Notre Dame’s defense is already making a national statement before the season even gets going.
Sporting News released its 2026 College Football Preseason All-America team, and the Irish landed four players on the list: one offensive lineman and three defenders. That puts Notre Dame tied with Oregon for the second-most selections on the Sporting News team, another sign that several Irish standouts are firmly on the All-America radar heading into 2026.
The headliner, as expected, is cornerback Leonard Moore. He was one of two first-team All-American defensive backs selected by Sporting News, and after being a Unanimous All-American in 2025, he enters the new season with serious national recognition already attached to his name. Moore also earned a first-team All-American honor from Sporting News last season.
Bill Bender described Moore this way:
"Moore (6-2, 197) - a Thorpe Award and Nagurski Trophy finalist last season - is the top defensive player in college football heading into the season. He had five interceptions and seven pass breakups in 2025, but he's more than just an elite cover cornerback.
Moore totaled 79 tackles and three forced fumbles in two seasons. Moore was a SN Preseason All-America selection last season, too." - Bill Bender, Sporting News.
Moore wasn’t the only Notre Dame defensive back on the first team. Junior safety Brauntae Johnson joined him there after a strong 2025 season that brought Freshman All-America recognition. Johnson posted three interceptions and three breakups in ten games and is now being projected as one of the country’s top defensive backs.
Bender also highlighted Johnson’s game like this:
"Johnson (6-2, 200), a sophomore, started in 10 games last season and had four interceptions and three pass breakups. He missed just two tackles, according to PFF.com, and that range and athleticism is yet another reason why the Irish will have one of the best secondaries in the FBS this season." - Bender
Notre Dame’s offensive line also got its share of attention. Junior Anthonie Knapp was named a second-team guard, with expectations rising as he shifts inside after starting the last two seasons at left tackle.
Senior linebacker Drayk Bowen also landed on Sporting News’ second team. Bowen stands out on the preseason list as the only Notre Dame All-American who is not part of the program’s 2024 recruiting class.
Sporting News also recognized a pair of Notre Dame opponents. Miami wide receiver Malachi Toney was named to the first team, while Syracuse cornerback Chris Peal made the second team.
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