Notre Dame football suffers unfortunate injury news on defense, expect some shifting around to shore up the Irish secondary
Notre Dame suffered some difficult injury news to their secondary over the weekend. They must now reshuffle on the back end because of it.
Notre Dame football had a rough year from an injury perspective during the 2024 college football season, but 2025 has been much better for them so far.
Head coach Marcus Freeman and the Fighting Irish staff did suffer some tough news this week, announcing that starting nickel Devonta Smith would be out for the upcoming game against NC State. The Alabama transfer left the Boise State game early due to a calf injury, and also previously missed games against Texas A&M and Purdue with an ankle injury as well.
There are some worries behind the scenes that Smith’s latest injury could have some long-term implications, but nothing to that severity has been verified yet. For now, Smith will be out against the Wolfpack, and more clarity will be gained for what his timeline of recovery looks like.
It was an unfortunate blow for Notre Dame, coming off its best defensive performance of the season during the 28-7 victory over the Boise State Broncos. Smith was expected to have a big year for defensive coordinator Chris Ash and his Irish defense, but injuries have derailed those plans so far.
In the three games that Smith has been available for this season, he has managed to record just two total tackles and a fumble recovery. That was not how he envisioned his one year in South Bend to go, or his final college season overall, but hopefully this won’t be his final chapter.
Who knows what’s next for Smith, but this is certainly some tough news. He has played in 37 total games for the Irish and Crimson Tide during his five seasons. The Ohio native has recorded 38 total tackles, five pass breakups, one forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. Notre Dame now must regroup and find the best options at nickel, a position that is crucial for the Fighting Irish, whether that is in the short or long term.
What’s the new plan at Nickel?
The most obvious answer to this injury is to see more of true freshman Dallas Golden. Following the team’s 41-40 loss to Texas A&M earlier in the season, Golden shifted inside to play nickel from his outside cornerback position. The 6-0, 184-pound cover man has already had some nice moments working from the slot. In three games, Golden has recorded 13 total tackles, one interception, and one pass breakup. As a freshman, there will be some mistakes, but you will also see his athleticism pop off the screen.
I would also expect sophomore Karson Hobbs to be moved back inside to help. He began the season as the backup nickel and ended up starting against Texas A&M in the slot. Following that game, the Ohio native was moved outside to help create more depth due to Leonard Moore’s injury. While there were some rough spots, the hope is that he improves with more experience. This team will need the best version of Hobbs.
It is an unfortunate blow for Notre Dame, but one that they have the depth to mitigate heading into the game against NC State.
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