No. 2 Notre Dame is heading into Week 7 with a chance to get a major piece back on defense, and the timing could hardly be better with No. 8 BYU waiting on the other side.
The Irish are 6-0, but they still haven’t faced a ranked opponent. BYU, meanwhile, comes in at 5-0 and has already handled its first three Big 12 games by a combined 69-37. The Cougars also get to play at home, which gives them a clear edge in the setup even with Notre Dame carrying the higher ranking.
Still, the Irish are in position to welcome back one of their best defenders. All-American cornerback Leonard Moore is trending toward returning after missing Notre Dame’s last game because of a concussion. Defensive lineman Jason Onye could also be in line to play after sitting out since the season opener against Wisconsin with a left ankle injury.
Marcus Freeman said both players have been back on the practice field in a limited sense.
"They both got some practice reps in the game plan," Freeman said, according to Adam Rittenberg of ESPN. "... If they keep trending in the direction they're going, we're expecting them to hopefully help us on Saturday."
If Moore is able to go, that would be the biggest boost of all for Notre Dame’s defense. The junior from Rock Round, Texas, was a first-team All-American in 2025 and also earned spots on several All-American teams as a freshman in 2024.
His production has been easy to notice. Moore has seven career interceptions, 22 pass breakups, three forced fumbles and 87 total tackles. He hasn’t picked off a pass yet this season, but five of those seven interceptions came last year, so another takeaway would not be a surprise if he’s healthy and back in rhythm.
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Among those expected on hand are Blake Wong, Kyle Nabrotzky, Ryan Wooten Jr., Gaige Weddle, Dennis Tu'aone, Eli Mortensen, Malakai Leilua, Lincon Fa'alafi, Jake Matsen and Kyran Majors, a group that includes recruits committed to BYU or holding offers from the Cougars and other major programs. For BYU, the stakes go well beyond the final score, because a showcase like this can leave an impression that lasts long after the national cameras are gone. [Read more 🡒]