Early 2025 Notre Dame Depth Chart: Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa Emerges, Transfer Additions Settle In, and Safety Depth Grows
Though the 2024 season has just wrapped up, it’s already time to look ahead to 2025 for Notre Dame football. While the Fighting Irish fell short in the national title game against Ohio State, there’s plenty of optimism about the team’s future under head coach Marcus Freeman.
With Freeman at the helm, the defense remains a strong point. Despite losing key players like Howard Cross, Rylie Mills, Benjamin Morrison, and Jack Kiser to the NFL, there’s an abundance of young talent ready to step into major roles.
VYPER
- Jordan Botelho (Sr)
- Junior Tuihalamaka (RS Jr)
- Boubacar Traore (RS So)
This position could be one of the most unpredictable heading into 2025, as it’s unclear who will land where in the rotation. If healthy, Traore will push for a starting role, though his recovery timeline is uncertain. Botelho should be fully recovered by the start of the season, and Tuihalamaka, who showed promise in 2024, will also be in the mix for more playing time.
NOSE TACKLE
- Gabriel Rubio (Sr)
- Jared Dawson (Sr)
Rubio’s return is a key boost for the Irish’s defensive front. His size makes him a strong fit for nose tackle, while Dawson, who specializes in penetration, forms an intriguing tandem with him. Sophomore Sean Sevillano could also contribute, though his breakout year might be more likely in 2026.
DEFENSIVE TACKLE
- Donovan Hinish (RS Jr)
- Armel Mukam (RS So)
Hinish, who previously played nose tackle, is better suited for a move to defensive tackle, where his skills as a three-technique could be more effective. Mukam, who didn’t see the expected rise in 2024, will have an important offseason to prove his worth.
DEFENSIVE END
- Joshua Burnham (RS Jr)
- Bryce Young (So)
If Botelho and Traore return, Burnham could shift back to defensive end. He’ll need to compete with Young, who is poised to take a big leap in 2025. Young could emerge as a breakout star with another offseason of development.
MIKE
- Drayk Bowen (RS So)
- Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa (So)
Viliamu-Asa is one of the most intriguing players to watch in 2025, as he’s positioned for a starting spot next to Bowen. If he earns that role, there will be a need for a backup MIKE to emerge, with players like Preston Zinter, Madden Faraimo, or Bodie Kahoun possibly stepping into that role.
WILL
- Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa (So)
- Jaiden Ausberry (RS So)
Viliamu-Asa will likely get more playing time at linebacker, and Ausberry, known for his versatility, can play multiple spots. Regardless of who starts, all the linebackers are expected to get significant playing time.
ROVER
- Jaylen Sneed (Sr)
- Jaiden Ausberry (RS So)
Sneed, if he returns, will see plenty of action at rover, while Ausberry’s flexibility makes him a key contributor across all linebacker positions. The linebacker corps is stacked with talent, including several promising underclassmen.
FIELD CORNER
- Christian Gray (Jr)
- Karson Hobbs (So)
Gray had an up-and-down 2024 season but showed flashes of brilliance. With consistency, he could develop into one of the top cornerbacks in college football. Hobbs, a versatile player, is expected to play a variety of roles in the rotation.
FIELD SAFETY
- Jalen Stroman (Sr)
- Jason Blair (Fr)
- Brauntae Johnson (RS Fr)
Stroman, with his extensive experience at Virginia Tech, is well-suited to mentor younger safeties like Blair and Johnson. Both Blair and Johnson have the talent to challenge Stroman for playing time in 2025.
BOUNDARY SAFETY
- Adon Shuler (RS So)
- Luke Talich (RS So)
- Kennedy Urlacher (So)
Shuler’s breakout 2024 season has him poised for even more in 2025, with Talich and Urlacher pushing for increased roles. The safety depth is impressive, and it wouldn’t be surprising if all three players see action in various defensive packages.
BOUNDARY CORNER
- Leonard Moore (So)
- Dallas Golden (Fr)
Moore, coming off a Freshman All-American season, could quickly rise to be one of the nation’s top cornerbacks. His size and skills make him a great fit for the boundary. Golden, a true freshman, could play a role as a backup behind Moore.
NICKEL
- DeVonta Smith (Sr)
- Karson Hobbs (So)
Smith, a transfer from Alabama, is expected to play a major role in the nickel position. Hobbs will also contribute in the nickel, as well as potentially outside, and could become an important piece for the defense in 2025.
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