusting to college life or trying to find their role on the team. Leadership doesn’t always come from stars—sometimes it emerges from veterans who’ve taken the long road and earned every rep.

As fall camp approaches and the position battles heat up, all eyes will naturally be on the presumed starters. Rubio will anchor the interior with his combination of size and power. Onye’s ceiling will be tested as he aims to put together a breakout year. Dawson will look to prove that his flashes in spring were no fluke. But just as important will be how players like Elijah Hughes perform in the margins. Notre Dame’s ability to remain stout defensively throughout the year, especially during tough stretches in October and November, could hinge on its second unit holding the line. That’s where Hughes could truly shine—not in the spotlight, but in the shadows, doing the dirty work that championship-level teams require.

Freeman’s mention of Hughes wasn’t accidental. In a competitive environment where every word is measured and every depth chart line has implications, signaling Hughes’ role to the public is a subtle show of confidence. It’s a way of saying: “This guy’s ready, and we’re going to need him.” For a player who spent the early part of his college career searching for opportunity, that vote of confidence matters. It can become the fuel that propels Hughes to carve out a legitimate role in South Bend.

Beyond just the on-field impact, Hughes’ transfer also represents a broader trend in college football—the increasing importance of portal acquisitions not just for stars, but for depth. Freeman and his staff have shown an astute understanding of roster construction, knowing when to pursue splashy transfers and when to quietly bring in under-the-radar players like Hughes who can fortify the middle of the two-deep. This kind of roster balance has become essential in the transfer portal era, where attrition is constant and versatility is king.

Hughes’ story also speaks to perseverance. Many players who don’t break through early in their careers fade into obscurity or give up on their football dreams altogether. But Hughes stayed the course. He took the hard route, opting to compete rather than coast. Now, at Notre Dame, that persistence could pay off in the form of tangible on-field contributions and a reinvigorated career path. Sometimes, all it takes is the right fit and the right coaching staff to unlock a player’s full potential. Notre Dame may very well be that fit for Elijah Hughes.

Looking ahead, the Irish defense will face a gauntlet of talented offenses throughout the 2025 season. From early non-conference matchups to the grind of ACC competition and potential playoff implications, Notre Dame’s defensive line will be tested in every way. Having a deep, interchangeable group of tackles who can eat up snaps without a performance drop-off is not just advantageous—it’s critical. In this context, Hughes’ role becomes even more pronounced. Whether it’s stepping in during a high-leverage third down, anchoring the line during a goal-line stand, or simply giving starters a breather in the second quarter, every snap he plays matters.

In sum, Elijah Hughes may not be the first name fans think of when envisioning Notre Dame’s defense in 2025, but that’s exactly the point. Championship teams aren’t built solely on stars. They’re built on depth, discipline, and guys who are willing to embrace their roles for the greater good. Hughes seems poised to be one of those guys. With Marcus Freeman placing him in the rotation behind Rubio, Onye, and Dawson, it’s clear that the coaches see something promising in the former Trojan. And if he delivers when his number is called, Hughes won’t just be a backup—he’ll be a difference-maker in Notre Dame’s pursuit of greatness this fall.