We live in a college football world of lists, rankings, and countdowns. Many players on Notre Dame’s roster have been talked about and written about over the last few months — so let’s fall in line.
This will be my official Top 20 Notre Dame Football Players ranking. I will unveil each player, and list the three things I like about them. It seems simple enough, but I have no doubt that some of these ratings will be highly criticized, but you can always share your thoughts in the comments below.
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#95 Bryce Young DE
Bloodline
We might as well get pick the lowest of the hanging-fruit first… we all love a legacy (especially when it’s a legacy as incredible as Bryant Young). Besides the obvious genetic advantage, Young has a support system built in with his father which knows much more about how one is to be a Notre Dame football player and student. For Bryce Young, he very much looks and acts like a guy who was built for this.
Special
While speedsters get a lot of love for their special teams play in the return game, we really should give the same type of love to those that block kicks. Bryce Young has been a menace on special teams for the Irish, and will continue to be so in 2026.
The time is now
There were a lot of prdictions for Young to have a monster season last year as a true sophomore, but statistically, it was the same type of year he had as a freshman. Young is still growing into his body which can make things a little tougher to get a handle on during a long season. Without question, however, the time is now and with the rotation the Irish should have along the entire defensive line and under Charlie Partridge’s tutiledge, Young is set to have that monter year that fans were sure he was going to have last season.
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TOP 20 COUNTDOWN
#20 DT Francis Brewu
#19 LB Jaylen Sneed
#18 LB Jaiden Ausberry
#17 WR Mylan Graham
#16 CB DJ McKinney
#15 RB Aneyas Williams
#14 OL Anthonie Knapp
#13 DB Christian Gray
#12 DT Jason Onye
#11 OL Will Black
