Notre Dame's Veteran Core Returns With Championship Standards in Sight
If you want to understand what continuity and culture look like in college football, take a long look at Notre Dame’s 2026 roster. Nearly every player wearing the gold helmet this season has been recruited, signed, and developed under Marcus Freeman and his staff. That kind of roster cohesion doesn’t happen by accident-it’s the result of calculated recruiting, smart development, and a clear program identity.
But while the roster is largely made up of Freeman-era players, a handful of veterans from the 2021 and 2022 recruiting classes still remain. And while their numbers may be small, their impact-both on the field and in the locker room-could be massive. These are the guys who’ve seen it all, weathered the highs and lows, and now return with one goal in mind: to lead Notre Dame to its 12th national title.
Let’s break down the four key veterans who bring experience, leadership, and a deep understanding of what it means to play for Notre Dame.
Rylie Mills Onye: Anchoring the Interior
Onye’s journey hasn’t been linear, but it’s been powerful. After missing most of the 2024 season due to personal issues, he was granted a sixth year of eligibility.
He didn’t waste it. In 2025, he bounced back in a big way, becoming a cornerstone of the defensive front.
At 6-foot-5 and 302 pounds, he’s the kind of interior presence that can change the tone of a game-and a season.
Now, with his final year ahead, Onye is poised to be more than just a contributor. He’s the anchor of a defensive line that’s been bolstered by portal additions and hungry returners.
His leadership and physicality will be crucial, especially in the trenches where games are often won or lost. For Onye, this is a chance to close out his Notre Dame career on his own terms-and potentially with a championship.
Josh Kia: Quiet Contributor With Upside
Kia’s path has been unique. After stepping away from football for a mission trip following his freshman year, he’s back in South Bend and ready to reinsert himself into the mix. He’s been a consistent presence on special teams, and while that may continue, there’s a real possibility he earns a look in the linebacker rotation.
That won’t be easy-Notre Dame’s linebacker room is loaded with talent and depth-but Kia’s experience and maturity could help him carve out a role. Even if he doesn’t see heavy defensive snaps, players like Kia are vital to a program’s heartbeat.
He knows the system, understands the expectations, and plays his role without ego. Every championship team needs glue guys, and Kia fits that mold.
Zeke Craig: The Steadying Force on the O-Line
Craig’s 2025 season was shaping up to be a strong one until a knee injury in the win over NC State cut it short. While there’s no definitive timeline for his return to full strength, his presence alone is a boost for the offensive line unit. He may not have finished a full season as the starting center, but when he’s been on the field, he’s been a difference-maker.
The battle to reclaim his starting spot won’t be a layup-Notre Dame’s offensive line room is deep and competitive-but Craig brings a level of leadership and toughness that’s hard to replicate. If he can get back to full speed, he’ll be a stabilizing force up front, and one the Irish will lean on in big moments.
Jaylen Sneed: From Role Player to Every-Down Backer
Sneed’s evolution has been one of patience and persistence. The former five-star recruit spent much of his early career in a niche role, flashing athleticism but not quite locking down an every-down spot. That changed late in 2024, when he stepped up during the College Football Playoff run and showed he could handle a full workload.
He carried that momentum into 2025, becoming a key piece of the linebacker rotation. And with Brian Jean-Mary now coaching the unit, there’s still room for Sneed to grow.
He’s got the tools-the speed, instincts, and physicality-to be a game-changer. Now it’s about consistency and taking the next step as a leader on and off the field.
Veteran Leadership in 2026: More Than Stats
Let’s be clear: none of these four players are likely to be the statistical stars of the 2026 season. They’re not going to be the names dominating headlines like CJ Carr or Leonard Moore. But that doesn’t mean they’re any less important.
Programs like Notre Dame are built on culture, and culture is carried by players who’ve been through the grind-who know what it means to wear the gold helmet and what it takes to win at the highest level. Craig, Onye, Sneed, and Kia embody that.
Between them, they’ve logged countless hours in the weight room, the film room, and on the field. They’ve seen what a championship-caliber program looks like from the inside.
And now, with one last ride ahead, they have the chance to lead from the front.
The standard at Notre Dame isn’t just bowl games or playoff appearances-it’s national championships. That’s the bar.
And if the Irish are going to reach it in 2026, it’ll take more than just raw talent. It’ll take leadership, experience, and a locker room that knows how to navigate the long road to a title.
That’s where these veterans come in. Their roles may not always show up on the stat sheet, but make no mistake-they’re going to matter. A lot.