Notre Dame Fighting Irish Dominate with Top 10 Secondary

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have a highly touted secondary, with CBS Sports ranking it as the third-best position group in all of college football. Marcus Freeman returns four proven starters in the defensive backfield, led by Leonard Moore, who enters the season as the nation's top cornerback after a dominant 2025 campaign. Moore's impressive performance included five interceptions and national awards recognition. Christian Gray also returns as a multi-year starter with NFL talent and positional versatility, giving Notre Dame another lockdown defender capable of matching up with elite receivers. And with the addition of transfer Jayden Sanders, the Irish have even more depth at the position. But what sets Notre Dame apart is the depth of talent across the board, with players like Dallas Golden, Adon Shuler, and Tae Johnson forming a complete and formidable unit. So when you factor in the depth they have, the Irish are poised to make a run at a title in 2026. Brad Crawford, the writer for CBS Sports, noted that Notre Dame's depth is elite, with several former blue-chip recruits waiting in the wings behind the starters. The additions of cornerback transfer DJ McKinney from Colorado only adds more competition and athleticism to an already loaded room. Crawford stated that much like Ohio State's wideout room and Oregon's effort along the defensive line, Notre Dame's depth is elite. The Irish have developed a reputation for stockpiling defensive back talent, and this season is no exception. With a talented roster and a strong secondary, Notre Dame is expected to make a deep run in the 2026 season. The secondary will be a key factor in their success, and with players like Moore, Gray, and Shuler leading the way, they have the pieces in place to make it happen. Notre Dame's secondary is loaded with talent, and they are ready to take on the best teams in college football.