Notre Dame's stellar defensive performance is a testament to the program's commitment to excellence, and the Phil Steele College Football Preview magazine has recognized this by naming six Fighting Irish players as preseason All-Americans. Leonard Moore, a lockdown cornerback, stands out as the only player on the first team, showcasing his exceptional skills and impact on the field. Despite missing two games due to an ankle injury, Moore's impressive statistics, including 31 tackles, seven pass deflections, a forced fumble, and five interceptions, speak volumes about his talent and leadership. His unanimous All-American status in 2025 and the highest coverage grade among Power Four cornerbacks further solidify his place among the nation's top defensive backs. The recognition from Pro Football Focus and his finalist status for the Nagurski Trophy and Jim Thorpe Award highlight the impact he has made and the potential for future accolades.
Tae Johnson, a safety, joins Moore in the secondary, having been named a Freshman All-American last season. Despite a late start and missing two games, Johnson's contributions were significant, with four interceptions, three pass breakups, 48 tackles, and a blocked punt return for a touchdown. His ability to step up and make plays when it matters most is a testament to his resilience and skill. The FWAA's recognition of Johnson as a Freshman All-American is a strong indicator of his potential for future success.
The defensive line is also well-represented, with linebacker Drayk Bowen and edge rusher Boubacar Traore earning third-team honors. Bowen led the team with 65 tackles, 4.5 for a loss, 3.5 sacks, and four pass deflections, while Traore carried the team with 6.5 sacks and 10.0 TFL, along with a forced fumble. Their performances highlight the depth and talent within the defensive unit, which is crucial for the team's overall success.
On the offensive side, quarterback CJ Carr and offensive lineman Charles Jagusah received fourth-team recognition. Carr's impressive first season as a starter, marked by a 10-2 record, 66.7% completion rate, 2,741 yards, 24 touchdowns, and an 83.4 QBR, showcases his potential as a tier-1a quarterback. His ability to find efficiency under pressure and lead the team to success is a significant achievement. Jagusah, despite missing the entire spring due to injuries, is expected to be one of the best offensive guards in the country when healthy, as confirmed by Notre Dame offensive line coach Joe Rudolph. His recognition by Phil Steele is a testament to his talent and potential impact on the offensive line.
The recognition of these six players by Phil Steele is a significant achievement for Notre Dame, highlighting the program's ability to develop and recognize talent across the board. The team's defensive prowess, led by Moore and Johnson, and the offensive contributions of Carr and Jagusah, set the stage for a promising season. As the Fighting Irish prepare to face their marquee opponents, including Miami and BYU, the presence of these All-Americans will undoubtedly be a source of pride and motivation for the entire program.
However, it's important to note that the recognition of these players by Phil Steele is just the beginning. The true test of their abilities will come on the field, where they will need to consistently perform at a high level and lead their team to success. The road ahead is challenging, but with the talent and determination displayed by these players, Notre Dame is well-positioned for a successful season. The program's commitment to excellence and its ability to develop and recognize talent will undoubtedly be a key factor in their success, and the All-American recognition is a testament to this commitment.
