Head coach Marcus Freeman has assembled a roster that could lead Notre Dame to the expanded College Football Playoff this season.
The greatest concentration of talent is on a defense that allowed just 15.9 points and 276.3 yards per game in 2023. The defense will be big again this year, featuring seven of the program's top 10 players, but the offense will have to replace last year's starting quarterback, leading runner and top receiver, but that doesn't seem to be an issue.
Ireland have a talented squad, but here are the 10 players who will do the most in 2024.
While it's not 100% certain he'll be the starter at this point, he's expected to take the position opposite Xavier Watts when he arrives on campus. The versatile two-year starter recorded 85 stops and earned All-Big Ten honorable mention honors in his final season at Northwestern.
Needing a more flashy player on the outside, Notre Dame recruited the speedy Mitchell out of Florida International University, where he had 64 catches for 1,118 yards and six touchdowns last year despite poor quarterback play at Miami.
Kizer is underrated nationally, but that should change this fall. He played well in space and coverage, finishing third on the team with 62 tackles despite only being 12th in total snaps.
A name that's not widely known unless you live in a household with an NFL scout or GM, Mills has the rare combination of size, strength and agility that could make him a monster in his final season in South Bend.
Evans is poised to help Notre Dame improve its standing as a tight end at U. He had a breakout junior season, recording 29 catches for 422 yards and one touchdown before tearing his ACL in late October.
One of two big men acquired from Duke, Obeng has the versatility to evade tackles, and his presence on the edge has helped Notre Dame develop one of the best frontlines in college football.
What Cross lacks in size, he makes up for with quickness, good handles and an infectious motor, leading last year's team with 39 pressures from the inside and second with 66 tackles.
When healthy, Leonard is a dual-way threat, and in his final full season in 2002, he rushed for 3,666 scrimmage yards and 33 touchdowns while leading a 3-9 Duke team to a nine-win season and an unexpected bowl appearance.
Watts could have left for the NFL after he was named a unanimous All-American after throwing seven interceptions, but he returned for a fifth year and is contributing to one of the most formidable defensive backfields in Irish college football.
Morrison will compete with Michigan's Will Johnson for college cornerback of the year this season, and the third-year from Phoenix has the tenacious coverage skills, instincts and fundamental strength to be an early pick in next spring's NFL Draft.
– Notre Dame Football Projected Player Depth
