As the college football landscape constantly evolves, one thing remains certain: the importance of a dominant defensive line. For the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, a program steeped in tradition and a reputation for producing top-tier talent, the defensive end position has historically been one of its defining features. Heading into the 2025 season, there’s an undeniable buzz surrounding the defensive end corps. The potential for a defensive resurgence is palpable as these athletes prepare for a crucial summer of development, skill refinement, and team-building.
The edge rusher position is arguably one of the most critical spots on any football team. Defensive ends set the tone in the trenches, pressuring the quarterback, stopping the run, and forcing turnovers. For Notre Dame, the 2025 season represents an opportunity to reclaim its spot as a defensive juggernaut in college football, and the defensive end corps is at the forefront of that resurgence.
Before diving into the current situation, it’s essential to recognize the history of Notre Dame’s defensive line. Over the years, the Irish have produced some of the most feared defensive ends and pass rushers in college football history. From the likes of Justin Tuck and Bryan Young to more recent stars like Jerry Tillery and Daelin Hayes, Notre Dame’s defensive line has been home to many who’ve gone on to make an impact at the next level in the NFL.
The tradition of dominant edge rushers is not only about raw athleticism but also the defensive scheme that allows these players to thrive. Notre Dame has traditionally favored a mix of power and speed, with a focus on disrupting the pocket, collapsing the offensive line, and being relentless in pursuit. As the 2025 season draws closer, the edge rusher corps is poised to continue this legacy, built on the foundation of high expectations and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Heading into the 2025 season, there is no shortage of talent within Notre Dame’s defensive end group. Several key players, both returning veterans and emerging stars, will look to make their mark on the field this year.
1. Rylie Mills (Senior, 6’5″, 295 lbs)
Rylie Mills has been a steady contributor for the Fighting Irish over the past few seasons. As a senior in 2025, he will be expected to take on a leadership role in the defensive end room. Known for his physicality and ability to get off the line of scrimmage, Mills has the versatility to play both inside and outside, giving Notre Dame’s defensive front a lot of flexibility. His experience, paired with his size and strength, will make him a key player to watch as he looks to finish his college career strong. Mills has all the tools to disrupt the quarterback and contribute to the Irish’s defensive line dominance.
2. Joshua Burnham (Junior, 6’4″, 250 lbs)
One of the rising stars in the Notre Dame defense, Joshua Burnham is poised for a breakout 2025 season. Known for his speed, explosiveness, and relentless motor, Burnham has all the traits needed to become a top-tier edge rusher. In his first two seasons, he showed flashes of brilliance, and with another offseason of strength and conditioning under his belt, he is primed for a significant leap forward. His ability to rush the passer and defend the run will be invaluable in the Irish’s defensive scheme.
3. Nolan Ziegler (Sophomore, 6’4″, 240 lbs)
Ziegler made an immediate impact as a freshman and will look to continue his development as one of Notre Dame’s top pass rushers. His combination of speed and technique makes him a dangerous asset off the edge. Ziegler’s natural ability to bend the corner and get after the quarterback will be essential as the Irish look to put pressure on opposing offenses.
4. Jack Larson (Freshman, 6’5″, 255 lbs)
While Larson may be new to the program, his potential is evident from his high school tape. With a combination of size, athleticism, and relentless drive, Larson could quickly make an impact on the field. His ability to learn from veterans like Mills and Burnham will only accelerate his development. If Larson can transition quickly to the college game, he could see significant playing time in his first year.
As the 2025 season draws near, Notre Dame’s defensive end group will spend the summer preparing for what could be a pivotal year. Here are several key areas where they will focus their efforts:
1. Speed and Agility Training
A major component of being an effective edge rusher is the ability to move quickly and explosively. Defensive ends like Burnham and Ziegler are already known for their speed, but further refinement of their lateral quickness and acceleration off the ball will be crucial. The Irish defensive staff will likely implement specialized drills to enhance their burst off the line, enabling them to consistently challenge offensive tackles and quarterbacks.
2. Hand Technique and Pass-Rush Moves
To be successful on the edge, a defensive end needs to have an arsenal of pass-rush moves that can keep offensive linemen guessing. Notre Dame’s defensive line coach will emphasize developing a range of moves, including the swim move, rip move, and bull rush. Players like Mills, with their strength and size, will work on incorporating more power-based moves, while Burnham and Ziegler will focus on using their speed to create separation and bend the edge.
3. Run Defense and Gap Control
While pass rushing often garners the most attention, defensive ends must also be stout against the run. The Irish defense has historically been built on solid run defense, and the edge rushers must be disciplined in maintaining gap integrity. Players like Mills will focus on anchoring against offensive tackles and setting the edge, while also improving their ability to disengage from blockers and make tackles in the backfield.
4. Mental Toughness and Leadership
With veterans like Mills leading the charge, the mental aspect of summer training will be just as important as physical preparation. The summer months provide an opportunity for leadership to emerge, especially for players like Burnham and Ziegler. The defensive line will be working together to push each other and create a competitive atmosphere. Leadership development will also include learning how to stay focused during adversity, maintaining a relentless mindset throughout the season.
The arrival of a new defensive coordinator, combined with a renewed focus on defensive line play, will play a crucial role in shaping the 2025 campaign. Under the guidance of this new coordinator, the defensive ends will need to adapt to new schemes, learn different techniques, and implement a more aggressive pass-rush strategy. The combination of experienced players like Mills and emerging talent such as Burnham will provide a balanced mix of leadership and raw potential.
In particular, the defensive coordinator’s approach to mixing up defensive fronts and bringing pressure from various angles will allow the defensive ends to have more opportunities to rush the quarterback. Whether it’s from a four-man front or more exotic blitzes, the goal will be to keep opposing offensive lines off balance, creating more one-on-one opportunities for the edge rushers.
As Notre Dame enters the 2025 season, the defensive line—led by the edge rushers—will be expected to play a major role in the team’s success. With a defense that has been stout against the run in recent years, the next logical step for this group is to increase their ability to get to the quarterback. In a league that is becoming increasingly pass-heavy, a potent pass rush is a difference-maker, and the Irish defensive ends will be tasked with leading that charge.
In terms of statistics, a successful season for Notre Dame’s defensive ends would include improving their sack totals, increasing tackles for loss, and forcing turnovers. The ability to disrupt the quarterback consistently will be critical in setting the tone for the rest of the defense and the team as a whole.
The 2025 Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive end corps is positioned for a summer of intense development and growth. With a mix of experienced players and exciting newcomers, the group is ready to make a major impact on the field. As summer workouts commence, players like Rylie Mills, Joshua Burnham, and Nolan Ziegler will be laser-focused on improving their physicality, technique, and mental toughness. With the right coaching, preparation, and leadership, Notre Dame’s defensive ends have the potential to help return the Irish defense to national prominence. The summer surge is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting season for Notre Dame football.
