Notre Dame’s 2025 Roster Runs Deep With Talent Beyond Top 25 as Key Contributors Emerge Among Others Receiving Votes for Importance
Notre Dame football is entering the 2025 season with high expectations, and with good reason. The Fighting Irish boast one of the deepest and most talented rosters in the nation, prompting widespread praise from analysts, including Phil Steele, who recently placed Notre Dame near the top of his all-college football preseason rankings. While many eyes are naturally drawn to the headline stars — the top 25 most important players who will shape the outcome of the season — the full story of Notre Dame’s championship aspirations cannot be told without mentioning the next tier: the players who “received votes.”
These athletes may not have cracked the definitive top 25 list, but they remain vital to the Irish’s depth, development, and potential success in 2025. They’re the rotational players who will be one injury away from stardom, the specialists whose impact won’t always show up in box scores, and the rising talents who could emerge as breakout contributors by midseason. Their presence on the roster reflects both the strength of Notre Dame’s recruiting and the coaching staff’s emphasis on building a program, not just a starting lineup.
Among the most discussed “others receiving votes” is sophomore defensive tackle Brenan Vernon. A physically gifted lineman with an NFL-caliber frame, Vernon spent much of 2024 in a developmental role, rotating in behind more seasoned interior defenders. But in spring and summer workouts, he’s impressed with his explosiveness off the snap, ability to shed blocks, and relentless motor. With Notre Dame’s emphasis on defensive line depth and interior disruption, Vernon is poised to see significantly more snaps and could become a cornerstone of the defensive front by season’s end.
Another name drawing attention is running back Jeremiyah Love. While Love may not start the year as the feature back due to Notre Dame’s wealth of talent at the position, he’s simply too dynamic to be kept off the field. His versatility — able to line up in the slot, return kicks, and change the pace of the ground game — gives the coaching staff creative options on offense. In games where defenses key on power runs or get worn down late, Love’s speed could be a game-changing weapon.
On the offensive line, one of the most competitive position groups in the country, Aamil Wagner is a name frequently mentioned just outside the top 25. A long, athletic tackle with excellent footwork, Wagner has been pushing hard for reps behind the established starters. Coaches have praised his improvement in pass protection and his mental approach to the game. Should an injury strike or a rotation be needed, Wagner could seamlessly step in, continuing Notre Dame’s tradition of elite offensive line play.
In the secondary, cornerback Christian Gray has received quiet but steady buzz. Entering his second year in the program, Gray has reportedly made huge strides in coverage technique, reaction time, and physicality. With Benjamin Morrison and other veterans holding starting roles, Gray is currently viewed as a top backup. But with the number of high-octane passing offenses on Notre Dame’s 2025 schedule, Gray’s presence as a third corner or potential nickel defender could prove crucial.
On special teams, punter Bryce McFerson deserves more recognition than he typically receives. In a sport where field position often determines outcomes, McFerson’s consistency, hang time, and placement skills will be invaluable in tight games against elite competition. His ability to flip the field and limit return opportunities gives Notre Dame a hidden edge that championship teams often possess but rarely get credit for.
True freshman linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa is another name who barely missed the top 25 but could leap up the rankings quickly. One of the most coveted recruits in the nation last cycle, Viliamu-Asa has the instincts, sideline-to-sideline speed, and football IQ that usually take years to develop. Early reports from summer camp indicate he’s already turning heads in practice and could be part of the linebacker rotation sooner rather than later.
Wide receiver Jordan Faison is also in the conversation. Faison made noise late last season and during spring practices by showcasing elite route-running and reliable hands. While he may not start in a loaded wide receiver group that includes Tobias Merriweather, Jayden Thomas, and others, Faison is likely to be a third-down specialist or inside target who earns the quarterback’s trust. He embodies the type of reliable, underrated receiver who makes crucial plays that sustain drives and win games.
Tight end Eli Raridon also received several nods from analysts. Though he has battled injuries in past seasons, Raridon’s size, catch radius, and blocking ability make him a potential mismatch nightmare. If fully healthy, he could provide a dual-threat presence at tight end, helping Notre Dame continue its long-standing reputation as “Tight End U.” His ability to line up in different formations — in-line, in the slot, or even out wide — gives offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock another tool to stretch defenses.
Defensive back Adon Shuler is flying under the radar, but not among Notre Dame insiders. A physical safety who thrives near the line of scrimmage, Shuler has the potential to be a hybrid enforcer in nickel packages, especially against teams that rely on tight ends and short-yardage passes. His development is being closely monitored, and he could find himself seeing meaningful snaps by October.
Offensive lineman Billy Schrauth also received a fair share of mentions. A mauling guard with high upside, Schrauth brings a physical edge to the run game and could see rotation duty or even push for a starting job midseason if injuries or performance dictate. His toughness and technique make him one of the more intriguing depth pieces on the roster.
Freshman quarterback Deuce Knight is another player with a lot of long-term upside. Though he’s unlikely to play meaningful snaps in 2025 with Riley Leonard and Steve Angeli ahead of him, Knight’s athleticism, arm strength, and leadership qualities have already earned respect in the locker room. Should an emergency arise, or in future years, he could be the face of the program.
Defensive lineman Tyson Ford has also received votes. A former top recruit, Ford’s size and versatility allow him to play multiple roles on the line — from edge to interior. While his consistency has been a work in progress, his physical gifts are undeniable. If he takes the next step in development, he could be a valuable rotational player capable of making splash plays.
Another under-the-radar contributor is linebacker Nolan Ziegler. His special teams play and sideline presence have been important, but coaches believe Ziegler has the potential to break through into the defensive rotation, especially with the physical demands of Notre Dame’s schedule. His intelligence and toughness are exactly what’s needed in the second unit.
On the offensive side, running back Jadarian Price just missed the top 25. Price has battled through injuries but brings vision and burst to the backfield that’s rare even in a crowded running back room. He’s the type of player who can make the most of limited touches and shift momentum in critical moments.
Another rising name is wide receiver Braylon James. Though raw in certain areas, James’s combination of size and speed makes him a potential big-play threat. He could become a red zone option or a deep ball specialist as he continues to refine his route tree and timing with the quarterback.
At the tight end position, Cooper Flanagan is developing into a potential contributor. He’s a strong blocker and has shown flashes in the passing game. With the physical nature of Notre Dame’s offense, having multiple tight ends who can both block and catch passes is a luxury, and Flanagan fits that mold.
Defensive back Micah Bell is yet another promising name. Known for his elite speed and cover skills, Bell is viewed as a developmental corner with a high ceiling. He could make his mark on special teams this year while continuing to develop into a future starter.
Backup quarterback Steve Angeli also garnered attention. While he may not start, he is one play away from being the man under center. Coaches have praised his understanding of the offense, poise under pressure, and quiet leadership. If pressed into action, Angeli has the tools to manage the offense effectively.
These players — the ones who received votes but didn’t crack the top 25 — represent the kind of depth championship programs are built on. While fans and media often focus on the headline names, football is won in the margins. It’s the special teams tackle that flips field position, the third-string lineman who steps in without a drop-off, or the young defender who makes a game-saving play off the bench that ultimately define a team’s legacy.
Notre Dame’s depth chart in 2025 is a reflection of years of recruiting consistency, elite player development, and a team culture that emphasizes competition. The “others receiving votes” may not yet be household names, but their value to this program is undeniable. As the season unfolds, don’t be surprised if some of these names vault into the spotlight — because in South Bend, every snap matters.
