Notre Dame's defense made waves in 2025, particularly with their ability to stifle the run game. Under the guidance of defensive coordinator Chris Ash and head coach Marcus Freeman, the Irish showed a marked improvement, ranking 11th nationally by allowing just 100.1 rushing yards per game. This was a significant leap from the previous season, where they surrendered 138.8 yards on average.
Ash's philosophy centers on halting the ground attack as the foundation for a strong defense. "Stopping the run is where everything begins for us," Ash emphasized. With strategic tweaks and a committed buy-in from the players, Notre Dame's defense transformed into a formidable force.
The numbers tell the story. Notre Dame held half of their opponents to under 100 rushing yards, and only one team managed over 5.0 yards per carry against them. This consistency was a step up from previous seasons, with fewer opponents breaking the 150-yard mark compared to 2021 and 2022.
The key to their success was consistency. "We don’t want to be a defense that gives up big plays after a tackle for loss," Ash noted.
The Irish ranked fourth nationally in limiting explosive runs, allowing only six runs of 20+ yards all season. This was a stark contrast to previous years, where they allowed double-digit big plays.
While not topping the charts in tackles for loss-ranking 53rd in that category-Notre Dame's focus on limiting big plays was crucial. Ash highlighted the importance of yards per carry over total rushing yards, pointing out that forcing opponents to run more plays for fewer yards was a strategic advantage.
Looking ahead to 2026, the Irish aim to refine their approach further. The goal is to match the defensive prowess of recent national champions, who have consistently held opponents to under 90 rushing yards per game. Last year's champion, Indiana, set the bar high with an impressive 77.2 yards allowed per game.
Notre Dame's offseason is dedicated to both scheme refinement and individual player development. Ash explained, "We evaluated our calls and player performances to ensure we maximize our strengths and address any weaknesses."
With a focus on both tactical adjustments and enhancing player skills, Notre Dame is setting its sights on a championship-caliber defense in 2026. The groundwork laid in 2025 provides a solid foundation, but the Irish know there’s more work to be done to reach the pinnacle of college football defense.