Notre Dame relying on new additions to replicate success of 2024

Typically, a college football program that must replace its quarterback, three starting offensive linemen, two of its top receivers, its top two tacklers and its leader in sacks and interceptions won’t be projected in the top 10.

But Notre Dame isn’t the typical program.

The Fighting Irish must replace seven offensive and defensive starters from last year’s team that went 14-2 and reached the national championship game.

The departures include quarterback Riley Leonard, cornerback Benjamin Morrison, All-American safety Xavier Watts, linebacker Jack Kiser, defensive tackle Rylie Mills and tight end Mitchell Evans, all of whom were selected in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Also, offensive linemen Rocco Spindler and Pat Coogan, who started in the national championship loss to Ohio State, and seven-game starter Sam Pendleton left via the transfer portal.

Yet, there are those who feel the Irish will be a top-10 team — perhaps even a top-five team. Coach Marcus Freeman seems to be among them.

“I really like this team that we’ve put together,” Freeman said last month. “I think it has a lot of potential. We have to expedite that elevation to reach our full potential.

“When you talk about this team being a really good football team, I think we have the ability to do that. We’ve just got to continue to develop.

“I do believe we have a high ceiling. We have to continue to elevate to reach that level we aspire to reach.”

One of the reasons for Freeman’s optimism is the talent and potential of the rather inexperienced offensive line.

The return of starters Aamil Wagner and Billy Schrauth, the potential of sophomore tackle Anthonie Knapp and the return from injury of Charles Jagusah and center Ashton Craig have Freeman bullish about the possibilities there.

“I like that they all have big-game, big-moment experience,” Freeman said. “They all are really talented football players. High ceiling, but I’m really excited because they’re all high-ceiling guys.”

Adding to the excitement is that the line will be blocking for running back Jeremiyah Love, who projects as a serious Heisman Trophy contender.

However, Notre Dame is not without its questions.

Who will win the quarterback competition between redshirt freshman CJ Carr and little-used sophomore Kenny Minchey?

Can transfer portal additions Will Pauling (Wisconsin) and Malachi Fields (Virginia) upgrade a mediocre receiving corps?

Can a defense, which was fourth in the nation in points allowed last season, lose Morrison, Watts, Kiser, Mills and standout lineman Howard Cross III, be quickly rebuilt?

There is talent on hand, especially in the secondary with cornerback Leonard Moore returning and nickel DeVonta Smith arriving from the transfer via Alabama.

Typically, that wouldn’t seem like the defense of a top-10 team.

But Notre Dame is typically atypical.

Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

Jeremiyah Love ran for 91 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries in Notre Dame’s 23-13 win over Texas A&M on Aug. 31.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

2024 record: 14-2

Primary area of strength: The running game should be as good as any in the nation. They were ranked 19th in 2024. Running back Jeremiyah Love is a Heisman candidate, and not just because he plays for Notre Dame. He’ll be running behind an offensive line that projects to be very good.

Primary area of concern: There is uncertainty at quarterback. As last year’s starter, Riley Leonard didn’t post overwhelming numbers, but he was productive and excelled in clutch situations. Not only did he complete his eligibility, but backup Steve Angeli transferred to Syracuse. That means redshirt freshman CJ Carr and sophomore Kenny Minchey are competing for the starting job. They have combined to throw one collegiate pass.

Top returners

• RB Jeremiyah Love: Last season, he rushed for 1,125 yards and 17 touchdowns. The Irish figure to rely on him even more this season.
• CB Leonard Moore: When star cornerback Benjamin Morrison was injured midway through last season, Moore stepped in. The Irish didn’t miss a beat. Moore earned Freshman All-American recognition for breaking up 11 passes, intercepting two and posting 48 tackles.
• DT Bryce Young: As a true freshman last season, he posted 23 tackles and 1.5 sacks. Based on potential rather than production, word in South Bend is to expect a breakout year. They just hope he’ll be as good as his dad, former Notre Dame and San Francisco 49ers star Bryant Young.

Key additions

• WR Malachi Fields: A transfer from Virginia, Fields had 55 catches for 808 yards and five touchdowns in 2024.
• DB DeVonta Smith: The Alabama transfer should fit in well at nickel. He broke up five passes and posted 30 tackles for the Crimson Tide last season.
• DL Jared Dawson: A transfer from Louisville, Dawson had 19 tackles and four sacks in nine games last season. He’ll provide needed depth on the defensive line. He might start.

Key losses

• QB Riley Leonard: A clutch player who passed for 2,861 yards and 21 touchdowns, while rushing for 906 yards and 17 touchdowns last season.
• S Xavier Watts: The two-time All-American was a third-round NFL Draft choice to the Atlanta Falcons. Last season, he made 82 tackles, intercepted six passes and broke up 10.
• DL Howard Cross III: Last season, Cross had 28 tackles, 5.5 for loss and four sacks. He was also credited with three quarterback pressures.

2025 Notre Dame Schedule

• Aug. 31 at Miami
• Sept. 13 vs. Texas A&M
• Sept. 20 vs. Purdue
• Sept. 27 at Arkansas
• Oct. 4 vs. Boise State
• Oct. 11 vs. NC State
• Oct. 18 vs. USC
• Nov. 1 at Boston College
• Nov. 8 vs. Navy
• Nov. 15 at Pittsburgh
• Nov. 22 vs. Syracuse
• Nov. 29 at Stanford