Notre Dame DE Bryce Young Eyes Breakout 2026 Season with Focus on Consistency

It’s a big year for Notre Dame defensive end Bryce Young. 

The 6-foot-7, 265-pound junior has spent the last two seasons developing his game, but 2026 presents a new challenge.

Young is expected to emerge as both a key contributor and a leader within one of the deepest defensive line rooms in the country.

With his third spring underway, the focus is simple.

“Just consistency, stacking days,” Young said of his spring goals. “That’s the biggest thing. Trying to put it on tape every day and make sure what the tape says is what I want to be on there.” 

Notre Dame’s defensive line group looks noticeably different this spring. The size and athleticism stand out immediately, bolstered by impactful transfers and impressive early enrollees who have made their presence felt midway through spring ball.

Despite the influx of new talent, the culture inside the room hasn’t wavered.

“Great group,” stated Young. “The ceiling is so high for us this year. The guys love to work and it’s a joy being in the building working with them. The new additions, Keon and Francis, all those guys, they’ve been great.” 

There’s also a new voice leading the unit. Defensive line coach Charlie Partridge has taken over the room, bringing a fresh perspective after Al Washington's departure to the Miami Dolphins. 

Young has quickly embraced the transition.

“First of all, I want to thank Coach Wash for everything he’s done,” Young said. “He helped me a lot as a player and on this journey, he’s given me so much insight and I’m extremely grateful for that.

“Adding Coach Partridge to my journey has been great. He has so much knowledge of the game. He’s been in the game forever. He knows things and he’s telling me things he’s seen from his many years of experience that I’m actually seeing on the field and I can apply it. It’s really cool.” 

That impact is already showing up in Young’s development, particularly as a pass rusher.

“In terms of pass rush, there are small things I’m working on now that are going to pay dividends,” explained Young. “I know because I can already feel it. 

“One of the biggest things is my hips. Making sure my hips are turned toward (the quarterback) and getting upfield, that’s the biggest thing. I already feel it improving my game.” 

The teaching points are easier said than done, but Partridge has been more than pleased with Young’s willingness to learn and adjust. 

“As an edge rusher, and the timing is different whether you're inside or outside, as an edge rusher, there's a point that's usually right around the third step that you want to make sure that your toes and your hips are working at a point pointed in towards the quarterback,” explained Partridge. “That leads to a footwork concept called a step-through.” 

Young has also expanded his game under Partridge. 

“The thing that I think he's doing a good job of learning is angles in the pass rush,” said Partridge. “How to get his body pointed to a point at the threshold of the rush, where it's important. I think at times last year, everything was upfield, so you may have a flyby or no option to counter or adjust his rush if the first one doesn't work. 

“He's now got multiple choices at the top of his rush because he's getting his body in a good position between that five-yard and eight-yard mark within the rush.”

Off the field, Young has also made significant strides with his body. Now weighing 265 pounds, he believes he’s in a great position to maximize both strength and explosiveness heading into the fall.

“I talked to my nutritionist, Alexa (Appelman), and she’s been great in helping me get my body right where I feel the best and can play my best and have the most power and strength,” stated Young. “I’m at a great spot right now. My strength numbers have improved as I’ve been leaning down and putting on more muscle. I feel like I’m in a great spot.” 

For Young, the process hasn’t been about drastic changes, but rather constant adjustment.

“I wouldn’t say too much weight,” Young stated. “Just adjusting to what was asked of me and then having to adjust again. Every season is something new. You have to learn what works for you and what doesn’t. That’s how we grow as humans.” 

That focus has led to more consistency, which is the ultimate goal. 

“There’s a difference between traits and flashes,” Young explained. “Right now, the biggest goal for me is to turn flashes on tape and turn them into traits and my play style.” 

If Young can turn those flashes into consistency, then the Charlotte native could very well be on his way to a breakout season. 

“You could say that for sure,” said Young when asked if this could be a breakout year. “Honestly, for the whole d-line. I’m excited to see what this year has ahead of us.”

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