Jaiden Ausberry knows what good defense looks like.
The senior linebacker played on the team that made the National Championship Game in 2024 before experiencing Notre Dame’s early-season struggles in 2025.
On Sunday, the Irish defense held Wisconsin to just 284 total yards, including an average of 2.2 yards per rush.
It’s just one game, but it was a positive sign that Notre Dame is picking up where it left off defensively in 2025.
“I feel like everybody's more on the same page, coaches, players included,” stated Ausberry. “Everybody's a lot more comfortable. I would say it's a pretty big change from last year to now.”
The 6-foot-1, 226-pounder recorded seven tackles against Wisconsin and felt it was a quality start to the season.
“I think I played pretty well,” Ausberry said. “Obviously, personally, I never think it's gonna be good enough. I always think there's room for improvement, but I think it was a pretty solid game.”
Notre Dame’s next test will come against Rice and its run-heavy offense. There is no doubt the Irish have the superior talent, but as with all option offenses, Rice presents unique challenges with formations and assignments.
That has the full attention of the Irish defense.
“We've been talking about how we haven't won a home opener in the past two years, so we're not taking this week for granted,” explained Ausberry. “We’re not taking Rice for granted.”
Ausberry and several members of the defense went through the Northern Illinois loss, and that experience has stuck with them.
As a veteran, the Louisiana native has made sure the locker room understands that overlooking Rice cannot happen this weekend.
“It's really important because we know that anytime we play somebody, we're gonna get their best shot, especially when it's a small team,” stated Ausberry. “They're looking at it as coming to Notre Dame Stadium and playing Notre Dame, top five team.
“They're obviously gonna try and come here and beat us as any team would. We just have to make sure everybody understands you can't treat them like they are just Rice. You gotta treat them like they're one of the top teams. I feel like that's something that has to be talked about in the locker room.”
That mindset starts in practice.
Notre Dame has to stay sharp and locked in, even against a lesser opponent on a short week. For Ausberry, the focus is on making sure the standard doesn’t change based on the opponent.
“It really starts with just coming out here every day and not taking practice for granted,” Ausberry explained. “Coming out here practicing full speed, being excited to come out here and just being grateful that we get to come out here every day and practice. Also just knowing that we haven't won a home opener in the last two years. This game, it means something for us.”
The first home game of the year also has Ausberry excited after starting the season at Lambeau Field.
“I'm just looking forward to playing out there on the home field,” said Ausberry. “Great atmosphere, great fans, playing out there with my teammates.”
When the Irish and Owls take the field on Saturday, a familiar face will be on the Rice offense.
Preston Zinter played linebacker at Notre Dame over the last three seasons before transferring to Rice, where he is now playing tight end.
There hasn’t been much talking in the group text this week, but Ausberry is excited to see his former teammate.
“No, I really haven't spoken to him yet,” Ausberry said. “We'll see him Saturday, though.”
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