While Notre Dame football returns a veteran group, there are still more than a few key positions that will need to get filled, and it all starts with impressing during the spring.
Practices start later today, and there will be plenty of eyes on who will flash for the Irish over the next few weeks. Notre Dame is set at the most important positions on the field, quarterback with CJ Carr and linebacker with Drayk Bowen, but they’ll be working with new teammates all over the field.
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This team is extremely talented, and since the majority of the 2026 recruiting class is already on campus, head coach Marcus Freeman won’t hesitate to play them this fall if he feels like they’re ready. There was also a great transfer class, while small, it was loaded with talent at key positions.
Notre Dame will have more than a few players breakout during the spring, and the staff here at Fighting Irish Wire of Tim Healey, Sunnery Verma and Michael Chen each pick an offensive and defensive player who will stand out.
Tim Healey – defense
Nov 1, 2025; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Boston College Eagles wide receiver Jaedn Skeete (1) runs at Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback Dallas Golden (14) in the fourth quarter at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Edward Finan-Imagn Images
A quick look at what other analysts are saying suggests defensive back Dallas Golden and / or defensive end Boubacar Traore could be the breakout stars. Traore is a veteran who has already made a mark, so for him to breakout would mean he’s wrecking offenses more consistently — and staying healthy after suffering an ACL injury in 2024. Golden, meanwhile, has a chance to bolster an already strong secondary.
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Traore is more of a known commodity, only injuries holding him back, so I’ll take Golden as the true breakout for the spring.
Sunny Verma – defense
Notre Dame cornerback Christian Gray (6) intercepts a pass in the second half of a NCAA football game against Southern California at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in South Bend.
Cornerback Christian Gray is a strong breakout candidate on defense. New defensive backs coach Aaron Henry has quite the resume of putting defensive backs into the NFL and with more snaps available in the secondary, his length, fluid hips and ball skills give him a real chance to emerge as Notre Dame’s next consistent playmaker on the perimeter.
Michael Chen – defense
Notre Dame defensive lineman Christopher Burgess Jr. (33) during a football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Thursday, July 31, 2025, in South Bend.
Just looking at the open spots on defense and it’s clear that there will be a need along the defensive line. Traore will be returning, as does Bryce Young, who could be the pick here too. However, I’m going with a player who hasn’t seen the field yet in edge Christopher Burgress Jr. Luckily having seen in multiples times in high school, I see the progression. He’s put on a ton of good weight and kept his speed, and there’s always a need for pass rushers.
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Tim Healey – offense
Nov 29, 2025; Stanford, California, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Aneyas Williams (22) runs for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-Imagn Images
This one is pretty easy for me, and it’s running back Aneyas Williams. He most likely would have played a huge role last year, but when you’re behind one, possibly two, first-round draft picks, it’s hard to see the field. Well, both of them are gone, and the job is his. Unfortunately due to an injury Williams won’t be on the field this spring, so I can’t pick him, instead I’ll go with wide receiver Cam Williams, who should be ready to contribute after two years of not seeing the field.
Sunny Verma – offense
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Mylan Graham (5) runs past Grambling State Tigers defensive back Christen Williams (29) during the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 6, 2025. Ohio State won 70-0.
On the offensive side, I think everything is set for Ohio State transfer Mylan Graham to have a big year. He is stepping into a wide receiver room that is looking for a go-to target, and has a quarterback who is looking to make a leap for this team to make a serious run at the national championship.
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Michael Chen – offense
Aug 31, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Micah Gilbert (14) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Miami Hurricanes during the second quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
I agree with Sunny, Graham is set to breakout, or Quincy Porter if not for an injury but since the former in-state 5-star has already been picked, we’ll go with a different player, but at the same position. Micah Gilbert started off fast against Miami, but wasn’t really heard from again for the majority of the season. Getting some experience was huge for him, and a second-year jump should happen.
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This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: These six players will breakout for Notre Dame this spring
