PFF College names Notre Dame safety as top performer during Week 5
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PFF College names Notre Dame safety as top performer during Week 5
Notre Dame safety Luke Talich (28) celebrates with safety Adon Shuler (8) after a Talich sack during a NCAA football game against Michigan State at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, in South Bend.
Kevin L. Smith, Fighting Irish Wire·Fighting Irish Wire
Talich has had a strong start to the 2026 season, butan injured left wrist set him back a bit. However, he only missed the Sept. 26 road game against Purdue, and quickly came back for last Saturday's matchup versusNorth Carolina.
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The senior went on record three tackles, an interception and a pass deflection in theFighting Irish's 37-26 win over UNC. Talich's performance led to PFF College giving him a 89.8,the highest-graded safety after Week 5. Through four games, the senior has 14 tackles, a sack, a forced fumble, a pass breakup, two picks and three pass deflections.
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 03: Jordan Faison #6 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates a touchdown during the first half of the game against North Carolina Tar Heels at Kenan Stadium on October 03, 2026 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Jaylynn Nash/Getty Images)
(Jaylynn Nash, Getty Images)
Notre Dame receiver Jaden Greathouse celebrates his touchdown catch during the first half against North Carolina at Kenan Stadium.
(Jaylynn Nash, Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 03: CJ Carr #13 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish prepares to throw the football during the first half of the game against North Carolina Tar Heels at Kenan Stadium on October 03, 2026 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Jaylynn Nash/Getty Images)
(Jaylynn Nash, Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 03: Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa #27 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish runs with the football during the first half of the game against North Carolina Tar Heels at Kenan Stadium on October 03, 2026 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Jaylynn Nash/Getty Images)
(Jaylynn Nash, Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 03: Head Coach Marcus Freeman of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish looks onfrom the sideline during the first half of the game against North Carolina Tar Heels at Kenan Stadium on October 03, 2026 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Jaylynn Nash/Getty Images)
(Jaylynn Nash, Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 03: Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa #27 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates his interception with coach Marcus Freeman during the first half of the game against North Carolina Tar Heels at Kenan Stadium on October 03, 2026 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Jaylynn Nash/Getty Images)
(Jaylynn Nash, Getty Images)
Oct 3, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive back Jayden Sanders (12) tackles North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver C.J. Sadler (14) in the second quarter at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 3, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish safety Luke Talich (28) intercepts a pass intended for North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Jordan Shipp (1) in the first quarter at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 3, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback CJ Carr (13) during warm ups at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 3, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback CJ Carr (13) during warm ups at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 3, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman reacts in the first quarter at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 3, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa (27) with the ball after intecepting a pass as North Carolina Tar Heels running back Jaylen McGill (27) defends in the first quaret at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 3, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Boubacar Traore (5) forces a bad pass by North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. (9) that is intercepted in the first quaret at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 3, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Jordan Faison (6) makes a touchdown catch as North Carolina Tar Heels defensive back Peyton Waters (7) defends in the first quaret at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 3, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Aneyas Williams (22) as North Carolina Tar Heels defensive back Peyton Waters (7) and cornerback Leonard Moore (15) defend in the first quarter at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 3, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Nolan James Jr. (2) before the game at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 3, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Nolan James Jr. (2) before the game at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 03: Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrate a field goal during the first half of the game against North Carolina Tar Heels at Kenan Stadium on October 03, 2026 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Jaylynn Nash/Getty Images)
(Jaylynn Nash, Getty Images)
Oct 3, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback CJ Carr (13) looks to pass in the first quarter at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 03: Notre Dame Fighting Irish cheerleaders celebrate a touchdown during the first half of the game against North Carolina Tar Heels at Kenan Stadium on October 03, 2026 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Jaylynn Nash/Getty Images)
(Jaylynn Nash, Getty Images)
1/20
Check out pictures from Notre Dame’s win at North Carolina
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 03: Jordan Faison #6 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates a touchdown during the first half of the game against North Carolina Tar Heels at Kenan Stadium on October 03, 2026 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Jaylynn Nash/Getty Images)
(Jaylynn Nash, Getty Images)
1/20
Check out pictures from Notre Dame’s win at North Carolina
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 03: Jordan Faison #6 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates a touchdown during the first half of the game against North Carolina Tar Heels at Kenan Stadium on October 03, 2026 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Jaylynn Nash/Getty Images)
(Jaylynn Nash, Getty Images)
2/20
Check out pictures from Notre Dame’s win at North Carolina
Notre Dame receiver Jaden Greathouse celebrates his touchdown catch during the first half against North Carolina at Kenan Stadium.
(Jaylynn Nash, Getty Images)
3/20
Check out pictures from Notre Dame’s win at North Carolina
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 03: CJ Carr #13 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish prepares to throw the football during the first half of the game against North Carolina Tar Heels at Kenan Stadium on October 03, 2026 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Jaylynn Nash/Getty Images)
(Jaylynn Nash, Getty Images)
4/20
Check out pictures from Notre Dame’s win at North Carolina
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 03: Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa #27 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish runs with the football during the first half of the game against North Carolina Tar Heels at Kenan Stadium on October 03, 2026 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Jaylynn Nash/Getty Images)
(Jaylynn Nash, Getty Images)
5/20
Check out pictures from Notre Dame’s win at North Carolina
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 03: Head Coach Marcus Freeman of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish looks onfrom the sideline during the first half of the game against North Carolina Tar Heels at Kenan Stadium on October 03, 2026 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Jaylynn Nash/Getty Images)
(Jaylynn Nash, Getty Images)
6/20
Check out pictures from Notre Dame’s win at North Carolina
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 03: Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa #27 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates his interception with coach Marcus Freeman during the first half of the game against North Carolina Tar Heels at Kenan Stadium on October 03, 2026 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Jaylynn Nash/Getty Images)
(Jaylynn Nash, Getty Images)
7/20
Check out pictures from Notre Dame’s win at North Carolina
Oct 3, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive back Jayden Sanders (12) tackles North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver C.J. Sadler (14) in the second quarter at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
8/20
Check out pictures from Notre Dame’s win at North Carolina
Oct 3, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish safety Luke Talich (28) intercepts a pass intended for North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Jordan Shipp (1) in the first quarter at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
9/20
Check out pictures from Notre Dame’s win at North Carolina
Oct 3, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback CJ Carr (13) during warm ups at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
10/20
Check out pictures from Notre Dame’s win at North Carolina
Oct 3, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback CJ Carr (13) during warm ups at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
11/20
Check out pictures from Notre Dame’s win at North Carolina
Oct 3, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman reacts in the first quarter at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
12/20
Check out pictures from Notre Dame’s win at North Carolina
Oct 3, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa (27) with the ball after intecepting a pass as North Carolina Tar Heels running back Jaylen McGill (27) defends in the first quaret at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
13/20
Check out pictures from Notre Dame’s win at North Carolina
Oct 3, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Boubacar Traore (5) forces a bad pass by North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. (9) that is intercepted in the first quaret at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
14/20
Check out pictures from Notre Dame’s win at North Carolina
Oct 3, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Jordan Faison (6) makes a touchdown catch as North Carolina Tar Heels defensive back Peyton Waters (7) defends in the first quaret at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
15/20
Check out pictures from Notre Dame’s win at North Carolina
Oct 3, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Aneyas Williams (22) as North Carolina Tar Heels defensive back Peyton Waters (7) and cornerback Leonard Moore (15) defend in the first quarter at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
16/20
Check out pictures from Notre Dame’s win at North Carolina
Oct 3, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Nolan James Jr. (2) before the game at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
17/20
Check out pictures from Notre Dame’s win at North Carolina
Oct 3, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Nolan James Jr. (2) before the game at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
18/20
Check out pictures from Notre Dame’s win at North Carolina
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 03: Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrate a field goal during the first half of the game against North Carolina Tar Heels at Kenan Stadium on October 03, 2026 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Jaylynn Nash/Getty Images)
(Jaylynn Nash, Getty Images)
19/20
Check out pictures from Notre Dame’s win at North Carolina
Oct 3, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback CJ Carr (13) looks to pass in the first quarter at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
20/20
Check out pictures from Notre Dame’s win at North Carolina
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 03: Notre Dame Fighting Irish cheerleaders celebrate a touchdown during the first half of the game against North Carolina Tar Heels at Kenan Stadium on October 03, 2026 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Jaylynn Nash/Getty Images)
(Jaylynn Nash, Getty Images)
Coach Marcus Freeman said after Saturday's game that he expected Talich back for Notre Dame's home game against Stanford this weekend, but the standout safety was ready to go.
"I thought it'd be a two-week recovery (after surgery), but (Talich) said 'No, I'll be back in one week,'" Freeman said. "It shows you how tough he is."
Freeman praised Talich's showing against the Tar Heels.
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"He played well, he practiced well," Freeman added. "To have him back there after having surgery a week ago is a reflection of him and his toughness."
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