Notre Dame has several true freshman that have a chance to make a huge impact during the 2025 CFB season

Before you know it, the Notre Dame 2025 season will officially be upon us. With fall camp right around the corner, it’s time to really start to preview what this season could bring. That includes some true freshman that could help this time in a big way. There are several true freshman who are talented […]

Ryan Roberts — National College Football Writer

Jul 21, 2025 7:48 PM EDT

Notre Dame freshman S JaDon Blair — One Foot Down

There are several true freshman who are talented enough to crack the lineup this fall, and early. It won’t be a lengthy list, but you should expect several newcomers to make their mark. Here’s who I could see doing just that.

TE James Flanigan

Even though Flanigan didn’t get to South Bend until the summer, he walks into a really thin tight end room. If Eli Raridon stays healthy, he is expected to be a playmaker for the Irish offense. Outside of Raridon, however, there are more question marks than answers. Flanigan has the physicality and overall athleticism to fight for reps early on. He has the look of the next great Notre Dame tight end down the road.

OT Will Black

At 6-7 and 305 pounds, Black is what a potential early round offensive tackle looks like. If Charles Jagusah didn’t sustain his recent arm injury, I think there is a good chance that Black is brought along slowly. With the open spot now, however, I wouldn’t be shocked to see him to get a long look. The question will be whether they want to sacrifice some development time for him to compete inside at guard. It’s an interesting debate, but he’s talented enough to make it a legitimate one.

CB Dallas Golden

Golden is an extremely rare football player. He could legitimately play cornerback, safety, nickel, wide receiver, or running back on the college level, and make an impact at each of them. With him starting at cornerback, I’m curious if he can figure inside at nickel. Alabama transfer DeVonta Smith will start in the slot, but don’t be shocked if Golden earns reps.

S JaDon Blair

With Blair being the lone early enrollee of this group, it has given him a tremendous chance to make an impact in the safety room for 2025. At 6-5 and 205 pounds, Blair is a rare athlete at the position. He has the range, playmaking upside, and versatility to do a lot for the Fighting Irish defense. Even if Blair isn’t a starter in 2025, you can bet he makes a huge impact similar to the role Kyle Hamilton had when he was a freshman.