Notre Dame’s 2026 Defensive End Room: Proven Playmakers, Rising Stars, and a Blueprint for Dominance
With National Signing Day in the books and the offseason in full swing, Notre Dame’s defensive end group is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing position rooms on the roster heading into 2026. Head coach Marcus Freeman just wrapped up his fifth - and arguably most impressive - recruiting cycle in South Bend, and the influx of elite talent is already turning heads.
Now, with the Blue-Gold Game officially scheduled for April 25 at 2:00 PM inside Notre Dame Stadium, the countdown begins. And all eyes are on a defensive end unit that blends returning production with high-upside newcomers. If things click, this could be the kind of group that sets the tone for a championship-caliber defense.
Let’s break down what we know - and what we’re watching - as the Irish gear up for spring ball.
A Recruiting Class Built to Close the Gap
Notre Dame’s 2026 class isn’t just good - it’s gap-closing good. This is the kind of haul that programs stack when they’re serious about contending for a national title. It’s deep, it’s talented, and it’s arguably the best class Marcus Freeman has landed during his time in South Bend.
There’s still one box left to check: winning it all. But this group gives Notre Dame the kind of roster depth and top-end talent that can go toe-to-toe with anyone in the country. The defensive end position, in particular, benefits from this surge in recruiting momentum, with young pass rushers arriving who have the tools to contribute early - and potentially star down the line.
Boubacar Traore: Ready to Take the Next Step
Boubacar Traore was solid in 2025, but there’s a sense around the program that he’s just scratching the surface. Coming off a knee injury the year before, Traore worked his way back into form and flashed real potential - even as the defense dealt with some inconsistencies early in the season.
Now, with a full offseason ahead and another year removed from that injury, the expectation is clear: take the leap. Traore has the physical tools and motor to be a dominant edge presence. NFL scouts are already watching closely, and if he can put together a complete season, he could hear his name called early in the 2027 NFL Draft.
New defensive line coach Charlie Partridge will play a key role in that development. Partridge has a track record of molding elite pass rushers, and Traore might be his next big project.
Bryce Young and the Known Commodities
Alongside Traore, Bryce Young returns as a reliable force on the edge. He’s been a steady presence and brings a level of experience that’s crucial for a group that’s brimming with young talent. With Young and Traore anchoring the starting spots, Notre Dame has a solid foundation.
But as always in college football, depth matters - especially in the trenches.
Depth: The Big Question (and the Big Opportunity)
Behind the starters, the Irish are loaded with potential. But potential doesn’t win games in October and November - production does. That’s where the offseason becomes critical.
Keon Keeley is one of the most intriguing names in the room. He has the size, athleticism, and pedigree to be a difference-maker, but he’ll need to refine his game and put in the work this spring. If he can make that jump, he could be a serious weapon in the rotation.
Then there’s Loghan Thomas - a name that might not be on every fan’s radar yet, but one that absolutely should be. As a true freshman, Thomas was on the field during the final drive of the Sugar Bowl against Georgia.
That’s not nothing. If he can stay healthy and take advantage of a full offseason, he could carve out a much bigger role in 2026.
On paper, this room is stacked. There’s size, speed, and upside across the board.
But the next few months will be all about turning that potential into production. The coaching staff will be watching closely to see who emerges, who develops, and who’s ready to contribute when the lights come on.
What’s Next
With spring practices on the horizon and the Blue-Gold Game circled on the calendar, Notre Dame’s defensive end group is entering a pivotal stretch. The starters are set, but the real story lies in the depth - and whether this group can develop into one of the most feared edge units in the country.
If they do? Notre Dame’s defense might just have the juice to carry this team into serious playoff contention.
One thing’s for sure: there’s no shortage of talent in South Bend. Now it’s time to see who rises.