What Does Marty Biagi Have Up His Sleeve? 2025 Notre Dame Special Teams Preview

Brenden Duffy
5 hours ago
4 min read

The third phase came up clutch for Notre Dame a year ago in the College Football Playoff. This fall, Special Teams Coordinator Marty Biagi’s units are undergoing some changes following key departures. We preview the Irish’s special teams units below:

Photos via Notre Dame Athletics

Kicking

Noah Burnette - The North Carolina graduate transfer comes over to South Bend, looking to improve an aspect the Irish were weak in last season, converting just 55.6% of their field goal attempts. Notre Dame’s field goal unit was especially worrisome within 39 yards, as they converted just 4/10 from that range. The former Tar Heel should provide some relief in this department. Across the past three seasons, Burnette has nailed 79% of his field goal attempts, including 19/20 within 29 yards. He has not showcased an extra strong leg, but the former Second Team All-ACC Kicker did convert a career-long 52-yarder last year. On extra point attempts, Burnette owns a 98.6% hit rate, including a perfect 43/43 in 2023.

Erik Schmidt - A dual threat kicker/punter from Milwaukee, Schmidt ranked as a consensus top five kicker and was named the top punter in the nation by Kohl’s Kicking. The Under Armour All-American owned a career-long 55-yarder in high school, breaking his program’s record. As an incoming freshman, Biagi has acknowledged Schmidt’s competitive push to play this season. He has even floated the idea of using different kickers/punters in various situations. We will see if the young leg gets on the field this year, but regardless, the Irish seem to have their future set in this position with Schmidt.

Marcello Diomede - It would appear that the junior from Illinois is set for another year serving as an emergency kicker. Diomede saw some time last year, taking a kickoff, converting an extra point, and missing a long field goal. His commitment to Notre Dame has to be acknowledged and should serve as someone comfortable that Biagi has worked with in the past.

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Punting:

James Rendell - One of the few key returning specialists is the projected starting punter. Rendell appeared in each game last season, seemingly improving as the year went on, averaging 48.1 yards per punt with a season-long 64-yarder against Virginia. Overall, the Australian served well, allowing no blocked punts and landing over 50% of his attempts inside the 20.

Erik Schmidt - The Milwaukee native has drawn praise from Coach Biagi on not just field goals, but punting and kickoffs, too. Given the freshman’s powerful leg, he should be prepared if called upon this season.

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The Return Options:

Jeremiyah Love/Jadarian Price - Coach Biagi made headlines recently when he stated that the Irish’s star running back duo could be in line for kickoff return duties this fall. Fans have seemed split on this idea; those against have cited injury concerns and limited true impact, while those in favor ask why would you not want your best athletes in the return game? The coaching staff will decide what they feel is best for the team, and if that means getting to watch two of the top running backs in the nation work opposing kickoff units, so be it.

Aneyas Williams - Notre Dame’s probable third-string running back should be competing this fall to take back some punts this year. The versatile sophomore worked with the specialists a year ago and earned two return opportunities. Following the departure of Max Hurleman, Williams should be one of a select few that Coach Biagi looks at in the punt return game.

Jordan Faison/Jaden Greathouse/Will Pauling - This trio of receivers has reportedly been competing for punt return reps this fall. Irish fans know how elusive returning weapons Faison and Greathouse can be when they get going. Coming out of halftime during the CFP First Round against Indiana, Faison took a reverse from Jayden Harrison 43 yards past midfield in the Irish’s victory. Greathouse also received work with the specialists last year, taking back one punt. The interesting option of this group is the Wisconsin transfer and new Notre Dame Captain. While Pauling is quick and shifty, he did not return kicks for the Badgers last season and struggled with some concentration drops. The talent is there, so if his drop issues do not translate to catching punts or if his hands just naturally improve, he could be a sneaky weapon this season for the Irish as a return man.

Dallas Golden - The true freshman cornerback may be a surprising option to some fans; however, Golden has been receiving work as a punt returner this fall. Across four varsity seasons at Berkeley Prep in Tampa, the consensus four-star recruit recorded 215 yards and two touchdowns on 35 punt return attempts, according to MaxPreps. Given the experience and natural ability, Golden could see time this year as a return man if the right opportunity arises.