How good will Notre Dame be in 2026?
They also break down why Leonard Moore could be one of the best defensive players in college football, how Notre Dame's secondary and defense can carry them in big games, and what the Irish need to prove against their toughest opponents. CBS Sports called Moore the nation's top cornerback entering 2026, which gives Notre Dame a true defensive star to build around.
Video Transcript
It's the deepest defensive roster of my lifetime, and I, I don't think it's overly close.
'Cause as you mentioned, Joe, I mean, it has star power like Leonard Moore and Taye Johnson and a elite secondary just overall.
But it also is a group that if there is attrition in the secondary or at interior defensive line, Notre Dame has as much depth as th- as they've ever had, and they'd be able to kind of sustain blows.
I think that was one problem, especially in the Brian Kelly era, where if you had an injury or two on the defensive line or in the secondary, you were screwed, man.
And, and Notre Dame's just not in that reality anymore, right?
But, like, I think it, I think it would be malpractice to not start with the secondary as a whole.
Yeah.
Because when I look at this secondary, you have an All-American in Leonard Moore, who is the second highest graded 2027 NFL Draft prospect according to NFS in Blasto.
He also has been now a dominant fixture for two years, going into his third year here at 6'2", 197 pounds.
But he isn't alone in that secondary, right?
