Howard Cross Set to Return in First Round Matchup

Howard Cross III is ready to go — right after he finishes one last final exam. 

The senior defensive lineman has been sidelined since suffering a high ankle sprain against Florida State on Nov. 9. But being injured doesn’t mean Cross hasn’t been involved in the day-to-day operations in South Bend. 

“It was nice to have my teammates that I was able to coach on-and-off the field, making sure they were doing well,” Cross said. “The young guys were like, ‘Oh you don’t have to do anything.’ It’s not that great.” 

As the Irish prepare for their second playoff appearance this decade, Cross isn’t just bringing his on-field experience to the table. He’s also one of the members of the Irish who were on the team during its last playoff appearance, a 31-14 loss to Alabama in 2021.

“I’ve (played) in the last playoff game here, unfortunately we played Alabama,” Cross said. “I was only a sophomore at that time which was hectic. I’m just excited to be back in this position along with my team.” 

The Paramus, New Jersey native has grown to be an integral part of Notre Dame’s defensive line since his arrival in 2019, and when he lines up next to Rylie Mills they form a formidable duo that’s difficult for most offensive lines across the country to block. 

“I love having Howard next to me, it’s a great deal that we have,” Mills said. “I think the thing that’s great about our defense is that we always have a next man up mentality.  I got to give a big shout out to Donovan Hinish because he came in and played phenomenal football and was balling out. I think you get the best of both worlds.” 

And no one was happier to see the return of Cross than his head coach. 

“Howard Cross is an excellent football player, and when you don't have him, he's missed, we've had guys step up and do an unbelievable job,” head coach Marcus Freeman said. “But we also know the type of football player Howard Cross is and to have him back is going to be huge for our defense.” 

But if Cross made one thing clear, despite any accolades he may receive, he just wants to be one of the guys, but he’s always willing to help when needed. 

“I just feel like I’m one of the guys here,” Cross said. “Obviously if they need help, I’ll help out. If I see something, especially the last couple games I’ve been out watching pass-rush reps. I hope it means a lot.” 

Now Cross is shifting back from spectator to competitor, and there may be no bigger game to do so than this Friday inside of Notre Dame Stadium. But just like Freeman preached, to the Irish this is just another game — albeit a little louder. 

“It’s just like every other game,” Cross said. “We’re not changing anything, we’re not doing anything unorthodox, out of the ordinary. Coach Freeman preaches one play, one life, one game and as far as we're concerned … we’re playing for the next opportunity.” 

As Cross and the rest of the Irish continue prepping for the Hoosiers in the coming days, they’re using some past experiences to fill in the blanks. 

“This is a team that has played together a long time,” Cross said. “I look at them kind of like Navy and Army, the type of interconnected discipline they have. Half their team and half their coaching staff came from (James Madison) when they went on a streak of an amazing couple seasons. Obviously they’re doing well this year so they trust each other fully, and I think that’s their greatest strength.”

Before Cross can give his full, undivided attention to Indiana, he still has some assignments to attend to. 

“I’m just trying to get my finals done,” Cross said. “My last one is tonight so I’m excited for that — not really. I’m obviously watching film, making sure I'm done with everything, but then I finally have time to  not sit down and study all night for an exam and I can actually watch film and do what I do best.” 

So while Cross and the rest of the Irish finish up exams and studying Indiana, their biggest test is scheduled for Friday at 8:00 p.m. — whether he’d like to admit that or not. 

“It’s like every other big game,” Cross said. “It’s harder to explain than to actually do. When you’re in those moments, when you're on the field. Anything that’s in between the box is what matters.” 

Want the latest scoop on the Fighting Irish? Sign up for our newsletter and become an ISD Premium Subscriber: Sign Up for ISD

Under Armour Navy Notre Dame Fighting Irish Motion Quarter-Zip