Four Notre Dame true freshmen who can have a bigger impact during the 2025 CFB season than most realize
Notre Dame true freshmen who can surprise Fighting Irish fans in 2025.
Head coach Marcus Freeman and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish head into the 2025 college football season with a ton of momentum. Fall camp opens up this week, and we are set to get a deeper look at just how good the team can be this fall. It’s a talented group, but just how will it come together?
We have spent this offseason discussing the Fighting Irish stars, and potential breakouts for the 2025 season. There has also been a lot of commentary on some true freshmen coming in, and the impact they could have in their first seasons. There are also several freshmen who haven’t received as much attention, but could have a bigger impact than some realize.
Five Notre Dame players who need a big fall camp in order to finally make an impact entering now or never seasons
There are five Notre Dame players who enter now or never seasons.
CB Mark Zackery IV
When you talk about freshman cornerbacks, Notre Dame fans mostly talk about Dallas Golden, and for good reason. Zackery hasn’t received nearly the attention, but he has the versatility, speed, and ball skills to make an impact. While he might not be needed at a high volume, there are reps behind starters Leonard Moore, Christian Gray, and DeVonta Smith to be had.
TE James Flanigan
At 6-6 and 237 pounds, Flanigan is physically ready to play. He is an advanced blocker for his age, and is also a really underrated overall athlete. Eli Raridon is set to be the starter at tight end, but he does have a troubling injury history. Behind him, the team will be depending on Arkansas transfer Ty Washington, redshirt freshman Jack Larsen, and Kevin Bauman. That isn’t much proven production, which could open up opportunities for Flanigan.
K Erik Schmidt
Some considered Schmidt to be the top overall specialist in the 2025 recruiting class, having the ability to be a placekicker, punter, and also be a kickoff specialist. UNC transfer Noah Burnette is set to handle the kicking duties, but he has been very inconsistent in his career. With how inconsistent he also was during spring practice, that position does seem unsettled.
EDGE Dominik Hulak
With Jordan Botelho set to miss the beginning of the 2025 season, and Boubacar Traore returning from a leg injury, there could be some reps available on the edge, at least early on. If healthy, Notre Dame will most likely let Hulak develop slowly. At 6-4 and 241 pounds with outstanding athleticism, however, he can compete early if the need is there.
