Notre Dame’s Week 1 injury report leaves the spotlight on one name above all others: linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa.
The Fighting Irish listed Viliamu-Asa as questionable for the matchup with Wisconsin, and that alone gives Notre Dame a major decision to weigh. He is coming back from an ACL injury, and his recovery has reportedly gone as well as or better than expected as the regular season arrives. Whether he gets the green light for Saturday is still unclear, but if he’s active, he could immediately alter the feel of the game.
That’s why Notre Dame may also decide not to rush him. Viliamu-Asa is projected as a first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft and is expected to be one of the central leaders on what the Irish believe is an elite defense. With that in mind, holding him out for another week and aiming for full readiness in Week 2 would not be a surprise.
Beyond Viliamu-Asa, Notre Dame’s report is more straightforward: nobody else is questionable, and a long list of players has already been ruled out.
Among the outs are wide receiver Quincy Porter, offensive lineman Matty Augustine, defensive lineman Christopher Burgess Jr., defensive lineman Tiki Hola, offensive lineman Charles Jagusah, linebacker Ko’o Kia, defensive back Chaz Smith, and offensive lineman Chris Terek.
Porter stands out as one of the biggest names on that list. He arrived from Ohio State this offseason as one of the most highly regarded transfer additions available, but he is still working back from a patellar tendon injury. Augustine and Jagusah are the other notable absences on the report.
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The matchup comes with little margin for patience, and the betting line reflects it, with Wisconsin listed as a 20.5-point underdog. For a team still sorting out chemistry and identity, the challenge is as much about settling into the moment as it is about trying to keep pace with a veteran-caliber opponent in one of the sports biggest stages. [Read more 🡒]