Notre Dame Prospects: A 2025 NFL Draft Guide to the National Championship Contenders
As the 2024 college football season heats up, Notre Dame continues to be a perennial powerhouse, combining tradition with modern talent. With the 2025 NFL Draft on the horizon, the Fighting Irish’s roster is once again brimming with prospects who could make waves at the next level. Notre Dame has a rich history of producing NFL-caliber players, and this year is no different. Let’s dive into the top Notre Dame players to watch as they aim for a national championship and showcase their skills to NFL scouts.
1. Joe Alt – Offensive Tackle
One of the most highly anticipated NFL prospects from Notre Dame is offensive tackle Joe Alt. Standing at 6’8″ and weighing 318 pounds, Alt has the ideal size and athleticism for an NFL left tackle. His combination of length, power, and footwork makes him a prototypical pass protector. During the 2024 season, Alt’s ability to anchor against elite defensive linemen and protect the quarterback’s blindside will be critical to Notre Dame’s championship aspirations.
Alt has already garnered attention as one of the top offensive line prospects for the 2025 draft, and with a strong showing in 2024, he could emerge as a potential top-10 pick. Teams looking for an immediate starter on the offensive line will have their eyes locked on Alt.
2. Audric Estime – Running Back
At 6’1″ and 227 pounds, Audric Estime is a powerful force in Notre Dame’s backfield. Estime’s combination of size, speed, and agility makes him a tough challenge for defenders, whether running between the tackles or bursting to the outside. He has the balance and vision to break through tackles and rack up yards after contact, a critical asset in both the running and passing game.
Estime’s ability to contribute in all aspects of the offense, particularly in short-yardage situations, will elevate his draft stock. As Notre Dame’s offense remains a run-heavy scheme, Estime’s performances against top-tier defenses in the second half of the season will determine how high he goes in the draft.
3. Ben Morrison – Cornerback
Ben Morrison has quickly become one of the top cornerbacks in college football. Known for his sticky coverage and playmaking ability, Morrison is an emerging star who has the potential to be a first-round pick. With a good mix of quickness, ball skills, and physicality, Morrison has the versatility to match up against both big receivers and speedsters.
What makes Morrison especially intriguing is his ability to impact the game both on defense and special teams. Notre Dame’s secondary will rely on him to shut down top wide receivers, and if he can replicate his impressive performances from the 2023 season in 2024, he’ll find himself on the radar of NFL teams looking for a shutdown corner.
4. Michael Mayer – Tight End (Drafted in 2024, But Key to Notre Dame’s Legacy)
Although Michael Mayer has already entered the 2024 NFL Draft, his presence looms large over Notre Dame’s roster as the Fighting Irish’s most recent first-round draft pick. Mayer’s success in the NFL will only bolster Notre Dame’s reputation for producing top-tier tight end talent, and it could help attract even more attention to his successors.
The next generation of tight ends at Notre Dame, including players like Eli Raridon, is expected to step up in the shadow of Mayer’s success. Raridon, who showed flashes of his potential last season, could very well follow in Mayer’s footsteps, making it an exciting position to watch as Notre Dame’s offense evolves.
5. Jaden Mickey – Safety
Jaden Mickey has a rare combination of size and athleticism that makes him a rising star in the safety position. His range and ability to read the quarterback’s eyes give him an edge in coverage, while his physicality allows him to contribute in run support. As a key player in Notre Dame’s secondary, Mickey will need to prove he can handle the big moments, especially in high-pressure games on the national stage.
As a junior, Mickey has another year to further develop and refine his skills, but his ceiling as a pro prospect is already evident. NFL teams looking for a versatile safety who can play deep or closer to the line of scrimmage will be keeping a close eye on Mickey’s development.
6. Riley Mills – Defensive Tackle
Riley Mills is an explosive defensive tackle who is capable of wreaking havoc in both the run game and as a pass rusher. At 6’5″ and 300 pounds, Mills has the size and strength to occupy blockers and collapse the pocket. His quickness off the line and relentless motor make him a tough challenge for any offensive line.
Mills has the potential to become a key interior disruptor at the next level, and with a strong 2024 season, he could solidify himself as one of the top defensive tackle prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft.
7. Tyler Buchner – Quarterback (Transfer from Alabama)
While Notre Dame’s quarterback situation has often been a source of intrigue, the arrival of Tyler Buchner from Alabama could turn heads in the 2024 season. Buchner possesses a strong arm, excellent mobility, and an understanding of how to lead a team. After a brief stint in Alabama’s system, he’s likely to bring added poise and leadership to the Fighting Irish offense.
Though still a bit raw, Buchner’s potential for growth is undeniable, and if he shows the ability to lead Notre Dame to a national championship, his draft stock will likely skyrocket. NFL teams looking for a dual-threat quarterback with high upside will certainly be monitoring his progress closely.
Conclusion: The Road to the National Championship
Notre Dame’s 2024 season is shaping up to be a thrilling one, filled with high-level NFL talent on both sides of the ball. The Fighting Irish are well-positioned to make a push for the national championship, and with so many future NFL stars, there’s a lot at stake for both the team and individual players. From Joe Alt anchoring the offensive line to Ben Morrison locking down the secondary, Notre Dame’s prospects will play a significant role in shaping the 2025 NFL Draft landscape.
As the season progresses, expect these players to elevate their game, not just for the glory of Notre Dame, but for the chance to make an impact at the next level. The 2025 NFL Draft is going to feature a host of Fighting Irish stars, and it’s sure to be a great year for Notre Dame football fans.
