Pro Football Focus has ranked Notre Dame’s linebackers as the fifth-best unit in the nation for the upcoming season, highlighting the return of junior Drayk Bowen, who was the most valuable returning FBS linebacker last year, alongside redshirt junior Jaylen Sneed and sophomore Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, who earned Freshman All-America honors. Bowen recorded 78 tackles and three forced fumbles in 2024, while Sneed and Ausberry also contributed significantly. The Fighting Irish’s linebacker corps is poised for a strong season despite the loss of veteran Jack Kiser.