“Three Rising Stars Battle to Replace Xavier Watts as Notre Dame’s Next Star Safety in 2024”
The departure of Xavier Watts, Notre Dame’s standout safety who recorded 83 tackles last season, leaves a significant void in the Fighting Irish’s secondary. Watts, the 2023 Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner as the nation’s top defensive player, was the heart of Notre Dame’s defense, combining elite coverage skills with hard-hitting run support. Replacing him won’t be easy, but three talented players—Adon Shuler, Ben Minich, and Luke Talich—are locked in a fierce competition to step into his shoes. Each brings a unique skill set, and their battle will be one of the most closely watched storylines of Notre Dame’s 2024 season.
Adon Shuler, a 6-foot, 203-pound redshirt freshman, is perhaps the most physically imposing candidate in the race. A four-star recruit from Irvington, New Jersey, Shuler has drawn comparisons to Watts for his aggressive playing style and ability to deliver punishing hits. Though he saw limited action last season, his performances in spring practice have turned heads, with coaches praising his instincts and downhill explosiveness.
Shuler’s biggest strength is his ability to play near the line of scrimmage, where he excels in run support. His tackling technique is already advanced for his age, and he has shown flashes of being a turnover-forcing machine, much like Watts was. However, the biggest question mark is his coverage ability. While he has the athleticism to stick with tight ends and slot receivers, he’ll need to prove he can handle deep-zone responsibilities at an elite level. If he refines his footwork and ball skills, Shuler could emerge as the favorite to start.
If Shuler is the enforcer, Ben Minich is the playmaker. A 5-foot-11, 190-pound sophomore, Minich was a standout in high school with a knack for finding the football. His instincts in coverage are among the best on the roster, and he has the speed to range from sideline to sideline. Though slightly undersized compared to the prototypical safety, Minich makes up for it with elite anticipation and ball skills.
Minich saw sporadic playing time as a freshman but made the most of his opportunities, flashing his potential in late-game situations. His performance in Notre Dame’s spring game was particularly impressive, as he broke up multiple passes and nearly snagged an interception. Where he must improve is in his physicality—while he’s a willing tackler, he can get outmuscled by bigger receivers and running backs. If he adds more strength without sacrificing speed, he could become the centerfielder Notre Dame needs to replace Watts’ big-play ability.
The wild card in this competition is Luke Talich, a 6-foot-1, 200-pound sophomore who initially joined Notre Dame as a walk-on before earning a scholarship. Talich, a former high school quarterback and multi-sport athlete, possesses rare versatility. His football IQ is off the charts, and he has the length and athleticism to match up against a variety of offensive weapons.
Talich’s biggest advantage is his adaptability—he can play deep safety, slot corner, or even linebacker in certain packages. His background as a quarterback gives him an edge in diagnosing plays before they develop, and he has shown a knack for making clutch plays in practice. The biggest hurdle for Talich is experience; he hasn’t seen significant game action yet, and the jump from practice standout to starter is a big one. However, if he continues to impress in training camp, he could force his way into the lineup as a Swiss Army knife defender.
Defensive coordinator Al Golden and safeties coach Chris O’Leary will have a major say in who wins the job. Notre Dame’s defense relies on safeties who can do a bit of everything—cover deep, support the run, and occasionally blitz. Watts thrived in this role because of his well-rounded game, and the coaching staff will be looking for the same from his successor.
Shuler fits the traditional strong safety mold, while Minich is more of a free safety. Talich offers the most schematic flexibility, which could give him an edge in sub-packages even if he doesn’t win the starting job outright. The staff may also opt for a rotation early in the season to see who steps up in live game action.
Whoever wins the starting job will have enormous shoes to fill. Watts wasn’t just a tackler—he was a leader, a game-changer, and the emotional backbone of the defense. Notre Dame’s schedule features several high-powered offenses, including matchups against Texas A&M, USC, and Florida State. The new starting safety will be tested early and often, and their performance could make or break the Irish’s playoff hopes.
If Shuler wins the job, Notre Dame’s run defense should remain stout, but there may be concerns in coverage against elite passing attacks. If Minich emerges, the Irish could have a true ball hawk, but they might sacrifice some physicality. Talich offers the most unpredictability, which could be a strength or a liability depending on how quickly he adjusts to full-time snaps.
As of now, Shuler appears to be the slight favorite due to his physicality and high ceiling. However, Minich’s playmaking ability makes him a strong contender, and Talich’s versatility ensures he’ll be in the mix. This battle may not be decided until deep into fall camp, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see multiple players rotate in early-season games.
One thing is certain: Notre Dame’s next safety won’t be expected to replace Watts overnight. But with the right development, any of these three players could become the next great Fighting Irish defensive star. The competition will be fierce, the stakes high, and the entire college football world will be watching to see who rises to the challenge.
