It’s no secret that Notre Dame had high expectations for its defense entering the 2026 season.
The Fighting Irish returned a wealth of experienced talent, including captains Drayk Bowen and Adon Shuler. But perhaps even more importantly, Notre Dame entered the season with the same scheme under defensive coordinator Chris Ash.
Saturday’s 27-10 win over Michigan State provided another glimpse into the maturity Ash is building within the defense.
The Spartans had been saving formations and plays for Notre Dame, but the Irish didn’t bite or get overwhelmed by what Michigan State showed them.
“They had a bunch of tricks, a bunch of gadget plays that they hadn't shown before,” explained Bowen. “We didn't really know what they were going to do. It was just communication in that second half, and making sure we were in the right front, right coverage, and then just making sure that we were playing fast, playing physical.”
Marcus Freeman has driven home the message that he wants his defense to play fast and violent.
Notre Dame did exactly that when it mattered most.
The Irish defense recorded two sacks on three plays to open the fourth quarter, another example of this group’s ability to rise up in winning time.
“Before we went out there, we talked about this is going to be the drive that is either going to put them back in the game, or we're going to show what our type of defense is,” Bowen said. “That drive was pivotal to what our defense is. We're going to be able to put the team on our back if we need to, go get a stop, and go make a play when we have to.”
The depth of Notre Dame’s defense is also becoming increasingly evident.
Notre Dame hasn’t hesitated to rotate their front seven, something many programs struggle to do in the Transfer Portal era. Bowen believes that rotation has helped keep the defense fresh while also preventing players from becoming mentally drained.
“I think one thing is the offense, being out there so long and scoring points that it allows us to recover,” Bowen said following Saturday’s game. I think the other thing is just how much depth we have. The d-line's rotating six, seven, eight guys. Linebackers, we have four or five guys that we rotate. DBs are rotating in and out.
“During the week, we're really focused on running to the ball, getting back home.”
There are multiple players on Notre Dame’s defense who could have left the program in search of more playing time. Instead, the Irish added pieces through the portal to create even more depth.
It speaks to a culture in which players are willing to sacrifice individual roles for the good of the team and the willingness of Notre Dame’s veterans to help new players get up to speed.
“We've got to bring guys along,” Bowen explained. “We had transfers, Tionne (Gray), Francis (Brewu), Keon (Keeley), Jayden Sanders, DJ (McKinney). They worked their tails off to obviously get in with the team and work out and then get the playbook down. I think that's part of it, is just how much that we've grown together as a defensive team and you're going to see that now.”
And then there’s the turnover margin.
Notre Dame is +8 through the first three games, a reflection of an emphasis that has been a priority throughout the offseason.
“We make that a staple of our defense,” said Bowen. “We want to take the ball away. We want to be at least +2 in every game. It's intentional work in practice, making sure that we're seeing the ball, whether it's a punch out, if we've got a chance to go intercept it, go intercept it. Those little things that you do in practice, they carry over into the game.”
Want the latest scoop on Notre Dame Football and Recruiting? Sign up for our newsletter and become an ISD Premium Subscriber: Sign Up for ISD
Notre Dame Fighting Irish Under Armour Core Icon Fleece Pullover Hoodie
