David Pollack thinks the best linebacker room in college football belongs to Notre Dame.
That was the call he made while talking with co-host Brent Rollins on "See Ball Get Ball with David Pollack," even though Rollins leaned Georgia. Pollack went the other direction, pointing to the Fighting Irish’s mix of experience and high-end talent.
"I would have had Notre Dame at one," Pollack said. "I think Notre Dame's experience, and I think they have a trump card with KVA (Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa), but they also have a ton of experience and guys that have played and started. I think I have a little bit more experience with Notre Dame than I do with Georgia."
Notre Dame’s case starts with production. Jaiden Ausberry, Drayk Bowen and Viliamu-Asa were the team’s top three tacklers at linebacker last season.
Bowen led the group with 67 tackles, Ausberry finished third with 51, and Viliamu-Asa tied for fourth with 48. Getting all three back gives the Irish a sturdy foundation at a position that drives so much of what a defense does.
That matters even more for a Notre Dame defense trying to climb another step. Last season, the Irish ranked No. 22 in total defense and No. 11 in rushing defense, two areas where linebacker play usually shows up fast.
The rest of the defense helps the argument, too. Notre Dame also brings back Leonard Moore, who is viewed as arguably the best cornerback in college football.
Put it together, and the Irish have the kind of unit that can line up against just about anyone. With Ausberry, Bowen and Viliamu-Asa all returning, plus strong talent in the secondary, Notre Dame has the experience and playmaking to match the country’s best.
And if that defense hits its ceiling, the Irish could give themselves their best shot at ending their national championship drought.
In Other News...
Notre Dame Freshmen Are Already Creating A New Defensive Debate
Notre Dames latest recruiting haul is already giving the defense something to talk about before the season even gets going. The 2026 class sits at No. 1 nationally in the On3/Rivals rankings, and a few of the freshmen have turned heads in spring work, especially on the defensive line and in the secondary. Rodney Dunham and Joey OBrien were among the names drawing the most attention, while the staff has also liked the early promise from other highly rated newcomers as it starts to picture what this group could become.
The interesting part is how quickly the conversation has shifted from long-term upside to possible near-term roles. Injuries have kept some of those freshmen from getting a full spring showcase, but Notre Dame still sounds confident that this class can help shape the depth chart sooner rather than later. If the early flashes carry into fall camp, the real debate may not be whether the Irish have enough talent in this group, but which first-year defenders are ready to force their way into the rotation. [Read more 🡒]
Former Walk-On Luke Talich Has Become A Notre Dame Difference Maker
Luke Talichs rise has been one of the quieter success stories in South Bend, the kind that usually starts on special teams and slowly works its way into the defensive conversation. The senior safety came in as a walk-on, earned a scholarship, and kept building trust with the staff by showing up in the right spots and doing the little things that keep a defense steady.
Now Talich looks like more than a depth piece. He has added muscle, broadened his game and given Notre Dame a versatile defender who can handle responsibilities at safety and in different package looks for coordinator Chris Ash, including work as a strong-side outside linebacker option. For a defense looking for reliable pieces it can move around, Talich has become the sort of player coaches lean on when the game plan gets specific. [Read more 🡒]