Notre Dame Football 2025: The 25 Most Important Players This Season — Plus Key Names Who Just Missed the Final Cut

Notre Dame’s 2025 football campaign is built on equal parts tradition, momentum, and championship aspirations. Under the continued leadership of head coach Marcus Freeman, the Irish have assembled a roster brimming with talent, experience, and hungry young stars. As anticipation swells for the season ahead, debates around who will define Notre Dame’s fate have intensified. Who are the most critical players for the Irish this fall? And who came heartbreakingly close to making that elite list?

While the full Top 25 Most Important Notre Dame Players of 2025 list offers plenty of fireworks — headlined by proven veterans, potential All-Americans, and game-breaking playmakers — there’s always more than meets the eye. “Others receiving votes” isn’t just a throwaway phrase. It’s a revealing look at how deep and competitive this roster truly is. These players may not have cracked the final 25, but each one still holds the potential to tilt a game, rescue a drive, or emerge as a surprise star when Notre Dame’s season is on the line.

Start with linebacker Preston Zinter. The junior has quietly built a reputation as one of the hardest workers on the roster. He’s not penciled in as a starter, but his versatility — he can play both inside and on the edge — means he’s likely to see a healthy dose of rotational snaps. Zinter’s strength in coverage and his improved ability to shed blocks in the run game make him a trusted option when the defense needs fresh legs or when injuries inevitably strike. He’s also a key special teams contributor, which remains a critical, if underappreciated, phase of the game.

Another name garnering attention is backup quarterback Kenny Minchey. While all eyes are on presumed starter CJ Carr, Minchey’s role could become paramount if the freshman phenom takes a hit or needs time to develop early in the season. Minchey has shown sharp decision-making in practice and has a deep knowledge of the system. If thrust into action, he could steady the offense and keep the Irish competitive.

Don’t overlook Jadarian Price, either. The electric running back has all the tools to be a home-run threat every time he touches the ball. He’s been a bit buried on the depth chart, but with Audric Estimé gone to the NFL, the committee approach in the backfield could open the door. Price’s burst, balance, and vision have improved, and he’s an asset in the passing game as well. Even if he’s not the featured back, Notre Dame fans could see a game or two where Price’s number gets called — and he delivers in a big way.

Receiver Jordan Faison might be the best-kept secret on the team. A two-sport athlete who’s drawn comparisons to former Irish great Chris Tyree for his speed and explosiveness, Faison is poised to step into a bigger role in the slot. While there are several more heralded wideouts ahead of him, Faison’s ability to stretch the field vertically and make contested catches could earn him more targets as the season wears on. He could also be a candidate for punt or kick return duties — any chance to get the ball in his hands is worth exploring.

On the defensive line, look out for junior Aiden Gobaira. He’s not yet a household name, but within the walls of the program, his potential is well known. Gobaira brings great length, quick-twitch athleticism, and has quietly become a disruptive force in practice. He may not start early in the year, but if the Irish look to rotate fresh pass rushers in high-leverage moments, don’t be surprised if Gobaira’s on the field, causing chaos for opposing quarterbacks.

In the secondary, the name everyone’s talking about is Christian Gray. The cornerback has elite speed and sticky coverage ability but is still learning the nuances of the college game. With an experienced unit in front of him, Gray may not start every game, but his upside is undeniable. If a starter goes down or struggles, Gray could leap into the spotlight. His development could be the difference between Notre Dame having a good secondary and an elite one.

Tight end Jack Larsen is another name that surfaced during this process. Though young, the coaching staff loves his work ethic and feel for the position. He’s drawn comparisons to a young Michael Mayer for his body control and hands. While he’ll be behind more experienced players early on, Larsen could become a dangerous red zone weapon, particularly if injuries pile up or matchups dictate a shift to two-tight end sets.

Offensive lineman Ashton Craig is right on the cusp of bigger things. As a backup center and guard, he provides valuable depth across the interior line. His physical development has been impressive, and he’s earned trust with clean snaps, consistent footwork, and a willingness to scrap in the trenches. Should injuries occur — and they often do on the offensive line — Craig’s insertion wouldn’t cause the unit to miss a beat.

Safety Ben Minich and linebacker Drayk Bowen are two young defensive pieces that could become valuable sooner than many expect. Minich brings downhill thump and rangy instincts, while Bowen, a former five-star recruit, is waiting to put it all together. Both are currently rotational players, but they could force their way onto the field through sheer playmaking ability.

Wide receiver Rico Flores Jr. also received votes from those who believe he’s due for a breakout sophomore campaign. Flores has all the raw talent — hands, route running, size — and it’s just a matter of chemistry with Carr and consistency. With the Irish needing production at wideout, Flores could become one of the season’s most pleasant surprises.

Even kicker Spencer Shrader, though not the flashiest name, is someone who could define close games. As special teams often tip the scales in tight matchups, his accuracy and poise under pressure may ultimately prove vital.

There’s also a lot of internal buzz around freshman pass rusher Bryce Young. The legacy name alone draws attention, but he’s more than hype. Coaches have been impressed with his motor, bend, and physical maturity. He may not log starter’s snaps right away, but Young could appear in situational packages and flash enough to make opposing coordinators nervous.

And what about running back Jeremiyah Love? He’s got a rare combination of size and speed, and if Notre Dame wants a more physical look in short-yardage situations, Love could be the thunder to Price’s lightning.

These “others receiving votes” make one thing abundantly clear — Notre Dame’s 2025 roster is a minefield of talent. There’s quality depth across the board, meaning injuries won’t sink this team, and competition will only make everyone sharper. The final Top 25 list may belong to the current stars and projected difference-makers, but these near-miss players are the next wave. They’re the ones who could steal headlines with one highlight-reel moment or step into a starting role midseason and never look back.

In college football, nothing ever goes exactly as planned. Stars can fade. Depth charts shuffle. And often, it’s the players on the fringe — the ones who didn’t quite make the “most important” cut — who end up changing everything.

As the Irish gear up for a run at glory in 2025, don’t be surprised if one or more of these names becomes unforgettable. The margin between “important” and “indispensable” is thin, and this roster is deep enough to blur the lines all year long.