Episode Details

Notre Dame’s defense is poised for a breakout 2026 season, anchored by a returning quartet of starters in the secondary—cornerbacks Leonard Moore and Christian Gray, and safeties Adon Shuler and Brauntae Johnson—who are expected to elevate their game and shut down opposing offenses. After a dramatic turnaround last year, the Irish jumped from 123rd to 14th in pass defense efficiency, fueled by veteran leadership and emerging stars like walk-on Luke Talich, whose late-game interceptions and versatile roles (safety, linebacker) are making waves. Despite injury setbacks for some talented freshmen—including Joey O’Brien—the depth and experience mean Notre Dame can afford to be patient. With the secondary accounting for 20 of the team’s 21 interceptions last season—the most since 2002—this defense is built to generate turnovers and win big games.

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