Six Notre Dame players have punched their ticket to the 2026 NFL Combine - a solid showing for the Fighting Irish, but the real story might be who won’t be there.
Let’s start with the names that did make the cut. Running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price headline the group, joined by wide receiver Malachi Fields, tight end Eli Raridon, and offensive linemen Bill Schrauth and Aamil Wagner.
All six were key contributors on the offensive side of the ball, and their invites come as little surprise to anyone who followed Notre Dame’s season closely. Love and Price formed a dynamic backfield duo, Fields emerged as a reliable target, and Raridon brought versatility and toughness to the tight end spot.
Up front, Schrauth and Wagner anchored a line that helped power the offense all year long.
But while that offensive talent is getting its well-deserved spotlight, the absence of two standout defensive backs - Jalen Stroman and Devonta Smith - is raising some eyebrows in South Bend.
Stroman was a difference-maker in the secondary, racking up 37 tackles, two pass breakups, an interception, and even taking one to the house for a touchdown. Smith, while not as flashy statistically, still made his presence felt with 20 tackles and three passes defended. Both were key pieces of a Notre Dame defense that ranked among the best in the country, particularly in pass coverage.
So why the snub? That’s the head-scratcher. Especially when you consider that every Notre Dame invite this year came from the offensive side of the ball - a noticeable shift from recent years, when Irish defenders often drew significant Combine attention.
Last year, Notre Dame sent eight players to the Combine. This year, it’s six.
And while the drop-off isn’t dramatic, it’s the makeup of the list - and the omissions - that stand out. In past seasons, NFL scouts have shown plenty of love to the Irish defense.
This time around, it seems the offensive playmakers stole the show.
Of course, Stroman and Smith aren’t out of chances. Notre Dame’s Pro Day will give them another opportunity to showcase their skills in front of NFL personnel. But not getting that Combine nod is still a notable development - and one that could serve as motivation when it’s time to prove they belong at the next level.
For the Irish faithful, the message is clear: while the offensive talent is getting its shine, don’t sleep on the defenders. They’ll have their shot soon enough.