Fighting Irish Safety, Bryce Young Poised To Make Significant Difference For 2025 Notre Dame Defensive Line

 

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish defense is gearing up for a dominant 2025 season, and one name stands out as a potential game-changer: Bryce Young. While Notre Dame has always been known for its tough defensive units, Young’s emergence as a key contributor on the defensive line could elevate the Irish to new heights.

 

Young, a highly touted recruit and the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Bryant Young, has all the physical tools and pedigree to thrive in Notre Dame’s defensive scheme. At 6-foot-5 and 245 pounds, he possesses an elite blend of size, athleticism, and power. While he saw limited action in 2024, his development over the past year has positioned him to be a major force in 2025. With his explosiveness off the edge and ability to disrupt opposing offenses, Young could be the missing piece that transforms Notre Dame’s front seven into one of the nation’s best.

 

One of the biggest areas where Young is expected to make an impact is in the pass rush. Notre Dame has lacked a dominant edge rusher in recent years, and Young’s skill set fills that void. His ability to collapse the pocket and generate consistent pressure on quarterbacks will be crucial as the Irish look to improve their sack totals. Additionally, his versatility allows him to shift inside when needed, providing defensive coordinator Al Golden with more options for creative blitz packages.

 

Beyond his physical gifts, Young has also shown leadership qualities that will benefit the Irish defense. Teammates and coaches have praised his work ethic, football IQ, and commitment to improvement. His ability to learn from veteran players and translate that knowledge onto the field will be key as he takes on a bigger role.

 

Notre Dame’s 2025 defensive unit already has a strong foundation, but Young’s emergence could be the catalyst that pushes the group to an elite level. If he can live up to his potential, the Fighting Irish defense will be a nightmare for opposing offenses, giving them a legitimate shot at making a run for a College Football Playoff berth. As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Young to see if he can live up to the hype and cement himself as one of Notre Dame’s defensive stars.