Drayk Bowen is setting his sights on an undefeated season, determined to leave no room for doubt. As he gears up for his final year with Notre Dame, Bowen is leading a rejuvenated Irish defense with a clear goal in mind.
Last season, Notre Dame's defense ended on a high note, holding eight of their last nine opponents to 20 points or fewer. The defense was particularly stingy against Boise State, NC State, and Syracuse, allowing just seven points each, while Arkansas, Navy, and Boston College were held under 14. After a rocky start, the defense found its groove, closing out 2025 as a formidable unit.
A key player in this turnaround was middle linebacker and team captain, Drayk Bowen. Now entering his fourth year, Bowen reflects on last season's ups and downs, which ultimately saw the Irish miss out on the College Football Playoffs. This year, the team's mantra, "Leave No Doubt," hits home for Bowen.
"I don't want to ever leave it in the hands of somebody else," Bowen emphasized. "I'm committed to making sure this team is ready and working as hard as we can to ensure there's not a single loss. We want to control our destiny and make sure we reach our goals."
Bowen is one of two returning captains from the 2025 roster, alongside safety Adon Shuler. This season, Bowen won't have to shoulder the leadership burden alone. With Shuler's return and the rise of quarterback Carr, the team's player-led leadership is set to shine in 2026.
"He's the leader out there," Bowen said about Carr, Notre Dame's redshirt sophomore quarterback. "Everyone listens to him.
He carries himself with a presence both on and off the field. He's proactive, getting teammates in for extra sessions, watching film, and working on routes.
His communication skills are top-notch."
Bowen continued, "Carr knows everyone and takes the time to connect. He jokes around, leads vocally, and commands respect. He's more than just a quarterback; he's the guy who brings everyone together, putting in the extra work himself and encouraging others to join him."
The defensive staff at Notre Dame saw significant changes in the offseason, with three new defensive assistants coming on board, including Brian Jean-Mary as the new linebackers coach. Bowen quickly adapted to working with his new coach.
"He's been coaching for a long time and has seen a lot," Bowen noted. "He's helped me understand positioning, how to read formations, and how those impact past games. Sitting in the film room with him, asking questions, and learning from his experience has been invaluable this offseason."
Notre Dame's defense boasts the talent, leadership, and experience to be one of the nation's top units this season. If they aim to capture a National Championship, they'll need to be firing on all cylinders. Having Bowen anchoring and leading the defense for a third straight year is a luxury not many teams can claim.