The FIW staff picks who they believe will breakout on Notre Dame’s defense this fall

After looking at who we believe will breakout on the Notre Dame offense, it is the other side of the ball that we’ll focus on this time, the defense.

There is some returning players who we know will play well like linebacker Drayk Bowen, but there are plenty of other names that will emerge this fall. The Irish have tons of young talent on this roster, and it wasn’t easy to pick who will become the next Notre Dame star.

The Fighting Irish Wire staff of Tim Healey, Dave Miller and Michael Chen pick who we each believe will breakout on Notre Dame’s defense this fall.

Tim Healey - contributor

Leonard Moore already had a breakout year last year, but he could go to the next level in 2025. Moore proved himself as a freshman when he was thrust into a greater-than-planned role after an injury to Benjamin Morrison. If he can build on that, he might be as good as anyone we've recently seen in the ND secondary.

Moore clearly has talent. Getting starter-level experience in his first year on the field should only help.

Dave Miller - contributor

Last season, Leonard Moore stepped up and broke out in a big way when the Fighting Irish secondary really needed it. New defensive coordinator Chris Ash is currently overseeing a healthy safety room, but that doesn't mean that enhancements won't be needed as the season wears on.

One player in particular who stands out is Tae Johnson. Graduate transfer Jalen Stroman may be the likely starter at free safety, and he comes into the season with 36 games under his belt. But Johnson stepped up back in spring ball when Stroman missed time with an injury, showing some big play potential.

Head coach Marcus Freeman said at his presser Sunday that he expects Adon Shuler, Luke Talich, Johnson and Stroman to all get reps at safety and that he does not know yet who will start. No matter what, Johnson has a chance to play his way into more time on the field, giving this defense even more depth as the Irish look to return to the College Football Playoff.

Michael Chen - site lead

It’s hard not to try and pick someone out of Notre Dame’s defensive backfield as a breakout since there are so many quality players in that unit, but I’m going to go with a linebacker here.

Jaylen Sneed entered the program as a 5-star recruit, and while he has played well, he has yet to get elevated to a starting role. That looks like it’s finally going to happen this fall, and I think he runs with the opportunity. There have been reports this fall about his great play, and he’s entering his fourth-year in the program.

I think it’s pretty easy to see him getting close to 80 tackles, with 5 sacks and forcing a few fumbles. That would qualify as a breakout, as Sneed becomes a national name this fall.

Don’t forget about some of the young lineman as well, with Bryce Young, Boubacar Traore, and Loghan Thomas. They all could become stars this fall, as that unit has plenty of talent as well.

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This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: FIW Roundtable: Which Notre Dame defensive players break out this fall