Irish Linebackers Bring Healthy Mix of Talent and Experience Into 2025
- Noah Wehby
- 19 hours ago
- 4 min read
Notre Dame's defense returns the bulk of its linebacking core that was so productive for them last year, but without Jack Kiser, will the defense feel the loss of such a valuable leader? Or will they pick up right where they left off?
Photo by The Irish Tribune
Notre Dame has always had a steady supply of solid linebackers to shore up the middle of its defense. As defense is rarely the problem for Notre Dame, the linebackers of the past reflected that level of consistency. Looking at last season, the linebackers were once again a strength, playing their part in what was one of the more memorable defensive seasons for the Fighting Irish in recent history. The strongest part of this group last season was arguably the sixth-year senior and captain, Jack Kiser. Not only was he a sure tackler in the middle of the defense, but he was also the quarterback on that side of the ball, providing steadfast leadership for some talented new faces. The experience he brought to the defense was invaluable and undoubtedly a catalyst in the success the Irish achieved in 2024. Now, with a lot of returning talent, this linebacking core looks to carry the torch into a new season.
There is a lot to be excited about with these linebackers heading into the 2025 season. The player who appears to be the new leader of this group is junior, Drayk Bowen, who was just named a captain today for the upcoming season. Bowen started all 16 games last season, showing why he could be one of the best defensive returning players in 2025. Last season, he accounted for 78 tackles, four tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles. Bowen is an athletic playmaker in the middle of the defense and is a downhill tackling specialist who never shies away from contact. His new role as a leader of the defense suits him incredibly well, and he'll certainly look to pick up where Kiser left off in the leadership department.
Next is perhaps the most talked-about linebacker this offseason, Jaylen Sneed. Sneed has had an up-and-down career at Notre Dame thus far. It has been marked by incredibly athletic plays and moments at times, but also by inconsistencies. As a highly recruited prospect, there were a lot of expectations for Sneed when he arrived in South Bend. For whatever reason, Sneed has not been able to meet these expectations, but 2025 may change the narrative. There's no denying that Sneed has always had the raw athleticism and physical tools to be great, but he simply hasn't been able to tie it all together. This offseason, the coaching staff has had nothing but encouraging things to say about the work that Sneed has put in. Mainly, the work he has put into his body. In the spring, linebackers coach Max Bullough stated that Sneed was somewhere around 235 lbs, 15 pounds heavier than he had ever been before. Bullough thinks this will allow Sneed to make more of the plays he needs to make and add some more confidence to his game. Both are things Notre Dame will need in 2025 if they want to have repeated success. Paired with another offseason of development, the sky could be the limit for the former 5-star.
Another player many Notre Dame fans are excited to see take the next step is sophomore linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa. Viliamu-Asa was an integral part of last year's defense as a freshman until a late-season knee injury. He will once again be asked to play a huge role in the defense this season. Surprisingly for his age, Viliamu-Asa has incredible instincts and never seems to be out of position. This, combined with a long and athletic build, gives KVA the chance to make plays every down. That athleticism and football IQ give him a unique ability to be steady in pass coverage and twitchy enough to rush the passer. All of these skills make him as well-rounded a player as Notre Dame has on this defense. Now, with a year under his belt, KVA seems primed for a major jump in skill and production for a defense that is already loaded with talent.
Jaiden Ausberry is another sophomore looking to increase his impact and production in 2025. Last season, Ausberry flashed in his rotational role with his impressive athleticism and open-field tackling ability. This season, he brings much of the same, but now with more experience. It is still unclear how the starting lineup will shake out, but if last season is any proof, Ausberry will be called upon to uphold the level of play that was certainly deserving of more praise than he received. Ausberry, not unlike the rest of this emerging group, should take a significant leap this season.
Although this group of course includes a lot of other players that may see some playing time, the last player that could make a significant impact on this defense is true freshman Madden Faraimo. Faraimo was a last-second surprise pickup in the 2025 recruiting class after Freeman and company swayed him away from USC. Faraimo was one of the top linebackers in last year's recruiting class, possessing a body that is already primed to play college ball. With impressive size, power, and speed, Faraimo could be an impact player right out of the gates for the Irish in a rotational role. He is a physical tackler inside the numbers, but also possesses the finesse and speed to get pressure on the QB from the outside. As a linebacker, his instincts are maybe his most important asset for making plays. Although his instincts may have been elite at the high school level, there will always be a learning curve. Like Viliamu-Asa, Faraimo may be asked to contribute early on. If he can hit his stride, the Irish might be even more dominant than anticipated.
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