Will WR Kevin Austin Return In 2019?

Multiple sources have informed me that sophomore wideout Kevin Austin could in fact return in 2019 … sort of.

According to three sources, Austin’s unofficial suspension is not for the entire 2019 season as previously assumed. That does not mean Austin will return to a regular spot in the wide receiver rotation.

Based on these conversations, the plan is that while Austin will return and play this season, he will be limited to just four games or fewer in order to preserve a redshirt season.

Austin played only 125 snaps and caught just five passes last season as a true freshman, and he’s missed the first four games of the 2019 campaign while serving what is believed to be a suspension due to an unnamed violation of team rules. Head coach Brian Kelly has not commented on Austin’s situation outside of stating that Austin is on the team and plans to remain at Notre Dame.

By only playing four games this season, should the information gathered be correct, Austin would be able to go into the 2020 season with three seasons of eligibility remaining. Chase Claypool and Chris Finke are done after this season and we don’t yet know whether or not senior Javon McKinley will return for a fifth season. Austin returning would provide the offense with a boost in size and speed, and him having three seasons left would give him time to overcome the off-the-field woes that have plagued him up to this point.

When talking to sources close to the Notre Dame program over the summer there was optimism that Austin would turn the corner. His strong performance in the classroom, background and dedication to getting on the right track were noted by multiple sources at the time.

Austin is not expected to play today against Bowling Green, and no one at Notre Dame has confirmed he is suspended for the season or that he will return.