On the eve of the 2025 Blue-Gold Game, three Notre Dame football plotlines: Irish defense

As Notre Dame approaches its highly anticipated 2025 Blue-Gold Game, a showdown of the program’s elite talent and the foundation of the upcoming season, one aspect stands out more than most: the Irish defense. With the game set to be a crucial early glimpse at the team’s preparations for the upcoming campaign, the defense remains a significant talking point as Notre Dame looks to return to the College Football Playoff conversation. Several key plotlines surrounding the Irish defense will shape their success in 2025 and set the tone for the season.

Here are three major plotlines to watch on the defensive side of the ball as Notre Dame approaches the 2025 Blue-Gold Game:

1. The Arrival of Al Golden’s Defensive Scheme

Head coach Marcus Freeman brought in Al Golden as defensive coordinator in 2022, but 2025 will be Golden’s third year to mold the Irish defense into his vision. As the Irish continue to adjust to Golden’s systems, a significant shift in their defensive approach could be on the horizon in 2025.

Golden has already made waves with his philosophy focused on player versatility, aggressive line play, and the fostering of individual growth. Under his leadership, Notre Dame’s defense has made steady progress in limiting big plays, tightening up coverage, and delivering pressure up front. Yet, 2025 will be a true test of how well his system has taken root. During the Blue-Gold Game, fans will get their first official glimpse at how well Golden has continued to refine the defensive line, linebacker corps, and secondary. A key question will be whether Golden’s aggressive approach, which often relied on dynamic blitzes and complex coverages, has become second nature for the defense.

Golden has also worked tirelessly to develop depth in the defensive backfield and linebacker positions. The Blue-Gold Game will offer insight into how comfortable the defense is with Golden’s evolving schemes, including how they handle situational defense, particularly in critical third-down and red-zone scenarios.

In addition to scheme development, there will be an emphasis on how Golden tailors his defense to the strengths of the players. While he has already identified key players for specific roles, the Blue-Gold Game will allow fans to see how those roles unfold and whether new talents emerge as potential stars in the defensive unit.

2. A New Star at Linebacker: Can Junior Defensive Leader Emerge?

Perhaps the most glaring area of intrigue for Notre Dame’s defense heading into 2025 is the linebacker position. Despite the departure of standout talent in previous seasons, the Irish have the pieces to field an exciting and potent linebacker group. The 2025 Blue-Gold Game will be crucial in determining if one or more players will step up to fill the shoes of recent stars and become the defensive heartbeat for the Irish.

One name to watch is junior linebacker Jaden Osbourne, who has steadily climbed the depth chart after showing flashes of brilliance in his first two seasons. Osbourne has the speed and awareness to be a game-changer at the linebacker spot, and his ability to impact plays in both the run and pass game will be critical for Golden’s defense. He is a candidate to emerge as a leader of the defense, as the linebacker role in Golden’s scheme requires versatility and a high football IQ.

Alongside Osbourne, veteran linebacker Bo Bauer is set to play an important role in the leadership dynamic of the defense. While Bauer may not have the same raw athleticism as younger players, his understanding of Golden’s system and his leadership capabilities give him a critical advantage. The combination of Osbourne’s athletic upside and Bauer’s experience could form a dynamic duo that could transform Notre Dame’s linebacker play.

During the Blue-Gold Game, expect to see the Irish coaching staff test these linebackers in a variety of situations to gauge their ability to handle both the speed of the game and the nuances of Golden’s defensive strategy. How the linebacker corps handles pass coverage, gap responsibilities, and maintaining discipline against run-heavy offenses will be key to determining how effective the defensive unit will be in 2025.

The pressure will be on the linebackers to help plug gaps in the middle of the field, especially with the expectation of an aggressive defensive front. Their performance during the Blue-Gold Game could offer clues about whether this position group will be a strength or a liability for the Irish.

3. Secondary Depth and Development: Who Will Lock Down Key Roles?

With the increasing importance of passing offenses across college football, a solid secondary is paramount to Notre Dame’s defensive aspirations. The Irish are entering the 2025 season with several talented corners and safeties, but there are still significant question marks regarding depth and consistency in coverage. As the Blue-Gold Game draws near, the coaching staff is keenly focused on determining which players can emerge as reliable lockdown defenders and contribute to the overall success of the defense.

Senior cornerback Jaden Price has been a standout player in the secondary, and he’ll need to be a consistent force in 2025. His ability to handle top-tier wide receivers, especially in one-on-one coverage, will be critical for the Irish defense. In addition to Price, there are high hopes for sophomores Isaiah Coleman and Jaden O’Neal, who have shown promise as ball hawks and have the athleticism needed to match up against elite receivers.

Perhaps more than any other position, the secondary is all about development and chemistry. The Blue-Gold Game will provide an early opportunity to assess whether the corners and safeties have found their rhythm in their assignments and whether the unit is beginning to gel as a cohesive unit. Coverage against the pass and the ability to defend the run will be critical.

One area where Notre Dame’s secondary could see a shift is in the depth of their safety group. With the emergence of younger players like Connor Allen and Trey Howard, the Blue-Gold Game could offer the first true test of whether these players can step up in a starting role or at least provide crucial depth to the defensive backfield. The safety position has seen a few key departures in recent years, and Notre Dame will need to find a way to maintain its defensive balance and flexibility with players who can both cover the deep ball and assist in stopping the run.

Expect plenty of competition at corner and safety during the Blue-Gold Game, with a focus on player matchups, maintaining discipline in coverage, and showing the ability to limit explosive plays from the offense. The outcome of these battles could determine the starters and depth chart spots come the start of the 2025 season.

Shaping the Future of Notre Dame’s Defense

As Notre Dame gears up for the 2025 Blue-Gold Game, the Irish defense remains a critical aspect of their championship aspirations. The scheme under Al Golden is beginning to take root, but it will take a cohesive and aggressive defense to elevate Notre Dame to its rightful place in the College Football Playoff race. The performance of the linebackers, secondary, and overall defensive philosophy will shape how this unit plays out.

The Blue-Gold Game will not only give fans a first look at how well the defensive unit has developed but also offer a preview of which players are primed to rise to the occasion. Whether it’s through improved execution, emerging talent, or a more refined defensive scheme, the stakes for the Irish defense have never been higher.

All eyes will be on the players who step up, and the hope in South Bend is that 2025 will be the year the defense takes its place as one of the best in the country, paving the way for Notre Dame to return to national prominence.