Notre Dame’s defense just got another huge boost from a very familiar face following a crucial offseason decision 

Even more good news just dropped for the Notre Dame defense heading into the 2026 season.

Ryan Roberts — National College Football Writer
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Notre Dame defensive lineman Jason Onye (47) reacts after a Northern Illinois field goal during a NCAA college football game between Notre Dame and Northern Illinois at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in South Bend.
Michael Clubb / USA TODAY NETWORK

Notre Dame football has made the interior defensive line a huge area of focus this offseason. Head coach Marcus Freeman and the Fighting Irish were able to tackle the transfer portal hard, gaining commitments from Francis Brewu (Pitt) and Tionne Gray (Oregon). Both players will be in contention to start heading into the 2026 college football season. 

The Irish staff also got some great news when they were able to retain veteran Armel Mukam, who also entered the portal earlier this offseason. The last remaining domino to fall was Jason Onye, who was appealing the NCAA for a sixth year of eligibility in 2026. His case was built around a personal issue that he dealt with during the 2024 season, which caused him to miss some time. 

According to a source, Onye has been granted that final year of eligibility. The 6-5, 310-pound defensive tackle will return for the Fighting Irish in 2026. He will bring a veteran presence with size and physicality, and in the blink of an eye, that defensive tackle room has a chance to be stellar next fall. 

Onye’s potential impact in 2026 

After beginning his career as a defensive end for Notre Dame, Onye has slowly built into an impressive defensive tackle prospect in recent years. He has been a part of the rotation each of the last years, but really showed tremendous signs of growth this past season. Onye ended the year with 26 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks. 

Down the stretch of the 2025 season, Onye was playing his best football, which creates more optimism for the future. With just Elijah Hughes returning from last season who was a part of the man rotation, Onye once again adds a veteran boost in 2026. He’s a talented football player, who could also be the team’s best interior player now that he is granted that final year.

Before Onye was granted that final year, there was a ton of intrigue from NFL circles. This is an extremely talented defensive lineman, and although he is still a bit raw in some ways, there is a ton of upside on the professional level. A year working with new defensive line coach Charlie Patridge should do Onye wonders for the next phase of his football career.

For now, Onye will help to anchor what should be a strong defensive line in South Bend. Freeman’s squad heads into 2026 with national championship aspirations. Onye hopes to be a big part of that.

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