2026 Top 25 ND Players

[JD Irish]

Similar to the exercise the ND media does every year. Predict you who believe will be the best/most positively impactful players for the 2026 season. Consider current injury status as you believe it will affect ultimate availability and performance during the season. One thing that stands out is how good players 11-25 (and beyond) are, even without Love, Price, Fields, Raridon, etc.

1. Leonard Moore
2. Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa
3. Tae Johnson
4. Boubacar Traore
5. CJ Carr
6. Anthonie Knapp
7. Adon Shuler
8. Charles Jagusah
9. Mylan Graham
10. Francis Brewu
11. Jordan Faison
12. Drayk Bowen
13. Guerby Lambert
14. Ashton Craig
15. Aneyas Williams
16. Jason Onye
17. Jaiden Ausberry
18. Jaden Greathouse
19. Bryce Young
20. Will Black
21. DJ McKinney
22. Nolan James
23. Cooper Flanagan
24. Micah Gilbert
25. Luke Talich

 

[RudyVerse]

Part of the reason I have so much confidence in this team is the number of guys we don't really need to flash, that have very real chance to:

- Madison Farairmo
- Mylan Graham/Cam Williams
- Chris Burgess
- Keon Keeley
- Rodney Dunham
- Charles Jagusah
- Jalen Sanders (Colorado transfer)

Barring injury, none of these guys are likely starters. But each one has experience and may be an absolute stud.

 

[irishandy]

Aneyas Williams would be in my top 10 to start off with and easily could end up in the top 5.

This team is going to have so many good players.

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

A list with CJ Carr anywhere less than 2 (Moore) is offensive to me

 

[Me2SouthBend]

Similar to the exercise the ND media does every year. Predict you who believe will be the best/most positively impactful players for the 2026 season. Consider current injury status as you believe it will affect ultimate availability and performance during the season. One thing that stands out is how good players 11-25 (and beyond) are, even without Love, Price, Fields, Raridon, etc.

1. Leonard Moore
2. Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa
3. Tae Johnson
4. Boubacar Traore
5. CJ Carr
6. Anthonie Knapp
7. Adon Shuler
8. Charles Jagusah
9. Mylan Graham
10. Francis Brewu
11. Jordan Faison
12. Drayk Bowen
13. Guerby Lambert
14. Ashton Craig
15. Aneyas Williams
16. Jason Onye
17. Jaiden Ausberry
18. Jaden Greathouse
19. Bryce Young
20. Will Black
21. DJ McKinney
22. Nolan James
23. Cooper Flanagan
24. Micah Gilbert
25. Luke Talich

3 DB’s in the top 7 illustrates how good this defensive backfield is going to be. But Will Black at 20 while the guy he is (likely) supplanting at 6 is a bit of a head scratcher. Regardless, there’s a lot of talented football players on this squad.

 

[irish4ever]

Part of the reason I have so much confidence in this team is the number of guys we don't really need to flash, that have very real chance to:

- Madison Farairmo
- Mylan Graham/Cam Williams
- Chris Burgess
- Keon Keeley
- Rodney Dunham
- Charles Jagusah
- Jalen Sanders (Colorado transfer)

Barring injury, none of these guys are likely starters. But each one has experience and may be an absolute stud.

6'6"" 350 lb. Tionne Gray?

 

[allenm5333]

A list with CJ Carr anywhere less than 2 (Moore) is offensive to me

Original list looks defensive imo

 

[RudyVerse]

6'6"" 350 lb. Tionne Gray?

He needs to be big for ND to reach its potential. My list is limited to “don’t even really need them but they may still be great.”