Veteran talent and new leadership converge. Can this experienced Notre Dame linebacker corps become the nation's elite unit in 2026?
Notre Dame's linebacking corps is expected to be one of, if not the top returning unit in the country this upcoming season. They not only return their two key starters from last season in Drayk Bowen at middle linebacker, but also return Jaiden Ausberry who ended the season starting at Will linebacker. The Irish also return their three key rotational players in Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, Jaylen Sneed and rising sophomore Madden Faraimo.
They'll be led by a new face on the coaching staff, former Michigan linebacker coach Brian Jean-Mary who took over for Max Bullough who is headed off to be the co-defensive coordinator at his alma mater, Michigan State. In today's show, we breakdown the expectations around this extremely experienced, talented group. We also dive into the roster, talk through various roles and elevation of play and cap everything off with discussing how good this unit can be in 2026. You can watch all of that and more in today's episode of the Irish Breakdown Podcast.
You can watch the entire episode here:
Here are some of the main topics we discuss on today's show:
On Brian Jean-Mary's Biggest Tasks This Offseason...
"Obviously, Notre Dame has one of the most experienced groups in the country heading into the season. One of the tasks, and arguably the biggest, for their new linebacker coach will be how Brian Jean-Mary will get the most out of a veteran group of highly talented players. Thankfully, he won't be walking into the room as a complete stranger. He recruited guys like Drayk and Kyngstonn out of high school when he was the linebackers coach at Tennessee. But his ability to get the most out of this room will go a long way in them becoming the No. 1 unit in the country."
On Drayk Bowen's Expectations In 2026...
"Simply put, be an impactful player in the biggest moments this season. Drayk being one of the best linebackers in the country this season won't be determined by what he does against Rice or Purdue or Syracuse or Navy. But what does he do when they fly out west to Provo, Utah and play BYU? What does he do under the lights in November when they host Miami? What does he do on Senior Day against SMU? My expectation for him this upcoming season is to be a game-changer in those moments. In years past, it's been Benjamin Morrison or Xavier Watts. Now it's time for Drayk Bowen to be that guy."
On How Good This Unit Can Be This Upcoming Season...
"They have the opportunity to be the best unit in the country. Looking at the rest of the country, Notre Dame has the most experience and the best depth across the board. Now, it's about going out and proving that you're the best unit in the country. What does that look like? It's about going out and performing in the biggest moments on the biggest stages. If they're the main drivers of success on the defensive side of the ball, that's how we know this unit is the best in the country."
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