5 Notre Dame Defensive Standouts to Watch During 2026 Spring Ball

Two weeks into spring practice, it is clear that the new defensive additions to Notre Dame’s roster may find it tough sledding to crack the rotation on a stacked unit that might be the nation’s best when all is said and done next season.

Here are the guys to keep an eye on, including two returning starters who could make a leap.

Who can break out on a stacked Irish defense this spring?

5. Joey O’Brien, Safety, Freshman

In a crowded safety room, it will be difficult for any newcomer to earn time. But if anybody can do it as a true freshman, it is Joey O’Brien, thanks to his 6-foot-4 frame and undeniably elite athletic skills.

O’Brien, ranked No. 39 nationally and the top Pennsylvania prospect in 247’s composite rankings, boasts a profile similar to Irish alum and NFL All-Pro Kyle Hamilton. The freshman’s time will likely arrive quickly. But even if he can't consistently get on the field, he could be a weapon in special teams coverage.

4. Christian Gray, Cornerback, Senior

It is not easy playing opposite stud cornerbacks Benjamin Morrison and Leonard Moore—teams inevitably look to the opposite side of the field to find success.

Christian Gray has been in the spotlight for better or worse as a repeated target, especially in Notre Dame’s man-to-man-heavy defense, as it puts the field corner on an island.

But Gray has plenty of experience, talent, and proven mental and physical toughness. Just check out his critical interception of Drew Allar’s in Notre Dame’s semifinal Playoff win over Penn State in 2025.

Now, Gray is getting a shot to play at nickleback this spring after playing field corner. Given his resiliency and ability to make timely plays, it could be a perfect spot for a very underrated Irish player.

3. Keon Keeley, Edge, Junior

Keon Keeley, a 5-star recruit out of high school, spent three seasons at Alabama after verbally committing to Notre Dame in 2021.

The edge rusher struggled to find his niche with the Crimson Tide, and often played off-ball linebacker instead of his more natural position at defensive end.

Though his time in Tuscaloosa was uninspiring given his prep credentials, Keeley began to assert himself down the stretch last season, especially in the Crimson Tide’s CFP win at Oklahoma, when he recorded four tackles (one for loss) and one sack in the 34-24 win.

With a change of scenery, Keeley should be ready to live up to the hype. At the very least, he should be a strong depth piece to support returning starters Boubacar Traore and Bryce Young.

2. Francis Brewu, Defensive Lineman, Junior

Before defensive coach Charlie Partridge departed Pitt for the NFL, Francis Brewu caught his eye on the recruiting trail out of high school. Now, two years later, both are reunited in South Bend.

Following a solid freshman campaign, Brewu led all Pitt interior defensive linemen in tackles with 35 (six for loss) with 20 quarterback pressures on his way to honorable mention All-ACC honors.

No. 24 on Bruce Feldman’s annual “Freak List” last year, the lineman squats 685 pounds, bench presses 475, and vertical jumps 33 inches. He could be a strong anchor in the middle of the Irish defense.

1. Tae Johnson, Safety, Sophomore

Once then-freshman Tae Johnson entered the Irish’s starting lineup in 2025 following an 0-2 start, primarily driven by subpar pass defense, the unit began to turn around.

Throughout last season, Johnson displayed elite playmaking ability, particularly in the Irish’s matchup against Pitt in which he recorded a pivotal pick-six and five tackles to lead the Irish defense in a dominant 37-15 victory.

With his athleticism and size, Johnson seems poised to join Hamilton and Xavier Watts as an All-American safety. And early returns from spring practice suggest that that will happen sooner than later.