Notre Dame’s 2023 Defensive Class Is Ready to Anchor a Championship Run in 2026
If you’re looking for the heart of Notre Dame’s 2026 defense, look no further than the 2023 recruiting class. This group isn’t just filling out the depth chart - they’re leading it. With two returning captains, a breakout pass rusher, and a cornerback who’s delivered in the biggest moments, this class is poised to be the backbone of a defense with championship ambitions.
Under Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame has consistently stacked strong recruiting classes, and now that effort is paying off. Nearly the entire 2026 roster has been built under Freeman’s watch, and five of the 11 projected defensive starters hail from that pivotal 2023 class. With defensive coordinator Chris Ash heading into his second year at the helm, this is the group that’s expected to elevate the unit to a championship-caliber level.
The Leaders: Bowen and Shuler Set the Tone
Let’s start with the captains - because championship defenses always have leaders who set the tone, both on the field and in the locker room. Linebacker Drayk Bowen and safety Adon Shuler, both from the 2023 class, are those guys for Notre Dame.
Bowen was a tackling machine last season, leading the team with 67 total stops. He added 2.5 sacks and three passes defended to his stat line, showing he’s not just a volume tackler - he’s a playmaker.
Shuler, meanwhile, brought versatility and consistency to the back end of the defense, finishing with 53 tackles, a sack, five passes defended, and two picks. These two aren’t just statistical leaders - they’re the emotional core of the defense.
Expect them to wear the captain’s “C” again in 2026, and expect them to lead by example.
The Game-Changer: Boubacar Traore’s Return to Form
You want a difference-maker off the edge? Boubacar Traore fits the bill.
After missing 2024 with an ACL injury, Traore returned in 2025 and wasted no time reminding everyone why he was so highly touted coming out of high school. He racked up 6.5 sacks, 37 total tackles, and a forced fumble - all in just 11 games.
But the raw numbers don’t tell the full story. Traore led the team in quarterback pressures and total hits, consistently collapsing pockets and forcing hurried throws.
In today’s game, having an edge rusher who can disrupt timing and change the math for opposing offenses is a massive asset. Traore gives Notre Dame exactly that.
The X-Factor: Christian Gray’s Final Act
Christian Gray might be the most intriguing player in this group. He’s had his ups and downs, but when the lights are brightest, he’s shown he can shine. His 98-yard pick-six to seal a rivalry win over USC and a game-ending interception in the Orange Bowl are the kind of moments that stick in fans’ minds - and that show up on NFL radars.
But it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Gray has had lapses in coverage that have led to big plays, and consistency will be the key in his final season in South Bend. If he can put it all together, he has the tools to be one of the top corners in the country - and a cornerstone of this defense.
The Underrated Contributor: Jaiden Ausberry
Jaiden Ausberry might not get the same headlines as some of his classmates, but make no mistake - he’s been one of the most productive players on the defense over the last two seasons. At 6-2, 226 pounds, Ausberry brings size and athleticism to the Will linebacker spot, where he notched 51 tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble last year.
He’s been overshadowed at times by flashier names, but his steady presence and ability to make plays in space are vital to the success of this defense. Expect him to reprise his role in 2026 - and don’t be surprised if he turns some heads along the way.
The Wild Card: Armel Mukam’s Big Opportunity
One of the most important developments of the offseason came when Armel Mukam decided to withdraw from the transfer portal. That’s a big win for Notre Dame’s defensive line. Mukam has always had the physical tools to be an impact player in the trenches, but now he has a chance to turn that potential into production.
He’s expected to take on a bigger role in 2026, possibly as a starter at nose tackle. If he can make that leap, it would give the Irish a stout interior presence to complement their edge rushers - and that could be a game-changer for the front seven.
Championship DNA
This 2023 class isn’t just talented - it’s battle-tested. They’ve played in big games, made big plays, and now they’re stepping into leadership roles across the board. From Bowen and Shuler in the middle, to Traore off the edge, to Gray locking down receivers, this group forms the core of a defense that believes it can go the distance.
Adversity will come - it always does in college football - but this is the class that’s built to handle it. They’ve already shown they can lead, now it’s about finishing the job.
If Notre Dame makes a serious push for the College Football Playoff in 2026, don’t be surprised if it’s the 2023 defensive class leading the charge.