Safety Luke Talich has carved out a unique role in Notre Dame’s defense by doing a little bit of everything.
A year ago, defensive coordinator Chris Ash deployed Talich all over the field as a high safety, in the box, and even as a dime linebacker.
At 6-foot-4, 222 pounds, Talich brings a versatile skill set that allows him to wear multiple hats within Ash’s scheme.
That hasn’t changed this spring.
“I'm kind of focusing on learning a bunch of different positions,” stated Talich. “Playing Sam linebacker, playing Dime, which is kind of like Will linebacker and playing safety, obviously, both sides.
“I'm getting used to all those positions and trying different things has definitely been my focus.”
Notre Dame’s linebacker depth has taken a minor hit due to injuries this spring, opening the door for Talich to see reps at the position. Talich has embraced the opportunity to show off more of his skill set.
“I've been playing a little outside. Kyng's (Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa) out right now, so I'm kind of the next guy up right in that same position,” said Talich. “I haven't played linebacker since I was in high school, [when I was a] little guy. It's been an adjustment for sure being here, but I gained a little weight in the offseason, so I have a pretty good frame for that position. They're just trying me out there.”
Notre Dame utilized him in short-yardage packages last season and his role in the dime defense often matched him up against tight ends.
Working closely with linebackers coach Andy Buh has helped Talich learn the position quicker.
“Coach Buh has been helping me a lot,” explained Talich. “He's the nickel coach and I've been meeting with him every day and just getting used to that. He coached linebackers for a lot of his career, so just getting used to eye progressions and different techniques I need to use closer to the line of scrimmage is something I'm getting used to.
“I think my speed is my edge when I'm close to the line. When I'm rushing the passer, I want to get off the ball fast. That's kind of been what I've been working on.”
The Wyoming native made a major impact in 2025, recording three interceptions, all of which effectively ended games, including a game-clincher against USC.
Despite that production, Talich is focused on refining his fundamentals this spring, particularly his eye discipline.
“That's been a focus for me,” Talich stated. “I tend to watch where the ball goes. When I'm in man-to-man coverage, just keep my eyes on my key and my guy and just doing those things has definitely been a focus for me this spring.
“That's one of the things Coach (Aaron) Henry's talked to me about. I'm trying to work on is just keeping my eyes in the right spot. As far as man-to-man, I think it comes down to just trying to execute your job, being 1 of 11 every play.”
The transition from former defensive backs coach Mike Mickens to Henry has been seamless for Talich.
While coaching changes can bring uncertainty, especially for a player juggling multiple roles, Henry quickly recognized Talich’s versatility and the two have built a strong connection.
“He's awesome,” Talich explained. “I loved him since the day he got here. He's got a lot of energy. His goal in life is to spread the word, go on missionary things and that obviously honed in on me. I really appreciated that off the jump. It's definitely a different vibe than Coach Mick.
“Coach Mick was the guy who was making you a killer instinct all the time and Coach Henry has that on the field as well. I love how he is off the field. He's a brother to us. He treats us like we're just one of the boys and it's been a great experience with him so far. I've loved what he's added to the room.”
As he enters his final season, Talich has taken time to reflect on a journey that began as a walk-on and evolved into a key defensive role.
“I didn't really expect much,” said Talich. “I came in feeling like I had to earn a role. I earned a spot my freshman year. I was able to earn a scholarship, but it's been a wild ride. I didn't foresee any of it happening. There was never a path for me to play at Notre Dame, but I’ve earned a role through just consistency and just doing my job and trying to help the team as much as possible.
“I'm forever grateful for this place, forever grateful for the people here. The journey is not done yet. We got another year, but I'm really excited for this year to finish out my career here at Notre Dame.”
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