In the month of April, Notre Dame was able to land two blue-chip defensive end prospects in 5-Star Rodney Dunham and 4-Star Ebenezer Ewetade. May has begun, and Notre Dame recruiting is continuing to fire on all cylinders, especially on the defensive side of the ball. St. Xavier product Jakobe Clapper joins Thomas Davis Jr as the second linebacker to land with the Fighting Irish for the 2026 cycle. Photo via Jakobe Clapper, Instagram (@kobeclapper) Clapper is a 3-Star prospect entering his senior season, but I am here to let you know that he is criminally underrated, and I would not be surprised to see that ranking get a boost before his high school career concludes. There are a lot of things to like about him based on his tape, and I broke down some of his biggest strengths. Each trait will be graded on a scale of 1 (Poor) to 7 (Elite). Let's get into it! Run Stopping: Very Good (6) Your off-ball linebackers better be able to stop the run, and Clapper delivers in this area at a high level. He displays good play speed, which allows him to knife in and beat blockers that are coming across the line of scrimmage to their spots. His play strength and balance show his ability to take on chip blockers and maintain his leverage on the ball carrier. His hand usage borders on elite, and he is very adept at shedding blocks, not just from inline tight ends, but guards and tackles as well. He knows how to work through traffic while staying square to the line of scrimmage, rarely overrunning plays. He has a very good feel when playing Zone Runs, filling the backside cutback lanes and meeting running backs in the hole. Excellent tackler who wraps up and explodes through his hips. He is efficient on both the frontside and backside of plays, and shows a lot of juice pursuing plays that are going away from him. Clapper truly does check all of the boxes as a run stopper, and what makes this trait even more special is his ability to do it from multiple alignments. Pass Rush/Blitzing: Very Good (6) This is where Clapper becomes an even more intriguing prospect to me. At only 6'1" and 215 pounds, being a full-time edge player is probably not in the cards. But as a pass rush specialist, I think there is tremendous upside to work with based on his traits. He has a very good upfield burst, which he combines with natural bend that allows him to work around tackles. As mentioned above, he is good at using his hands to shed and uses a quick, efficient chop when he is in rush mode. He will explode on his outside speed rushes, but as the QB climbs the pocket, he has the change of direction and awareness to retrace and work back upfield to quickly close the distance between them. He comes off the ball a little high at times, but still has the play strength to move linemen backwards with a Bull Rush, which I have seen him use against offensive tackles and on the interior vs guards and centers. When blitzing from his linebacker spot, he has excellent timing, often getting through the LOS before the linemen can react. He has racked up more QB hits than actual sacks, but he is always around the quarterback, and those will start to come in bunches the more opportunities he gets. His ability to read and react, paired with his excellent closing speed once he commits to getting after the QB, also gives him plus value as a spy. Notre Dame will be able to use him in a variety of ways, which I'm sure went into the thought process of why to recruit him. Zone Coverage: Good (5) This trait is more projection than film, as he did not have a lot of pure Zone drops vs intricate passing concepts, but there are some things that give me an idea that this could be another area of strength. His high-level mental processing vs the run also translates to his Zone drops, which were very evident when reading running back screens. He consistently did a good job of reading the quarterback's eyes and feeling out the screen before linemen could even get in place, which resulted in multiple tackles for loss. He also has the hip fluidity and change of direction to be able to drop in space, plant, and drive on crossers underneath him. I am looking forward to his senior season, just to see if he can get more reps under his belt as a Zone defender, which would expand how he can be used going forward. Mental Processing: Very Good (6) I touched on this a little bit throughout some of the other sections, but it's worth noting again that on film, Clapper appears to have a very high football IQ. Being big, fast, and physical are great jumping off points for a defender, but if you are constantly in the wrong position and making bad reads, those attributes can only get you so far. Clapper seems to have a natural feel for where the ball is going and is always among the first to get there, even as a backside defender. The fact he can be utilized on both the strong side and weak side of formations as an off the ball linebacker, as well as thriving from a 2-point stance as an edge defender, speaks to how well he understands the game, and Coach Marcus Freeman must be thrilled to have such a smart player joining his squad in the near future. Another day, another Notre Dame recruit that is probably deserving of a little more hype. Every evaluation I do, I do with the intent of being as accurate as possible and applying everything I have learned over the years in my breakdowns. I am here to tell you that Jakobe Clapper, if he continues to develop during his senior year in high school, will hit South Bend as a player who will far exceed his current ranking and will be firmly entrenched in a battle for playing time early in his college football journey. Marcus Freeman and his staff continue to bring in the right type of players to build around, and it feels like every day the ceiling on Notre Dame's potential, both in the present and for the future, rises just a little more. Click to Join! - https://www.facebook.com/groups/legionoftheleprechaun

New Notre Dame defensive coordinator Chris Ash joined the Fighting Irish with an extensive and proven track record for molding secondary talent. He has over a decade of experience under his belt as a defensive backs coach at both the collegiate and NFL levels. Mike Mickens, who Notre Dame was able to retain on staff after missing out on the coordinator role himself, has also been coaching cornerbacks at various stops since 2013. In other words, there is a plethora of knowledge for Notre Dame's cornerbacks and safeties to absorb, as they look to remain among the top units in the country. It is a huge draw to have that much expertise to learn from at your disposal, and one of the newest additions to the 2026 cycle for the Blue and Gold, defensive back Ayden Pouncey, will certainly reap the benefits once he reaches South Bend. Photo via Ayden Pouncey, X (@AydenPouncey) Pouncey is a 4-star safety out of Winter Park, Florida, and is only the second defensive back to be committed in the 2026 class. A two-way player at the high school level, doubling as a WR, Pouncey could potentially fit multiple roles on the defensive side of the ball for Notre Dame, and there is high hope that the current coaching staff will be able to get the most out of him. I watched his Sophomore and Junior film, and came away both impressed and curious about how he will be used entering his final year of high school. I broke down all of his key traits and will grade them all out on a scale of 1 (Poor) to 7 (Elite). Let's get into it! Ball Skills: Elite (7) Pouncey has a very natural ability for tracking the ball in the air from both Man and Zone looks. He has excellent hands, which will lead to plenty of interceptions instead of just knockdowns. He consistently high points the ball right over the top of receivers and plucks it out of the air. Pouncey also does a good job of using his off-hand to disrupt passes at the catch point when he recognizes he can not get both hands on it. Because of his athletic ability, vision, and time spent as a return man, he is also a big-time threat to take forced turnovers back to the house. He has the type of game-changing capabilities that you want on the back end of your defense. Man Coverage: Very Good (6) The biggest difference between his Sophomore and Junior tape was how much more he was used as a cornerback and asked to line up in Man Coverage. The good news for Notre Dame fans is that he more than held his own, and this gives him major versatility. When lined up over slot receivers, he did an excellent job of mirroring off the line of scrimmage and staying in phase on in-breaking routes. As a perimeter defender, he showed excellent use of hands when in press, and at almost 6'3", he really knows how to use his length to his advantage. Pouncey does not allow a lot of separation at the top of routes and has the change of direction needed to stay in the hip pocket of WRs. His own time spent playing receiver also gives him a unique understanding of pattern recognition and is a huge advantage. When I originally sat down to watch his film, I did so with the intention of evaluating a safety, but based on his Junior film, he very well may end up being a cornerback at the next level. This is what makes his upcoming Senior season so intriguing, and I look forward to seeing if he remains on the outside or drops back to a more traditional safety role. Range: Very Good (6) When Pouncey is lined up at safety, he has zero issue covering a lot of ground from a single high look. He shows very quick read and reaction time when it comes to attacking routes up the seam from a Cover 1. He can also get from midfield to the sidelines in a hurry once he decides to break on a ball. As a split safety, he quickly gets over the top when the corner to his side is beat and can disrupt the pass and consistently be the last line of defense. His range potential even shows itself when he is in off coverage as a cornerback, with the way he can plant and drive on quick throws before blocks can even be set up. Mental Processing: Elite (7) When Pouncey is playing from a deep Zone, his processing speed is off the charts. He reads the QB's eyes and is breaking on routes well before the ball is thrown. When asked to play as a Cover 2 corner, Pouncey does an amazing job of reading the flats while sinking with enough depth to be able to make plays on short/intermediate out-breaking routes that the quarterback is trying to layer between him and the safety. He proficiently reads WR screens and quick throws to the sidelines and blows them up before they ever get started. Any player that can alternate between Zone and Man efficiently, looks like a corner and a safety, and can thrive on the offensive side of the ball has a high football IQ and will earn more opportunities from the coaching staff. Run Support/Tackling: Solid (4) Although I would not call this a strength of Pouncey's game, there were definitely visual improvements from year 2 to year 3. As a Junior, he was certainly more physical and played with more aggression against the run, but some issues still linger. One of the main things is his tackling mechanics. When he is 1 on 1 in space with a ball carrier, he is much more likely to just try to go low and throw his shoulder into an opposing player instead of actually wrapping up. On too many occasions, the ball carrier was able to fall forward and pick up extra yardage because Pouncey was not really stopping their momentum. Even though he is 6'3", he is only around 160 pounds, which may contribute to his style of tackling, but it is something to watch entering his senior season.  I think if this area of his game were to remain relatively the same and he were to stick at safety, he adds much more value as a free safety instead of being asked to play in the box, where run support becomes a much more crucial attribute. Ayden Pouncey is rated a 91 on 247Sports. For reference, I have him graded slightly higher at 92. He is a talented addition to the Irish secondary and figures to carve out a role early in his college career due to his overall athletic profile, length, football IQ, and ball skills. With two of the brightest defensive back coaches in the game in Chris Ash and Mike Mickens, along with a defensive-minded Head Coach like Marcus Freeman, Pouncey could not have landed in a better spot for his development. Click to Join! - https://www.facebook.com/groups/legionoftheleprechaun

As the spring transfer portal window has been officially closed, here is a look at who can wear the "C" on their chest next season for the Fighting Irish. Last season, Notre Dame's football roster was filled with seniority and experience. From guys like Jack Kiser to Xavier Watts, the Fighting Irish had tremendous support from young talent, but were backed by senior leaders. The leadership within the locker room was one of the main reasons why Notre Dame was able to mentally recover from the Northern Illinois loss. Yet, as the Fighting Irish pivot to the 2025 season, it is hard pressed to find many seniors that can fill the captaincy role left by Kiser, Watts, Benjamin Morrison, Rylie Mills, and Riley Leonard. Let's take a look at who three of The Irish Tribune staff predicts to be captains next season. Liam Farrell: Senior Football Writer 5 Captains: Drayk Bowen (LB) Jaden Greathouse (WR) Jeremiyah Love (RB) Adon Shuler (S) Aamil Wagner (RT) My case for the captains are based on both talent and leadership potential. The best player on the team should normally be a shoe-in to wear the "C" on their chest. Knowing this, Jeremiyah Love is a clear candidate to be the captain. Last season, he showed he's the most explosive running back in the country, and has skyrocketed on NFL experts 2026 mock draft boards. A soft-spoken, lead-by-example type of player, Love might not be the stereotypical choice for the captain position. Yet, he is the experience veteran in Notre Dame's deepest position group, who rushed for 1,125 yards last season, while adding 19 total touchdowns. Joining Love on the offensive side of the ball are Jaden Greathouse and Aamil Wagner. Greathouse fortified himself as the number one option during last season's playoff run, as he combined for 233 yards receiving and three touchdowns in the semifinal and national championship game. As for Wagner, he was the only player on Notre Dame's offensive line to start every game for the Fighting Irish, which makes him a clear candidate to be a captain. As for the defense, Adon Shuler and Drayk Bowen are two juniors that had ample playing time last season. Bowen and Shuler were third and fourth in total tackles for the Fighting Irish defense last season. Last season, Bowen recorded had 78 total tackles and forced three fumbles, whereas Shuler tallied 59 total tackles and added three interceptions. While having junior captains might be rare, it occurred last season with Benjamin Morrison, and is more than likely to repeat itself next season with Shuler and Bowen leading Chris Ash's defense. Get an officially licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle! Code IrishTribune20 for $20 off Liam Gaudet: Senior Editor 4 Captains: Jaden Greathouse (WR) Jeremiyah Love (RB) Christian Gray (CB) Jordan Botelho (DE) On either side of the ball, I think you need a healthy mix of players who are important to the team and who bring different leadership qualities to the table. Offensively, one choice should be clear amongst the rest, and that would be Jeremiyah Love. Love put the entire college football world on notice last season, and the lights would shine the brightest during Notre Dame's run to the CFP National Championship. Love's electrifying play style, whether that be breaking off a 98-yard run in the opening round or muscling through Penn State defenders in the semi-final, gave the Irish a ton of momentum at critical junctures in big games. Love can single-handedly swing momentum on any given carry, and should be looked upon as one of the leaders of the offense next season. Jaden Greathouse's commitment to the Notre Dame program is something to be admired in the modern era of college football. During the last offseason, the Irish saw a mass exodus of receivers from the program, including both Rico Flores and Braylon James, who were a part of the same recruiting class as Greathouse. Instead of running from an uncertain future, Greathouse continued to put the work in, and the results have been tremendous. Not unlike Love, Greathouse has never been one to shy away from the moment, and cemented himself as a choice for captaincy as a result. With a more polished passer at the helm this season, I expect Greathouse to have an extremely productive season, and lead the offense while doing so. A similar trend emerges for both of my choices on the defensive side of the ball - adversity. Botelho's Notre Dame career has been marred by injury, but the potential has always been there for the senior edge rusher. Botelho has fought relentlessly to get healthy, and if he can stay that way, I'm certain the production will follow with a more well-rounded supporting cast. Christian Gray has been the subject of some scrutiny, and this will probably be a polarizing pick to some. Despite a lot of noise, Gray's mental toughness is something a lot of folks should admire. I look at the USC game as one of the greatest examples. After being picked on all game, Gray came up with what was the biggest play of Notre Dame's season up to that point, returning an interception the length of the field for a touchdown to ice the game. Of course, you can't mention Gray without bringing up his incredible interception in the Orange Bowl to send the Irish to the National Championship. I think the adversity both of these players have had to face in their Notre Dame careers will help them flourish into resilient leaders, and excellent captains. Luciano Antonini: Director of Media & Brand 4 Captains: Jordan Botelho (DE) Jeremiyah Love (RB) Gabriel Rubio (DT) DeVonta Smith (S) Jordan Botelho is my lock for team captain. Being a veteran, combined with his leadership and hearing from his teammates, there’s no reason Botelho isn’t a team captain in 2025. Transfer DB DeVonta Smith is one of my two under the radar picks for captaincy. Smith is bringing knowledge, leadership, and expertise from Alabama, and I think he will be the strongest mind in the secondary. Gabriel Rubio is another under the radar pick for me. I think Rubio will have an increased workload in 2025 with the departure of Rylie Mills to the NFL. His seniority and high praise from teammates are other reasons pointing toward the nod. Jeremiyah Love is a very likely candidate as well. He’s essentially the face of the program in the eyes of college football fans, and he’s destined to improve upon his magical 2024 season. He will likely be in the running for the Heisman Trophy and I think this is also a no-brainer. I also will throw in that the winner of the QB battle, CJ Carr and Kenny Minchey, will also likely be a team captain. Having your QB1 as team captain is non-explanatory in my opinion. Brenden Duffy: Editor/Writer 5 Captains: Drayk Bowen (LB) Jaden Greathouse (WR) OR Malachi Fields (WR) Jeremiyah Love (RB) Adon Shuler (S) Aamil Wagner (RT) A natural next step in Love’s game is to become a leader not just on the field, but in the locker room too. If he wants to be a captain, he is certainly worthy. Last season, Wagner was a mainstay contributor on an injury-laden OL. He should be an easy pick for captain in my opinion. Either Fields or Greathouse would be my next choice. Fields was a captain at UVA, so he has the experience. Greathouse is deserving as well given his success (with subpar QB play) over the last 2 years. Defensively, Bowen is the easy pick as he seems to be a natural leader and obviously a great talent. Shuler would be the 5th captain and his experiences from last season should provide some natural leadership. Click to Join! - https://www.facebook.com/groups/legionoftheleprechaun

The future is very bright in the RB room at Notre Dame, and it continued to get even brighter when C/O 2026 4-Star RB Javian Osborne committed to play for the Fighting Irish on May 3rd, 2025. Photo via Javian Osborne Osborne is a 5'10", 200 lbs running back out of Forney High School in Forney, Texas. He is ranked by 247Sports Composite as the #6 overall running back in the country, and the #90 overall player nationally. Prior to committing to Notre Dame, he had 42 D1 offers from such notable schools as Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Miami, Michigan, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oregon, Penn State, Texas, USC, and Notre Dame, among others. I was fortunate enough to catch up with Javian after he committed to Notre Dame to find out how his recruitment went, what his relationship is like with the coaches, and why he chose Notre Dame over all the rest. Javian was gracious enough to answer those questions and more. For many recruits, the process can be exciting but overwhelming at times, and for Javian, it was no different. With the support of his family, he stayed grounded and focused on the things that mattered, which ultimately helped him make his decision. "It was an exciting but also an overwhelming experience. My family was very supportive throughout, helping me stay grounded and focused on what really mattered, like academics, culture, and relationships. We made it a point to take our time and make the right decision." For every recruit, there's always a moment when they realize that the place they are meant to be is the particular school they are looking at. Javian knew early on that Notre Dame was where he was meant to be. As he described to me, it all clicked during his very first visit to Notre Dame. "Honestly, it clicked during my first visit. Being on campus, talking with the coaches, and seeing the tradition and brotherhood firsthand. I felt like I was at home. I could just see myself growing both as a player and a person there." There are many reasons a recruit may choose to commit to a school. It could be familiarity with the area, proximity to home, or academics, among other reasons, but why did Javian pick Notre Dame? For him, it was about the academics, the storied football program, life after football, and the culture and values that are important to him and his family. "It’s the full package. Top-tier academics, a storied football program, and a strong network that sets you up for life after football. The culture of excellence and the values Notre Dame stands for align with mine and my family’s." Where a young athlete ultimately decides to attend college is usually dependent on where they feel the most comfortable and the relationships they cultivate with the coaches. For Javian, that rings true, and Coach Ja'Juan Seider has done a great job building a strong bond and relationship with him. "Coach Seider has been real with me from day one. He’s more than just a coach, he’s someone who genuinely cares about me as a person. We’ve built a strong bond, and I know I can trust him to push me and help me reach my full potential as a young man, ball player, and student athlete." So, how much of a role did the coaches play in his decision to choose Notre Dame? "It played a major role in my decision. I wanted to go somewhere I felt genuinely valued, not just as a player, but as a person. The way the coaching staff stayed consistent, communicated, and made my family feel included really set Notre Dame apart." Now that Javian has officially announced his decision to commit to the Fighting Irish, what is he looking forward to most? "I’m excited to meet my future teammates, compete, and get to work. I’m also looking forward to being a part of that campus environment and embracing everything Notre Dame has to offer on and off the field. I look forward to helping and making an impact in the South Bend community." For Notre Dame fans wondering what exactly the football program will be getting from a player like Javian Osborne? He's got an answer for that, too. "They’re getting a competitor who gives 110% every snap. I take pride in being physical, disciplined, and a student of the game. I’ll do whatever it takes to help the team win, and I’m ready to represent the University of Notre Dame!" Javian Osborne is a very talented and humble young man who continues to grow and improve each day. He’s a hard worker who’s highly motivated to help his team succeed . We at The Irish Tribune would like to wish Javian good luck on his journey at Notre Dame! Click to Join! - https://www.facebook.com/groups/legionoftheleprechaun

The spring portion of the college football season is coming to an end. The portal is closed, camps are over, and Notre Dame is approaching their summer camp. What are the strongest parts of this Notre Dame roster? Photo by The Irish Tribune There is a lot to like about this 2025 Notre Dame roster. They have depth at almost every position, with stars on both sides of the ball. This roster has a nice blend of young talent and returning production, which puts this team in an advantageous spot to replicate last season's success. Running Back Maybe the biggest strength on this roster is the running back room. It isn't just the best position group on this team, it is probably the best running back room in the entire country. Jeremiyah Love is the main headliner of this group, with a jaw-dropping season in 2024, which has put him in a position to be considered one of the best returning players in the country and the unanimous best running back in football. Love was the difference maker for the Irish for almost all of last year, as he consistently provided big plays when the offense needed one. Love is not the only part of this room that makes it special, as Jadarian Price backs him up. Price is going into his senior year at Notre Dame, after putting up very impressive stats behind Love. Price is as good a second option as a team could ask for. He has a great combination of explosive speed and bruising power that makes him a real threat in the backfield. Love and Price will be the featured backs in 2025, and if 2024 is any indication, they have the chance to carry this offense to the National Championship. They aren't the only reason to be excited about this room, however. Aneyas Williams, as a freshman, played vital snaps for Notre Dame this past season. Kedren Young showed a lot during the spring game that could earn him minutes this year as well. Altogether, this room is talented from top to bottom. Offensive Line The Notre Dame 2025 offensive line has a chance to be elite this upcoming season. Last season, the offensive line was banged up from start to finish. This caused the depth of this group to be put to the test, and it stood tall the entire year. This was thanks to players like Pat Coogan and Rocco Spindler, both of whom transferred this spring due to the uncertainty of their role. Notre Dame has so much talent at the offensive line that two starters in the National Championship had to transfer due to fears of not starting the next year. This upcoming season, Notre Dame will welcome back Ashton Craig at guard after he suffered a season-ending injury against Purdue. Charles Jagusah missed almost all of 2024 due to an injury he sustained over the summer. Jagusah was slotted to start at left tackle before that, so 2025 will be his first opportunity to play a full year. Aamil Wagner, a starter for all of 2024, is also returning to this offensive line. Along with Wagner, Anthonie Knapp is looking to make some more noise this season. Knapp was thrown into the fire against Texas A&M as a true freshman and held up well. He has a bright future this season and seasons to come. Behind these starters are very talented players waiting in the wings, like Guerby Lambert and Will Black. This offensive line is stacked at every position. It has quality starters ready to take the next step, while stockpiling talent that could be ready to make an impact at any moment. Defensive End The Notre Dame defensive end position has the chance to be a truly special group in 2025. They return a ton of production from last year that projects to get even better, as some of them are younger players. The defensive end position was one of many positions that were ravaged by injuries last year. Jordan Botelho and Boubacar Traore both tore their ACLs last season but will be back to start in 2025. Botelho has been with the program for what will end up being six years, and he brings experience, toughness, and a high IQ that is perfect to blend with the athleticism others bring. Traore was Notre Dame's best pass rusher before his injury, leading the team with three sacks at the time. Traore is long, athletic, and full of potential going into his junior year. Bryce Young is another young playmaker on the edge who seems primed for a breakout year. Young was thrust into a starting position as a freshman due to the extensive injuries the defensive line endured. Young showed off his freak athleticism and ability to disrupt opposing offenses. He looked raw out there as a pass rusher, but he has all the necessary traits to become one of the best players on this team. Junior Tuihalamaka also made the most of his chances last season. He served an important role down the stretch and made one of the biggest plays of the season when he strip-sacked Gunner Stockton in the Sugar Bowl. He will also be in the rotation this year, rounding out a formidable group that will have opposing quarterbacks on their toes all season. Defensive Back Following a dominant 2024, the Notre Dame secondary looks primed for another big year, now led by Christian Gray, Leonard Moore, and Adon Shuler. This secondary has playmakers everywhere, some returning from last year, while others are newcomers. Gray was a bit of an up-and-down player last season. He operated as a great secondary cornerback when Benjamin Morrison was in the lineup, but he began to struggle when he was tasked with guarding every team's best receiver. With another year of development for the young corner, 2025 should be the time for him to fully step into that role, but he will again have a lot of help. Maybe the most promising player on the entire defense, Leonard Moore, is going into his sophomore year, ranked the best returning cornerback according to Pro Football Focus. Moore surprised everyone last season with his lockdown play in 2024, after being ranked a 3-star just a summer prior. This secondary also features Adon Shuler, a physical and athletic safety who will have a prominent role on this defense. Notre Dame also brought in some newcomers to round out the secondary. Alabama transfer, DeVonta Smith, comes in with SEC experience and great ball skills. Jalen Stroman, a Virginia transfer, will be paired with Shuler in the secondary. Stroman is a hard-hitting, heat-seeking missile who can step in and make an immediate impact. Click to Join! - https://www.facebook.com/groups/legionoftheleprechaun

It has been a quiet transfer portal for Notre Dame Men’s Basketball, but they did receive a commitment from Northern Arizona's Carson Towt on April 13. Photo via Carson Towt (X, @CarsonTowt) The 6-8, 235-pound big man committed to the Irish with one year of eligibility remaining. 247 Sports ranks Towt as a three-star transfer and a top 350 player in the portal. Two players who received the same grade as Towt (89.00) from last year’s portal include Notre Dame’s Matt Allocco, who played relatively well when healthy, and Wisconsin’s John Tonje, who went on to earn an AP All-American Second Team selection in his lone season as a Badger. Born and raised in Gilbert, Arizona, Towt was unranked and under-recruited in high school. As a senior and team captain in 2019 at Gilbert High School, the big man led his hometown school to a State Championship victory.  Out of high school, Towt originally committed to Cal Baptist but made the move back home to Northern Arizona after just one semester. Due to these circumstances, he was redshirted for the 2019-20 season.  Towt made an impact when he did eventually touch the court in 2020-21 as a redshirt freshman. He appeared in all 22 games, making 19 starts. The big man tallied 5.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 21 minutes per game. He shot an efficient 53.1% from the field while leading the team in offensive rebounds (38) and blocks (13). In addition, he finished second on the team in total rebounds and assists. The big man used his extra year of eligibility from the COVID season in 2021-22, retaining his redshirt freshman status. Towt started all 32 games, averaging 30 minutes per contest. He posted 8.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, leading the team in rebounds and assists. Additionally, he led the Big Sky conference in offensive rebounds per game with 2.9. He had 11 games with double-digit rebounds, including a season-high of 18 at South Dakota. Against Embry-Riddle, Towt recorded the second triple-double in program history when he finished the contest with 10 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists. Arguably, his best performance of the year occurred in the Big Sky Tournament when he scored a season-high 21 points while adding 16 rebounds in a loss to Eastern Washington. Get an officially licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle! Code IrishTribune20 for $20 off As a redshirt sophomore in 2022-23, Towt started all 35 games as he helped NAU to a Big Sky Tournament Final appearance. While receiving about 29 minutes per game, he averaged 10.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3 assists throughout the season. The big man shot 53.2% from the field in addition to leading the team in rebounds, assists, and blocks. His season-highs include a 23-point outing at Montana and a 19-rebound performance at Utah Valley. After leading the ninth-seeded NAU to the Big Sky Final, Towt was selected to the All-Tournament Team.  Towt missed the entire 2023-24 season due to a back injury, granting him an extra year of eligibility. The big man made his return last season and exploded for a career-best year. After starting all 34 games, Towt was selected to the All-Big Sky Second Team and Defensive Team. In 34 minutes per game, he averaged 13.3 points on a very efficient 56.9% from the field. His 12.4 rebounds per game led the nation as he also dished out 3.4 assists per game. He totaled season-highs in points with 24 at Idaho State and rebounds with 19 at Northern Colorado. At Notre Dame, it is expected that Towt will play "the five" primarily. If he starts, the Irish will be playing positionless, small-ball a majority of the time. Towt's ability to finish over bigger defenders in the paint and grab rebounds should translate to the ACC. His defense, specifically in the post, will be tested throughout the year as he adjusts to ACC-level big man talent. Click to Join! - https://www.facebook.com/groups/legionoftheleprechaun

As Notre Dame survived a mass exodus amid the spring transfer portal window, here is where the Fighting Irish's roster sits at crucial positions. Photo by The Irish Tribune With the departures of Steve Angeli, Kennedy Urlacher, Zak Yoakam, and Rino Monteforte, the Fighting Irish were affected by the spring transfer portal but not destroyed. With the amount of depth Notre Dame possesses on its roster, transfers were bound to happen, yet Marcus Freeman's ability to keep the players on the fence from transferring is where the Irish shined. With loaded running back and linebacker rooms, there was almost a certainty Notre Dame would lose at least one talented player, but after each player's post-spring practice one-on-ones, no one from either room had departed. While the Irish aren't officially out of the woods, with graduate players being able to transfer at any time, it should be interesting to see which players depart after earning their prestigious Notre Dame degree. With that being said, here is where the Irish roster sits at crucial positions after the spring transfer portal window. Quarterback CJ Carr, Blake Hebert, Kenny Minchey, Anthony Rezac, Tyler Buchner? Freeman stated his desire for a two-man competition following the Blue-Gold game, and he got his wish as the veteran of the group, Steve Angeli, entered the transfer portal, and committed to the Syracuse Orange. Angeli's departure gives way to CJ Carr and Kenny Minchey vying for the opportunity to start against the Miami Hurricanes during Week One of the college football season. Blake Hebert and Anthony Rezac will split the third team reps, and Rezac will remain a valuable part of the Irish's scout team offense. It will be interesting to see if Tyler Buchner returns to the quarterback room for the Fighting Irish as well. Running Back Dylan Devezin, Nolan James Jr., Jeremiyah Love, Gi’Bran Payne, Jadarian Price, Jake Tafelski, Aneyas Williams, Kedren Young This is one position where the Fighting Irish were bound to lose one impact player, yet there were no departures during the spring transfer window. Coach Ju'Juan Seider has stated that he only plays three running backs, if that, on game days, which makes it hard to spread touches as much as previous running backs coach Deland McCullough would do so last year. There are no questions that Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price will be the featured backs, but it will be interesting to see who slides into the RB3 role. Will it be Aneyas Williams who was the third down back last season and came into his own during the playoff run? Or will it be Gi'Bran Payne who assumed that position in 2023 before tearing his ACL in the last spring's Blue-Gold game? Kedren Young has also shown great potential in the limited reps he's received. Could he see playing time on Saturdays in the fall? These questions are why it was so shocking to see no one leave the room. As for Young and Williams, they are still young and are the heir to the reps that will be vacated by Price and Love opting for the 2026 NFL Draft. But yet, the culture instilled by Marcus Freeman has every player bought into the Fighting Irish, and the lack of entries into the portal speaks volumes of his work. Defensive End Jordan Botelho, Christopher Burgess Jr., Josh Burnham, Dominik Hulak, Cole Mullins, Loghan Thomas, Boubacar Traore, Junior Tuihalamaka, Bryce Young The defensive end position was yet another one that is absolutely loaded with talent. With the return of Jordan Botelho and Boubacar Traore from injury, the Fighting Irish will have two premium pass rushers re-enter the equation. However, it should be interesting to see how Al Washington handles the rotations for the upcoming season. Junior Tuihalamaka and Josh Burnham stepped up to the challenge last season after the injuries to Botelho and Traore. Then, there is superstar Bryce Young, who shows the greatest signs of potential with his freakish athleticism. Loghan Thomas is right there with Young as well, due to his speed off the end. One could even factor Christopher Burgess Jr. into the equation next season, as the highly touted freshman looks the part of a high-caliber Division I pass rusher. Get an officially licensed Notre Dame pickleball paddle! Code IrishTribune20 for $20 off Linebacker Jaiden Ausberry, Drayk Bowen, Madden Faraimo, Bodie Kahoun, Kahanu Kia, Ko’o Kia, Tommy Powlus, Tre Reader, Teddy Rezac, Anthony Sacca, Jaylen Sneed, Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, Preston Zinter Here is yet another room where Notre Dame is tremendously blessed with talent. Last season, Max Bullough rotated five guys (Ausberry, Bowen, Kiser, Sneed, Viliamu-Asa) for playing time last season. With captain Jack Kiser leaving and being selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 4th round of the NFL Draft, there is a hole to be filled, if Bullough decides to rotate five players again. Could it be Madden Faraimo, who was an early enrollee, and already looks physically ready for high-level football? Or will it be Preston Zinter, who carries a little more experience, and is a warrior on special teams? It should be interesting to see how the rotations in the linebacker room shake out, outside of the four cemented impact players for the Fighting Irish defense. Click to Join! - https://www.facebook.com/groups/legionoftheleprechaun

Notre Dame recruiting has been on a heater lately, as they continue to build momentum on the recruiting trail. The recent haul of elite talent has positioned Notre Dame to be ranked third overall this recruiting cycle, according to 247 Sports, with more talent likely on the way. Let's take a look at who is left on the board for the Irish this cycle. Photo by The Irish Tribune Below is a list of the top targets that remain on the coaching staff's wish list, broken down by position. How many and who they will end up landing remains to be seen, but I like the Irish to land multiple recruits on this list. Running Backs Javian Osborne (Forney, TX) Javian Osborne is a 5'10", 200 lbs. running back out of Forney High School in Forney, Texas. 247 Sports Composite ranks him as the 12th overall recruit in the state of Texas and the 90th overall recruit in the nation. He currently holds 42 D1 offers from such notable schools as Alabama, Michigan, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Miami, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oregon, Penn State, and Notre Dame, among others. He is scheduled to make his decision on May 3rd, 2025. Notre Dame has done a fantastic job making Javian a priority at the running back position for the 2026 class, and I like where they stand when it comes to his commitment. Brian Bonner (Valencia, CA) Brian Bonner is a 6'0", 190 lbs. running back out of Valencia High School in Valencia, California. 247 Sports Composite ranks him as the 14th overall recruit in the state of California and the 103rd overall recruit in the nation. He currently holds 28 D1 offers from such notable schools as Penn State, UCLA, Auburn, Georgia, Michigan, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, and Notre Dame, among others. Jonaz Walton (Carrollton, GA) Jonaz Walton is a 5'10", 215 lbs. running back out of Central High School in Carrollton, Georgia. 247Sports Composite ranks him as the 18th overall recruit in the state of Georgia and the 124th overall recruit in the nation. He currently holds 32 D1 offers from such notable schools as Alabama, Penn State, Oregon, Auburn, Georgia, Michigan, Ohio State, Texas, USC, Clemson, and Notre Dame, among others. DeZephen Walker (Peculiar, MO) DeZephen Walker is a 6'0", 205 lbs. running back out of Raymore-Peculiar High School in Peculiar, Missouri. 247Sports Composite ranks him as the 6th overall recruit in the state of Missouri and the 363rd overall recruit in the nation. He currently holds 23 D1 offers from such notable schools as Nebraska, Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Miami, Oregon, Ole Miss, and Notre Dame, among others. Wide Receivers Kaydon Finley (Aledo, TX) Kaydon Finley is a 6’2”, 195 lbs. wide receiver out of Aledo High School in Aledo, Texas. He is the son of former standout NFL tight end Jermichael Finley and has emerged as a major target for Notre Dame in the 2026 class. He is ranked by 247 Sports Composite as the 16th overall wide receiver in the country and a Top 100 (#109) recruit nationally. He currently holds 36 D1 offers from such notable schools as Texas, Texas A&M, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Oregon, Penn State, and Notre Dame, among others. Like Javian Osborne, I really like where Notre Dame stands in terms of Kaydon's recruitment, and the closer it gets to him making a decision, the more confident I am that he will end up picking Notre Dame. Brayden Robinson (Red Oak, TX) Brayden Robinson is a 5'9", 160 lbs. wide receiver out of Red Oak High School in Red Oak, Texas. 247 Sports Composite ranks him as the 44th overall recruit in the state of Texas and the 330th overall recruit in the nation. He currently holds 49 D1 offers from such notable schools as Alabama, Penn State, Oregon, Auburn, Ohio State, Michigan, Texas, USC, Clemson, and Notre Dame, among others. Tight Ends Ian Premer (Great Bend, KS) Ian Premer is a 6'6", 230 lbs. tight end out of Great Bend High School in Great Bend, Kansas. 247 Sports Composite ranks him as the No. 1 overall recruit in the state of Kansas and the 44th overall recruit in the nation. He currently holds 26 D1 offers from such notable schools as Auburn, Michigan, Florida, Indiana, Miami, Oklahoma, Oregon, Stanford, Tennessee, USC, Texas A&M, and Notre Dame, among others. JC Anderson (Mt. Zion, IL) JC Anderson is a 6'7", 235 lbs. tight end out of Mt. Zion High School in Mt. Zion, Illinois. 247 Sports Composite ranks him as the 3rd overall recruit in the state of Illinois and the 143rd overall recruit in the nation. He currently holds 36 D1 offers from such notable schools as Auburn, Ole Miss, Illinois, North Carolina, Florida, Florida State, Indiana, LSU, Michigan, Oregon, Penn State, Texas, USC, and Notre Dame, among others. Evan Jacobson (Waukee, IA) Evan Robinson is a 6'7", 210 lbs. tight end out of Waukee High School in Waukee, Iowa. 247 Sports Composite ranks him as the 2nd overall recruit in the state of Iowa and the 265th overall recruit in the nation. He currently holds 26 D1 offers from such notable schools as Florida State, Auburn, Penn State, Louisville, Stanford, LSU, Ohio State, Miami, and Notre Dame, among others. Gavin Mueller (Wheaton, IL) Gavin Mueller is a 6'6", 255 lbs. tight end out of South Elgin High School in Wheaton, Illinois. 247 Sports Composite ranks him as the 17th overall recruit in the state of Illinois and the 829th overall recruit in the nation. He currently holds 23 D1 offers from such notable schools as LSU, Wisconsin, Cincinnati, Florida, Indiana, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, and Notre Dame, among others. Offensive Line Grayson McKeogh (Glenside, PA) Grayson McKeogh is a 6'8", 280 lbs. offensive tackle out of La Salle College in Glenside, Pennsylvania. 247 Sports Composite ranks him as the 7th overall recruit in the state of Pennsylvania and the 260th overall recruit in the nation. He currently holds 15 D1 offers from such notable schools as Penn State, Indiana, Missouri, Ole Miss, Michigan State, Duke, Boston College, and Notre Dame, among others. Ekene Ogboko Ekene Ogboko is a 6'6", 280 lbs. interior offensive lineman out of South Garner High School in Durham, North Carolina. 247 Sports Composite ranks him as the 7th overall recruit in the state of North Carolina, and the 65th overall recruit in the nation. He currently holds 34 D1 offers from such notable schools as Georgia, Clemson, Alabama, Ohio State, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, LSU, Miami, Ole Miss, Stanford, USC, Texas A&M, and Notre Dame, among others. He is scheduled to visit Notre Dame on June 20th, 2025. Defensive Line Dre Quinn (Norcross, GA) Dre Quinn is a 6'4", 228 lbs. edge rusher out of Greater Atlanta Christian High School in Norcross, Georgia. 247 Sports Composite ranks him as the 28th overall recruit in the state of Georgia and the 259th overall recruit in the nation. He currently holds 38 D1 offers from such notable schools as Tennessee, Texas, Georgia, Clemson, Alabama, Auburn, Florida State, LSU, Miami, Michigan, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, and Notre Dame, among others. He recently named Notre Dame in his Top 6. McHale Blade (Chicago, IL) McHale Blade is a 6'4", 245 lbs. edge rusher out of Simeon High School in Chicago, Illinois. 247 Sports Composite ranks him as the 7th overall recruit in the state of Illinois and the 195th overall recruit in the nation. He currently holds 25 D1 offers from such notable schools as Georgia, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Miami, Michigan, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Penn State, and Notre Dame, among others. Tiki Hola (Bastrop, TX) Tiki Hola is a 6'3", 270 lbs. defensive lineman out of Bastrop High School in Bastrop, Texas. 247 Sports Composite ranks him as the 41st overall recruit in the state of Texas and the 310th overall recruit in the nation. He currently holds 25 D1 offers from such notable schools as SMU, USC, Arizona, Arizona State, Auburn, Georgia, LSU, Miami, Michigan, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, and Notre Dame, among others. This appears to be a two-team race between Notre Dame and SMU. Notre Dame appears to be in the lead here, and I don't expect that to change. I predict Hola will be Irish. Elijah Golden (Sarasota, FL) Elijah Golden is a 6'4", 275 lbs. defensive lineman out of Cardinal Mooney High School in Sarasota, Florida. 247 Sports Composite ranks him as the 26th overall recruit in the state of Florida and the 188th overall recruit in the nation. He currently holds 39 D1 offers from such notable schools as Alabama, Florida, Michigan, Oklahoma, Auburn, Clemson, Florida State, Georgia, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Oregon, Penn State, Texas, Notre Dame, among others. Golden was on an unofficial visit to Notre Dame last month. Linebackers Talanoa Ili 4-Star LB (Kahuku, HI) Talanoa IIi is a 6'4" 220 lbs. linebacker out of Kahuku High School in Kahuku, Hawaii. 247 Sports Composite ranks him as the No. 1 overall recruit in the state of Hawaii and the 69th overall recruit in the nation. He currently holds 24 D1 offers from such notable schools as Oregon, USC, Texas, Oklahoma, Florida, Michigan, Ohio State, and Notre Dame among others. Tank King (Port Arthur, TX) Tank King is a 6'2", 220 lbs. linebacker out of Memorial High School in Port Arthur, Texas. 247 Sports Composite ranks him as the 56th overall recruit in the state of Texas and the 407th overall recruit in the nation. He currently holds 31 D1 offers from such notable schools as Texas, Texas A&M, Oklahoma State, Michigan, Alabama, Arizona State, Florida, Oklahoma, Penn State, SMU, Tennessee, and Notre Dame, among others. Secondary Joey O'Brien (Glenside, PA) Joey O'Brien is a 6'4", 185 lbs. defensive back out of La Salle College High School in Glenside, Pennsylvania. 247 Sports Composite ranks him as the 2nd overall recruit in the state of Pennsylvania and the 71st overall recruit in the nation. He currently holds 28 D1 offers from such notable schools as Penn State, Clemson, Oregon, Alabama, Miami, Michigan, Ohio State, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida State, and Notre Dame, among others. Penn State seems to be the front runner here, but Notre Dame has been in hot pursuit of O'Brien and will be until he announces his commitment. Nick Reddish (Charlotte, NC) Nick Reddish is a 5'11", 180 lbs. defensive back out of Independence High School in Charlotte, North Carolina. 247 Sports Composite ranks him as the 29th overall recruit in the state of North Carolina and the 635th overall recruit in the nation. He currently holds 21 D1 offers from such notable schools as North Carolina, Virginia Tech, Wisconsin, Indiana, Cincinnati, Duke, Louisville, Ole Miss, Tennessee, and Notre Dame, among others. Reddish is another recruit who has always raved about his relationship with the Notre Dame coaches and his love for the school. I predict he'll be Irish when all is said and done. Khary Adams (Towson, MD) Khary Adams i s a 6'2", 180 lbs. defensive back out of Loyola Blakefield High School in Towson, Maryland. 247 Sports Composite ranks him as the 4th overall recruit in the state of Maryland and the 73rd overall recruit in the nation. He currently holds 39 D1 offers from such notable schools as Oregon, Penn State, South Carolina, USC, Auburn, Clemson, Florida State, LSU, Miami, Michigan, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Notre Dame, among others. Jordan Thomas (Oradell, NJ) Jordan Thomas i s a 6'1", 185 lbs. defensive back out of Bergen Catholic High School in Oradell, NJ. 247Sports Composite ranks him as the 2nd overall recruit in the state of New Jersey and the 176th overall recruit in the nation. He currently holds 44 D1 offers from such notable schools as Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Miami, Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, Tennessee, Texas, USC, and Notre Dame, among others. 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The 2025 NFL Draft has concluded, and six Notre Dame players were selected. They will now begin the process of finding their place on the roster, while showing coaches what they offer to their new franchises. Photo by The Irish Tribune Benjamin Morrison - Tampa Bay Buccaneers - CB The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Morrison with the 53rd pick in the second round. Due to injury concerns, his draft stock fell throughout the process, making him a risky first-round pick. Tampa is a perfect fit for Morrison, and if he can remain healthy, the Buccaneers have themselves a steal in the second round. The Buccaneers' secondary was solid last season, but it was still in need of some youthful talent to help bolster the room. Their offense is loaded with talent, so it is also not surprising that they went defense with one of their early picks. Morrison will immediately elevate the secondary, as he possesses the pedigree of a first round selection. The main question with this pick is Morrison's health. If he's healthy, the Buccaneers likely have a long-term starter that they can rely on to lock down the opposing offense's main target. If not, it will hinder the ceiling he can reach. Xavier Watts - Atlanta Falcons - Safety The other cornerstone of Notre Dame's secondary also found a new home this draft, even if it took a little longer than some had thought. Watts is a highly decorated college player who has earned All-American honors, impressive career stats, and even won the Nagurski Award. Watts was predicted to go in the second round or early third round, but he ended up dropping to the late third round to the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons are a perfect landing spot for Watts. He will have a chance to see playing time immediately this season and will be able to learn under veteran safety Jessie Bates III. Together, they could form a formidable duo in Atlanta. Watts and Bates III have some similar qualities, hopefully making the transition to the next level smoother than anticipated. The Falcons did a lot in this draft to improve the defense, and with Watts, they are getting a great decision-maker and solid tackler who has a real knack for taking the ball away. Jack Kiser - Jacksonville Jaguars - LB Kiser became the third Notre Dame defender off the board when the Jacksonville Jaguars selected him with the 107th pick. Kiser has played a lot of football throughout his playing career, spending six years at Notre Dame. The Jaguars are hoping that experience translates on the field, but also in the locker room. Kiser is a born leader who will be a bonus to the well-being of the locker room, an underrated aspect of drafting players. Kiser will immediately be a hard-working, smart, and instinctive player on defense and a willing participant on special teams. Kiser brings a lot of the unseen intangibles to any team he's on, and the Jaguars will benefit from that immediately. Rylie Mills - Seattle Seahawks - DT Sticking to the trend on defense, Rylie Mills was the next Notre Dame player taken in the draft. The Seattle Seahawks selected Mills with the 142nd pick in the fifth round. Mills' draft stock likely fell due to the knee injury he suffered in Notre Dame's first-round playoff game against Indiana. The Seahawks were an average overall defense with an above-average sack total in the 2024 season. Their defensive line is solid, with players like DeMarcus Lawrence, Jarran Reed, and Leonard Williams. Although these players are quality veterans, they are all on the wrong side of 30. Mills offers to be a part of the future of this defensive line, especially with his ability to rush the quarterback from the inside, a skillset that every NFL team values highly. The stability of this defensive line will also allow him time to fully recover from his knee surgery, which bodes well for his long-term future. Seattle got excellent value here in the fifth round. Mills is a player who was the workhorse for one of the best defenses in the country at Notre Dame, with a wide array of skills that he can bring to this Seahawks defense. Mitchell Evans - Carolina Panthers - TE Notre Dame's first offensive player was then taken with the 163rd pick in the fifth round by the Carolina Panthers. Evans' path to the NFL was a rocky one. He was touted as one of the best tight ends in the country before he tore his ACL in the 2023 season. The 2024 season was a mixed bag. Early in the year, it was clear he was still finding his footing in the offense, but by the end of the season, his flashes of brilliance began to show once again. The Panthers are in desperate need of more playmakers and reliable hands. Bryce Young finally showed promise in 2024, prompting the front office to do all they can to surround him with weapons. Evans is the perfect set of reliable hands at tight end that will make Young's life a little easier. Evans is also a willing and capable blocker. This could give him more opportunities to see the field, especially in multiple tight end sets. Speaking of multiple tight ends, Evans now joins former Notre Dame tight end Tommy Trimble on the Panthers. Riley Leonard - Indianapolis Colts - QB Riley Leonard was the last Notre Dame player selected in the draft, going to the Indianapolis Colts in the sixth round. Leonard won't have far to travel, as South Bend is just a few hours north of Indianapolis. Leonard will always be remembered at Notre Dame for conducting their magical run to the National Championship. The Colts' QB room is already a little busy going into the 2025 season. Anthony Richardson is presumed to be the starter, but his role has been a bit shaky ever since the 2024 season. This offseason, the Colts also brought in Daniel Jones, who was let go from the Giants towards the end of last season. Jones failed as a starter but may not be a terrible backup option for the Colts. This puts Leonard as the third option. He offers a lot of the same things Richardson and Jones do, but lacks the same experience as the others. Leonard brings toughness, leadership, and athleticism to the Colts, which are all things that every team needs at the NFL level. Click to Join! - https://www.facebook.com/groups/legionoftheleprechaun

Notre Dame has been after three highly touted running backs on the recruiting trail. Although they will not be able to add all three, any one of these players would inject elite-level talent into what is already the most talented position group on the roster. Photo via Javian Osborne, Instagram (@osborne__era) Jeremiyah Love was a first-time starter in 2024-2025, and is now squarely in the middle of "too early" Heisman conversations for next season. Jadarian Price is Love's bruising second act that would be number one on the depth chart for a vast number of teams across the country. Aneyas Williams has carved out a consistent third-down role with the Fighting Irish, where his pass pro abilities and receiving skills out of the backfield are on full display. In my estimation, this trio holds the title of best running back room in the nation, but that doesn't mean Notre Dame isn't looking to make its strength even stronger. Javian Osborne, Jonaz Walton, and Brian Bonner are all Top-10 running backs at the high school level, and the beautiful part is that they all possess slightly different skill sets that have earned each high praise. I got a chance to watch all three recently, and want to compare and contrast what it is that makes them special, and why Notre Dame would love to land any one of them. Jonaz Walton - Central High School (GA) Walton has a compact build and is an absolute tank of a running back. He possesses elite contact balance and a strong lower body, which will allow him to excel as a between-the-tackles runner. He does not have top-end acceleration on his initial burst through the line, but what he does have is very good long speed, which makes it difficult for defenders to hawk him down from behind once he creates some distance. He consistently runs through leg tackles from second and third-level defenders, and has a nasty stiff arm that he does not hesitate to deploy in the open field. He provides some plus value as a pass catcher with the physicality to catch through contact, although his route tree is limited. One of the most impressive things about Walton is his ability to stand in and pass protect. I hesitate to call any high school running back "polished" in pass protection, but he keeps a good base and he is able to anchor down and pair his upper and lower body strength to stonewall blitzers off the edge or up the middle. It's an impressive thing for a senior in high school to excel in. Javian Osborne - Forney High School (TX) Of the three running backs, Osborne is going to be making his commitment announcement the soonest, with a set date of May 3rd. Osborne has very good athletic ability across the board. His agility and change of direction shine in how he can consistently make defenders miss in tight spaces. He has good acceleration, which allows him to pull away from defenders in the open field. Osborne runs with very good patience, which is hard to instill in young running backs, and allows his blocks to develop before hitting his opening with very good burst. He has an explosive jump cut that he uses after pressing the hole, quickly finding space to attack. In the open field, he is not as physical as Walton, but still shows some good contact balance and loves to implement some hurdles when defenders go low. Osborne also shows a willingness to pass protect, but whereas Walton leans on his overall strength and technique, Osborne prefers to implement cut blocks and tries to take defenders out at the legs. Brian Bonner - Valencia High School (CA) Bonner probably has the smoothest running style of the three. He has good height and weight with a frame that projects to be able to add more muscle without affecting speed. Bonner possesses very good vision, making excellent reads on where his running lane is going to be and using good angles in the open field to set up defenders to miss the tackle or be blocked. He consistently fights for more yardage without letting the first guy take him down. Bonner has good mental processing, knowing when to hit the hole hard and when to be patient and allow for his pulling lineman to get out in front and create running lanes. He is also is aware of when to get through his first gap quickly, but then slow down half a step to let second-level blocks get in place. Of the three, Bonner offers the most upside as a receiving back, showing soft hands and the ability to high-point the ball and adjust around his frame to haul in low or wide passes. He can be used vertically down the field, not just on screens and swing routes. No comparison of players is one-to-one, but just as a fun exercise, I found a comparison for each of the above prospects to other running backs that have donned the golden dome. Jonaz Walton - Audric Estime The minute I put on the tape for Walton, Estime popped into my head. Walton's build and downhill running style are very reminiscent of Estime, who racked up 29 touchdowns his last two seasons at Notre Dame. If Walton ends up choosing Notre Dame, fans should be very excited. Javian Osborne - Jeremiyah Love (ish) I had to add the "ish" because Love is already one of, if not the best, running backs in the country, so it wouldn't be fair to Osborne. But in terms of running style, similarities do exist. Osborne's ability to make defenders miss in a phone booth and then pull away from the pack resembles what Notre Dame fans are used to seeing Love do. Not to mention, Osborne's willingness to go airborne and over the top of defenders, well, there is nothing more Jeremiyah Love than that. Brian Bonner - Theo Riddick This comparison more so lies with Bonner's ability to catch out of the backfield. Riddick did not become a starter until his senior season, but was able to compile over 1,200 yards and 8 touchdowns as a pass catcher during his time at Notre Dame. Bonner offers the same plus value upside as a receiving option, but with even more talent as a runner and a chance to be a true workhorse. One thing that is certain about the 2025-2026 season for Notre Dame is that there will be a new quarterback starting under center. One of the surefire ways to ease that transition is by providing a potent running game for them to lean on. Having Jeremiyah Love, Jadarian Price, and Aneyas Williams just so happens to be as potent as it gets. Now, once again, Marcus Freeman, Ja'Juan Seider, and the rest of the recruiting department have Notre Dame in play for some of the most talented running backs in the country. Whichever they land, if any, will continue to build out a lethal position group that can be relied upon for years to come. Click to Join! - https://www.facebook.com/groups/legionoftheleprechaun

Six Fighting Irish players were selected in the 2025 class, as Notre Dame continues to be the college that produces the most NFL Draft picks. Photo by The Irish Tribune While no Notre Dame players were selected on night one of the NFL Draft, two Fighting Irish defensive backs were taken during day two. Benjamin Morrison was the first Notre Dame player taken off the board, as he was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the 53rd overall pick. Morrison, who fell to the second round due primarily to health concerns, held a Pro-Day style workout in his home state of Arizona last week. While the superstar cornerback was sidelined for most of the year with a hip injury, Morrison's potential still allowed him to be selected early on the second day of the draft. Quickly following Morrison, another All-American in the Notre Dame secondary was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons with the 96th overall pick, Xavier Watts. Watts, the ball-hawking safety, will now team up with Jessie Bates III in Atlanta to provide the safety net for the Falcons' defense. On day three of the draft, Notre Dame captain Jack Kiser was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fourth round. In the fifth round, two Fighting Irish players were chosen, with Rylie Mills going to the Seattle Seahawks, and Mitchell Evans, who will reunite with former Notre Dame tight end Tommy Tremble on the Carolina Panthers. Notre Dame's final player selected during the 2025 NFL Draft was captain Riley Leonard, who was picked 189th overall by the Indianapolis Colts. After the draft's conclusion, three Notre Dame players signed UDFA contracts. Howard Cross III will be reuniting with former defensive coordinator Al Golden in Cincinnati with the Bengals. Jordan Clark signed a deal with the New York Jets, and Beaux Collins signed a deal with their crosstown rival, the New York Giants. Additionally, two more Fighting Irish players received Rookie Mini Camp invites, as Mitch Jeter received one from the Minnesota Vikings, and RJ Oben received one from the Kansas City Chiefs. As the 2025 Draft process came to a close, 11 Notre Dame players will receive their shot at making it to an NFL roster. Click to Join! - https://www.facebook.com/groups/legionoftheleprechaun

C/O 2026 4-star WR Bubba Frazier from Savannah, Georgia, announced his commitment to Notre Dame this past Monday. He became the second wide receiver to commit to the Irish in the 2026 class, as the Irish recruiting surge continues to take effect early in the cycle. Photograph by Camera Guy Chris (@cameraguychriss) Frazier is a 5’10", 175 lb speedy WR from Benedictine Military School in Savannah, Georgia. He quickly caught Notre Dame’s eye back in February when he clocked a 4.43 40-yard dash at the Under Armor Next Football Camp in Atlanta, sparking an offer from the Irish shortly after. In 2024, he had 46 receptions for 753 yards with 16.4 yards per catch and 5 touchdowns. He rushed the ball for 604 yards with 7.1 yards per carry and 8 touchdowns.   Prior to committing to the Irish, he held 23 D1 offers from such notable schools as Georgia, Clemson, Auburn, Arkansas, Cincinnati, Wisconsin, and Notre Dame, among others. I had a chance to speak with Frazier, who was happy to share some insight on his decision.   Recruiting can be a grind for many, but for Bubba and his family, the experience was a very positive one. “It was fun for my family and me to travel around and experience the different colleges and meet all the coaches, and see what each school had to offer.”  So what did it mean for Frazier to get an offer from Notre Dame? “It means a lot to me because where I’m from, you don’t see many people get an offer from such a historic University like Notre Dame. So, it was very special to me and my family to get an offer from Coach Brown.” Where a young athlete ultimately decides to attend college is usually dependent on where they feel the most comfortable and the relationships they have built with the coaches. For Frazier, that definitely rings true, and Coach Mike Brown has done a great job of cultivating a relationship. “Coach Brown and I have a great relationship and stay in contact regularly. It’s nice to have a Coach like him who stays in contact with me, and I can talk to him about anything.” So, when did Bubba Frazier know that Notre Dame was home? As he tells me, it was that magical feeling that many recruits cite when they first step onto Notre Dame's campus. “The first day I visited there, I knew that Notre Dame was home. It just felt like it was where I’m supposed to be.” What about Notre Dame resonated with Frazier, and why is it the place for him?   “You can’t go wrong with Notre Dame, it’s the perfect fit, and what they’re building there. Great academics and football program, beautiful campus, and the culture that Coach Freeman has built there are the total package and the reason I want to be a part of it.” What can Notre Dame fans expect to get from a player like Frazier? “Notre Dame is getting a hard-working kid who is willing to do whatever it takes to help my team succeed. I'm always going to give 100 percent on every play. Just give me the ball and watch me work." Bubba Frazier is a very talented and humble young man who continues to grow and improve each day. He’s a hard worker who’s highly motivated to help his team succeed . We at The Irish Tribune would like to wish Bubba good luck on his journey at Notre Dame! Click to Join! - https://www.facebook.com/groups/legionoftheleprechaun