​The Notre Dame defense is positioned slightly differently from the offense regarding players on the cusp of a breakout. There’s no doubt about the talent on offense, but the defense features more players who could pop nationally this season. It’s conceivable that all 11 defensive starters, plus several key rotational players, could make major leaps this fall, yet there are a few individuals whose breakthroughs would fundamentally reshape Notre Dame’s defense.
Bryce Young – Defensive End
Notre Dame currently has one proven returning pass rusher in Boubacar Traore, who starts opposite Young. In 2025, Traore led the team in sacks, tackles for loss, and quarterback pressures. Young showed flashes last season, but his development at the point of attack was imperfect, as he finished with just two sacks and 2.0 tackles for loss. He did, however, rank second on the team in total pressures with 29, only two fewer than Traore, despite playing 92 fewer pass-rush snaps. He will also need to improve against the run; last season he was credited with 10 total run stops. At 6-6, 260 pounds, Young has the profile of a bigger edge defender who must make a substantial leap in run defense. If Young can breakout, it would cement Notre Dame as possessing one of the top defensive lines in the country and transform the edge duo in South Bend from a potential weakness into a legitimate threat that opposing coordinators must account for.
Christian Gray – Nickel Corner
This offseason, Notre Dame’s defensive staff chose not to dip into the transfer portal for a nickel and instead moved Gray inside to the slot. Gray is among the most experienced players on the defense, sharing that distinction with middle linebacker and captain Drayk Bowen and safety and captain Adon Shuler. The St. Louis native is entering his third year in the starting lineup and has had a notably uneven path. Gray has been a game-wrecker at times and has emerged as one of the top cornerbacks on the roster, yet his perimeter inconsistencies have led to big plays by opponents. The nickel position is a cornerstone of Notre Dame’s defensive success, and defensive coordinator Chris Ash, along with defensive backs coach Aaron Henry, has entrusted the role to their most seasoned corner. A breakout at nickel would solidify Notre Dame’s status as having the No. 1 secondary in the country. Gray’s body type and skill set fit the slot perfectly, and if he stays healthy and cleans up fundamental issues, he could become the best slot corner of the Marcus Freeman era.
Drayk Bowen – Middle Linebacker
For the first time in Freeman’s tenure, the program could feature two standout linebackers at a high level, with Bowen entering a pivotal role alongside his leadership responsibilities. Bowen has already shown his ability to impact games, and a breakout season at middle linebacker would bolster Notre Dame’s ability to control the interior and cover passing lanes. His development in communication, run fits, and blitz timing could elevate the defense’s overall efficiency and consistency, making Notre Dame’s middle of the field a formidable obstacle for opposing offenses.