As the offseason begins in earnest for Notre Dame, the focus shifts from game-day execution to roster decisions, schematic tweaks, and long-term development. Marcus Freeman and new defensive coordinator Chris Ash have plenty on their plate as they look to build on a 2025 campaign that saw the Irish defense evolve into one of the more formidable units in the country - especially after a rocky start.
Let’s break down four key questions facing Notre Dame’s defense heading into the heart of the offseason.
1. Can Chris Ash Build on Year One’s Growth?
Year one under Chris Ash was a tale of two seasons. The first three games?
A bit of a mess - soft zone coverages, inconsistent pressure, and a defense that looked unsure of its identity. But from Week 4 onward, Notre Dame flipped the switch and turned into a defensive force.
By the end of the season, the Irish ranked 13th nationally in scoring defense (17.6 points per game), 11th in rush defense (99.3 yards per game), and 56th in pass defense (213.4 yards per game). That’s a dramatic turnaround from those early struggles, and it speaks to the staff’s ability to adapt and the players’ ability to execute.
So what’s next?
The big question is whether Ash sticks with the aggressive, front-loaded approach that defined the latter part of the season - or if he reverts to the more conservative schemes we saw early on. The data points from the final nine games suggest the Irish found their groove when the defensive line was allowed to dictate the tempo and the back end played with more confidence. If Ash leans into that identity, there’s a real chance this group could take another leap.
2. How Much of the Depth Chart Returns?
Roster retention has never been more complicated in college football. With the House Settlement now finalized, programs are operating under new financial parameters that essentially function like a salary cap. That means hard choices are coming - and Notre Dame’s deep, talented defense won’t be immune.
The Irish have built one of the most well-rounded defensive depth charts in the country, but the reality is you can’t keep everyone. The staff will have to weigh proven production against potential upside, and they’ll need to be strategic about where to invest their resources. That’s not just about NIL dollars - it’s about snaps, development plans, and long-term fit.
This is where the collaboration between the coaching staff and the general manager becomes critical. Bringing back the right veterans - those who not only produce but lead - will determine whether this defense is simply good or truly elite. If they can keep the core intact, they’re looking at a Top 5-caliber unit in 2026.
3. Will the Defensive Line Remain Dominant?
If there’s a heartbeat to this defense, it’s the front four. Notre Dame’s defensive line was one of the most disruptive units in the country this past season - and arguably one of the most underrated. They were responsible for 206 of the team’s 285 total pressures and racked up 52 of the 79 combined hits and sacks on opposing quarterbacks.
That kind of production doesn’t happen by accident. It’s a credit to both the coaching and the talent - and the good news is, several key pieces are expected back. Edge rushers like Boubacar Traore, Bryce Young, Josh Burnham, and Donovan Hinish give the Irish a strong foundation moving forward.
But there are real questions on the interior. Veterans Gabriel Rubio and Jared Dawson are out of eligibility, and Jason Onye’s status hinges on whether he’s granted a sixth year by the NCAA. That’s a lot of experience walking out the door, and replacing that kind of interior presence won’t be easy.
Still, if the returning edge rushers continue to develop and the staff can find some answers inside - whether through returning players, transfers, or young talent stepping up - this line has the potential to remain the engine that powers the defense.
4. Can Ash Clean Up the Back End?
While the overall numbers were impressive, there’s no question Notre Dame’s defense still has areas to tighten up - especially in the secondary.
The Irish finished 56th nationally in pass defense and 85th in explosive pass plays allowed (20+ yards). That’s not where you want to be if your goal is to compete for a national title.
And while they were excellent at keeping teams out of the red zone - only 25 red zone trips allowed all season, good for sixth in the country - opponents made those chances count. Teams scored on 84% of their red zone trips, with 14 of those 25 drives ending in touchdowns.
That’s a red flag.
The good news? These are fixable issues.
Whether it’s coverage breakdowns, missed assignments, or personnel mismatches, Ash and his staff have a full offseason to diagnose and correct the problems. And with a full year of film and familiarity under his belt, Ash should be better positioned to make the necessary adjustments.
If he can elevate the secondary to match the front seven - and if the Irish retain enough of their core - this defense isn’t just capable of being good. It’s capable of being special.
Final Thoughts
Notre Dame's defense took a big step forward in 2025, but the offseason will determine whether that progress was the start of something sustainable - or just a one-year spike. Chris Ash has a solid foundation to build on, but the decisions made over the next few months - from scheme to roster management - will shape the identity of the 2026 unit.
If the Irish can answer these four questions the right way, there’s no reason this defense can’t be one of the best in the country next fall.