Who are the Most Underrated Players on Notre Dame's 2025 Roster?

Noah Wehby
Jul 8
4 min read

Notre Dame's roster is filled with potential first-round picks, All-Americans, and even a Heisman candidate. With all that talent comes attention, but who are some players that may deserve a little more?

Photo by The Irish Tribune

Jadarian Price (RB)

Price is a no-brainer for this list. Price will probably never get the recognition or snaps he deserves because he shares a backfield with Jeremiyah Love. Love will always be the center of attention on Notre Dame's offense and running game, and rightfully so. With that being said, Price came up huge for Notre Dame week after week, offering another explosive and powerful ball carrier when Love got tired. It can't be easy for Price, knowing he would start at almost every other program in the country. He has everything a running back needs to be a successful first option for teams. Instead, Price and Love make up one of the best backfields in the country, all because of Price's willingness to be a number two. Last season, Price didn't always look like a two, though. He was always a threat to take any snap to the house and accounted for one of the biggest runs of the season. In Week One versus Texas A&M, Price gave the Irish a 13-6 lead in the third quarter with a 47-yard run. That run ended up being one of the biggest plays of the game, as Notre Dame would hold on to that lead to win by three. In total, Price's 2024 season was the best of his career. He ran for 746 yards and seven touchdowns on 120 carries. With Notre Dame's run-first mentality, the backup running back is crucial to their offense. Love would never be able to maintain his stamina and health with the amount of runs Notre Dame wants to implement. This is why Price's production plays such a significant role in Notre Dame's success. Although Irish fans adore the role Price plays, he still does not get the national recognition he deserves.

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Jalen Stroman (Safety)

Stroman is new to Notre Dame after transferring in from Virginia Tech, and due to injury, he has not been discussed as much as he should be. Stroman missed out on spring ball due to a shoulder injury that required surgery. Because of that missed time, it feels as if some people, even some Notre Dame fans, have forgotten what he can bring to this team. Paired with Adon Shuler, they could bring one of the more physically imposing safety tandems in the country. Stroman is an explosive athlete who loves to lay down the big hit. In run support, he is an above-average tackler who can get downhill to make crucial stops. In pass coverage, his athleticism puts him in a position to make plays, while his big hits could make receivers second-guess whether they want to come across the middle. With Notre Dame's surplus of solid safeties, Stroman might be a rotational player, but he will surely make his presence felt every time he steps on the field. That presence may be the most valuable trait he brings to the team. Stroman's physicality and energy will be a huge boost to Notre Dame's defense, as they try to set the tone as one of the best and most imposing defenses in the country.

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Junior Tuihalamaka (Defensive End)

Tuihalamaka saw extended snaps in 2024 due to injuries across the defensive line and made the most of the opportunity. In 2025, he may still be flying a bit under the radar on this defense, but he could be in a position to fill a crucial role once again. Tuihalamaka was a role player for much of last year, but he always seemed to be around the ball. Against Miami (OH), he came up with an interception at the goal line after a pass was tipped. In the CFP game against Georgia, he fell on a forced fumble that gave Notre Dame great field position before halftime, and then recorded a sack in the fourth quarter that helped seal the win for the Irish. In limited snaps, Tuihalamaka made a huge impact on the team's success as a solid do-it-all player for a defense that ranked among the best in college football. This season, he will likely be asked to serve a similar role. Boubacar Traore and Bryce Young will be the headliners of the pass rush, but Tuihalamaka will need to be ready to come in and impact the game when they need the rest. With Jordan Botelho out for an extended amount of time, he will likely be that third option for Chris Ash's defense. A role that is important for any team trying to make another deep playoff run, but it is also a role that will again make him an unsung hero on Notre Dame's defense.