Top Players Notre Dame is Set to Face this Season

Brenden Duffy
Jun 15
3 min read

As Notre Dame looks to build off a National Championship appearance, we look at the top opposing players that could cause the Irish some struggles this year. Preview the nine talented players, five of whom are coming from Miami and Texas A&M, below:

Photo via Notre Dame Athletics

Miami OT Francis Mauigoa

The first player on this list is the Hurricanes' starting tackle. Last season, Mauigoa allowed just one sack and 16 QB hurries on 541 pass block snaps. With another solid year, the Miami product could be one of the top offensive linemen available in next year’s NFL Draft.

Miami QB Carson Beck

The former Georgia signal caller will open his Miami career against the Irish. It will also be Beck’s first game since injuring his elbow during the SEC Championship last season. In 27 games played across the past two years, Beck has thrown for 7,426 yards and 52 touchdowns as a Bulldog. After withdrawing from this year’s draft, Beck is estimated to have received $4 million in NIL from the Hurricanes. Time will tell if Beck can resurge his career similar to Cam Ward last year.

Miami Edge Rueben Bain Jr

The third and final Hurricane on this list is the 6’3, 275-pounder that can position anywhere on the line. After sustaining a calf injury in week one last season, Bain struggled while appearing in nine games featuring his lingering issue. However, as a freshman in 2023, he showed what he is capable of while tallying 44 tackles, seven and a half sacks, and three forced fumbles in 13 games played. When Bain is healthy, which he should be in week one this year, he has shown first-round talent.

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USC WR Makai Lemon

Notre Dame got a taste of what the Trojans slot-man is capable of last season when he racked up 133 yards on a season-high nine receptions. Lemon finished the year with 52 catches for 764 yards and three touchdowns. Along with being a talented return specialist, he is an ultra-smooth route runner with natural hands. Preventing Lemon from going off again will be key in this year’s matchup with USC.

Texas A&M OG Ar’maj Reed-Adams

The first of two Aggies on this list is the 6’5, 330-pound Right Guard. Reed-Adams started every game last season, allowing just one sack and eight QB hurries on 359 pass block snaps. Against the Irish, he held up nicely besides giving up a penalty in the Notre Dame win.

Texas A&M Edge Cashius Howell

The second Aggie comes on the other side of the ball with the former Bowling Green transfer. In 2023, Howell led the MAC in sacks with nine and a half in 13 games played. Last year, his first at Texas A&M, he totaled 40 tackles, nine tackles for loss, four sacks, seven passes defended, an interception, and a forced fumble in 13 games played. Howell recorded one tackle and two QB pressures against Notre Dame last year.

Pittsburgh LB Kyle Louis

When Notre Dame travels to Pittsburgh in November, the Panthers will be led by this great cover backer. On 51 targets last season, Louis allowed just 37 receptions for 320 yards and no touchdowns. The linebacker truly broke out last year, finishing his All-ACC First Team campaign with 101 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, seven sacks, four interceptions including a pick six, three passes defended, and a forced fumble in 13 games played.

Arkansas QB Taylen Green

It would be a mistake not to mention the Arkansas dual-threat signal caller when talking about top players on the Irish schedule. At 6-6 with a 4.4 40-yard dash, Green is a legitimate weapon. Following two years as Boise State’s starter, he made the transition to SEC football with Arkansas last season. Through the air, Green tallied 3,146 yards and 15 touchdowns. On the ground, he added 602 yards and eight touchdowns in 13 games played last year. If he can fix some of his turnover issues, Green could be an intriguing draft prospect in 2026.

North Carolina State TE Justin Joly

The final player on this list is the 6’3 receiving threat and former UConn transfer. Last season, his first at NC St., Joly posted 43 receptions for 661 yards and four touchdowns in 13 games played. The Irish will need to maintain the tight end if they want to extend their win streak to three over the Wolfpack.