South Bend, Ind. – If there’s one position Marcus Freeman sounded most confident about entering 2025, it’s Notre Dame’s defensive line. With six capable edge rushers and a defensive tackle group he called his “biggest conviction” of camp, Freeman believes the Irish front is ready to anchor the defense against Miami and beyond. For Notre Dame fans who remember the years – maybe decades-long – struggles along the defensive line until recently, Freeman’s words on Tuesday had to be music to their ears. If he’s right, it could also be a nightmare for opposing offensive lines all season long.
Quick Hits:
- Freeman said Notre Dame is “six deep” at defensive end with multiple players ready to contribute
- Bryce Young has grown into a complete defensive end, no longer just an edge rusher
- Jordan Botelho will be available for the Miami game after rehabbing injuries
- Freeman singled out Jason Onye and Donovan Hinish as standouts inside
- The head coach said the DT group went from biggest question mark to biggest conviction in camp
Six Deep at Defensive End
Freeman rattled off a long list when asked about the depth chart at end, emphasizing that the Irish will rotate heavily.
“We’re so deep at the end position. I’m talking both ends. You’re probably about five to six deep. With getting Botelho back, he’s going to help us. You got Loghan Thomas, you got (Josh) Burnham, you got Boubacar (Traore), you got Bryce Young. And those six guys, you’ll see them.”
The sixth end that Freeman didn’t mention by name – Junior Tuihalamaka – shouldn’t be overlooked, either. Tuihalamaka was a force in Notre Dame’s playoff run, and in years past, he’d likely be a top-line, starting-caliber player.
Bryce Young, now in his third season, earned a starting role. Freeman praised his physical development and complete game.
“It’s been good to see Bryce physically. He’s gotten bigger. He’s a big man. He’s got good genetics, but he’s a big man. And you know what you’ve seen him over training camp is really handle his weight and use it in the right way — being a powerful football player, not just an edge rusher. He’s now really enhanced his game to be a complete defensive end in the run and the pass game. And so he’s getting better and he’s a guy that came in as a freshman was really freaking good and he’s continuously getting better.”
Defensive Tackles Emerging
While edge depth is impressive, Freeman reserved some of his strongest praise for the interior.
“That defensive tackle position was probably the biggest question mark I had coming into training camp and has probably given me the most conviction of a position group as any on our team. Credit Coach Washington first for keeping that group together driven.”
He singled out multiple players who have raised their game this fall.
“You hear about Rylie Mills and Howard Cross, and there’s multiple guys in that room that are going to play and have practiced as well as any position group in fall camp. Jason Onye — it’s a great reminder of development. He’s playing as well at that position as anybody I’ve seen since I’ve been here. That’s a high compliment for him, but that’s a credit to the work he’s put in. Donnie Hinish, right? I told him wearing number 41, he’s got big shoes to fill because of his brother. Donnie’s practicing as well as anybody. Gabe Rubio, Jared Dawson — his first practice to where he’s at now, it’s been tremendous.”
Botelho’s Return Adds Depth
Freeman confirmed veteran pass rusher Jordan Botelho, who missed most of 2024 with injuries, will be available against Miami.
“He’ll be available this week.”
Botelho’s presence adds another proven piece to an already deep rotation.
What It Means
For Freeman, Notre Dame’s defensive line looks like one of the team’s biggest strengths heading into 2025. With six edge rushers, improved depth at tackle, and the return of Jordan Botelho, the Irish believe they have the bodies to pressure quarterbacks like Miami’s Carson Beck and control the trenches all season.
