As the 2025 Notre Dame football team prepares for its annual Blue-Gold Game, excitement builds not just for the spring scrimmage itself, but for the season that lies ahead. The Blue-Gold Game is an opportunity for fans and analysts alike to get a glimpse of how the roster is shaping up, and this year, all eyes are on the defense. The Fighting Irish defense has long been a hallmark of the program’s success, and heading into the 2025 season, there are several key storylines surrounding the unit that will be crucial for the team’s chances in the upcoming year. From the defensive line to the secondary, Notre Dame’s defense has undergone significant changes and improvements in recent years. As the team heads into the spring game, these three major storylines stand out as pivotal for the success of the Irish defense in 2025.
1. The Evolution of the Defensive Line: Reloading for Continued Dominance
Notre Dame has developed a reputation as a powerhouse along the defensive line in recent years, and the 2025 season looks no different. With several key players from the previous seasons moving on to the NFL, such as standout edge rusher Isaiah Foskey, the Irish defensive line must reload in order to continue its dominance. Heading into the Blue-Gold Game, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the new faces and returning veterans will step up to maintain the unit’s effectiveness.
Key Returners and New Faces to Watch
The 2025 defensive line is brimming with potential, starting with Jayson Ademilola and Rylie Mills, who return as veterans and key contributors. Ademilola, a senior, has been an anchor for the Irish defense, bringing both experience and leadership to the line. He’s known for his high motor and relentless pursuit of the quarterback, attributes that will be essential as Notre Dame looks to continue pressuring opposing quarterbacks this season.
Mills, who has shown flashes of brilliance during his career, will need to step into a more prominent role this season. His versatility as both a pass rusher and run stopper will be a significant asset. The 6’5” defensive lineman has the tools to be a dominant force, and the spring game will be a great opportunity to see how he’s developed in the offseason.
A key storyline to watch in the spring is the emergence of younger players like Jordan Botelho, who has shown significant potential as a pass rusher. Botelho’s speed off the edge could provide a crucial complement to Ademilola’s strength inside. On the interior, look for NaNa Osafo-Mensah to make an impact, as he’s expected to step up and provide depth behind Mills and Ademilola. Osafo-Mensah, a physically imposing figure, has the potential to disrupt plays in both the run game and as a pass rusher, making him a player to keep an eye on as the spring game unfolds.
The Importance of Pass Rush and Run Defense
With the loss of a top-tier pass rusher like Foskey, the question becomes: who will step up to fill that void? Notre Dame’s defense has thrived on its ability to create pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and this season will be no different. The defensive line must continue to be aggressive, generating pressure without necessarily blitzing, in order to allow the secondary to focus on coverage and to prevent big plays.
The ability to stop the run remains just as important. The Irish have traditionally been stout in this area, and the 2025 defensive line must continue to be physical at the point of attack. Players like Ademilola and Mills will need to lead the charge in stopping the run, and with several new faces contributing, the Blue-Gold Game will offer a glimpse into how well the defensive front is gelling.
Key Questions for the Defensive Line
- Can Jayson Ademilola and Rylie Mills take on leadership roles and become dominant forces on the defensive line?
- How will younger players like Jordan Botelho and NaNa Osafo-Mensah fare in their expanded roles?
- Can the defensive line continue to generate consistent pressure on the quarterback, particularly with the departure of Isaiah Foskey?
2. Linebacker Depth: A New Era with a Focus on Versatility
The linebacker position for Notre Dame has undergone some changes as well. With the departure of several key players, including standout linebacker JD Bertrand, the 2025 season will see new faces stepping up to maintain the legacy of linebacker excellence at Notre Dame. The Blue-Gold Game will be an important showcase for the linebacker corps, with several players vying for starting roles and a chance to prove their value to the team.
The Leadership of JD Bertrand
While Bertrand is no longer with the team, he leaves behind a legacy of leadership and high-level play. His leadership in the middle of the defense was pivotal, and the 2025 linebackers will need to step up in similar fashion. The big question for the Irish defense is whether they can replace Bertrand’s leadership and production, particularly in terms of his ability to read offenses and make critical stops in the running game.
The Emergence of Younger Linebackers
Players like Jack Kiser and Drake Bowen will be expected to play vital roles in 2025. Kiser, known for his ability to cover ground and make plays in both the run and passing games, will be critical in maintaining the defense’s balance. His ability to diagnose plays and his versatility in coverage will be crucial, particularly with the modern spread offenses that are common in college football today.
Freshman Drake Bowen, a highly touted recruit, is expected to make an immediate impact. Bowen has the physical tools to play at a high level, with the size, speed, and football IQ to contribute early. The Blue-Gold Game will be a great opportunity to evaluate his readiness for significant snaps and see how well he adjusts to the speed and physicality of college football.
Marist Liufau, another linebacker who could take on a bigger role, brings a unique skill set with his ability to rush the passer and cover in space. Liufau’s ability to move sideline to sideline and make plays both in the box and in pass coverage will be important, as defensive coordinator Al Golden looks to find ways to be creative with his linebacker group.
The Role of Versatility and Depth
One of the biggest strengths of the 2025 linebacker corps could be its versatility. Golden has expressed his desire to run multiple schemes and to take advantage of players who can do multiple things. The Blue-Gold Game will provide a window into how the coaches plan to utilize players with differing skill sets, and whether they will prioritize a more traditional 4-3 alignment or utilize more hybrid formations, depending on the matchup.
The competition for starting spots will be fierce, with many linebackers seeing snaps with the first-team defense. The game will also serve as a showcase for Notre Dame’s depth at linebacker, as multiple players could earn significant time on the field throughout the season.
Key Questions for the Linebacker Corps
- How will the linebacker group adjust without JD Bertrand’s leadership?
- Which player will step up as the new leader in the middle of the defense?
- Can freshman Drake Bowen make an immediate impact, or will it take time for him to develop?
- How will defensive coordinator Al Golden utilize the group’s versatility to keep opposing offenses off balance?
3. The Secondary: Youthful Talent and Veteran Leadership
While the defensive line and linebackers are key to stopping the run and generating pressure, the secondary will be just as important in limiting explosive passing plays and maintaining coverage in the passing game. The Blue-Gold Game will highlight the secondary’s progress and provide an opportunity to evaluate how well the cornerbacks and safeties are adjusting to the challenges of the 2025 season.
Cornerback Competition: Who Will Step Up?
The cornerback position has been one of the most critical areas of focus for Notre Dame in recent years. With the loss of top corners, the 2025 secondary will need to identify players who can lock down wide receivers and create turnovers. Benjamin Morrison, a standout from last season, will be the cornerstone of the cornerback group. Morrison’s ability to cover elite receivers and make plays on the ball makes him a potential All-American candidate in 2025. His role as a leader in the secondary will be crucial, and the Blue-Gold Game will offer a preview of how well he has continued to develop.
However, Jaden Mickey, Clarence Lewis, and other younger corners will also be vying for starting spots. Mickey has shown flashes of potential, and the game will be an opportunity for him to further establish himself as a reliable contributor. Similarly, Lewis, who has been a solid but unspectacular player, will need to show more consistency if he is to maintain his role as a starting cornerback.
Safety Play: Leadership and Range
At safety, Notre Dame is in a unique situation with Xavier Watts and DJ Brown returning as the veterans of the unit. Watts has been a physical presence for the Irish and will be expected to lead the back end of the defense with his range and hard-hitting style. Brown, with his experience and ability to cover ground, will be expected to keep the defense organized and provide the leadership needed to ensure proper coverage on deep routes.
Newcomer Ramon Henderson will also be an interesting player to watch at safety. Henderson has the physical traits to be an impact player and could push for significant playing time. His ability to cover both the deep field and be a force against the run will be tested during the Blue-Gold Game.
Key Questions for the Secondary
- Can Benjamin Morrison continue to develop into one of the best cornerbacks in the country?
- Will Jaden Mickey and Clarence Lewis prove capable of securing starting spots, or will there be a battle for playing time?
- Can the safety duo of Xavier Watts and DJ Brown maintain their leadership and make plays in critical situations?
- How will newcomers like Ramon Henderson impact the secondary, and can they contribute early?
As the 2025 Blue-Gold Game approaches, the defense remains one of Notre Dame’s greatest strengths, but there are still several questions that need answering. From the defensive line’s ability to replace the lost production of Isaiah Foskey to the linebacker corps’ leadership void without JD Bertrand, there are plenty of storylines to follow. The secondary, with its mixture of experienced leaders and young talent, is another area of intrigue as it looks to provide consistent coverage and generate turnovers.
The Blue-Gold Game will provide an early opportunity to assess these position groups, but the real test will come once the season kicks off. As spring football concludes, the Irish defense is positioned to be a formidable force in 2025, but the final pieces must fall into place before they can truly live up to their potential. The next few months will be critical in determining which players can rise to the occasion and help propel Notre Dame back to national prominence.
