Notre Dame players who have the chance to profit most from the additions of Aaron Henry, Brian Jean-Mary, and Charlie Partridge 

What Notre Dame defenders are going to take the biggest jump under each of the new hires for the Fighting Irish?

Ryan Roberts — National College Football Writer
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Nov 1, 2025; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Notre Dame safeties Tae Johnson (9) and Adon Shuler (8) leap and celebrate an interception in the fourth quarter against the Boston College Eagles at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Edward Finan-Imagn Images

The Notre Dame defensive staff has gone through a makeover this offseason. While defensive coordinator Chris Ash is returning for head coach Marcus Freeman and the Fighting Irish in 2026, the program had to find replacements for Mike Mickens (secondary), Al Washington (defensive line), and Max Bullough (linebackers). Those replacements ended up being Aaron Henry (Illinois), Charlie Partridge (Indianapolis Colts), and Brian Jean-Mary (Michigan). On paper, those are very strong additions to the Notre Dame program.

As always, there are going to be some players who profit most from these additions. Here are my early predictions for some breakout Notre Dame performers. There is certainly a lot of talent to tap into.

Aaron Henry – S Tae Johnson 

Henry walks into a really impressive secondary room, and there are legitimate arguments that several talented defensive backs can take a massive step under his tutelage. Johnson is the player I’m going to keep the closest eye on, however, due to his experience with Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph. A late breakout during his Illinois career, Joseph has a rare blend of length and range as a single high free safety. He allows so many possibilities for a defensive coordinator to be more versatile on the back end, as well as with their pressure packages. 

Like Joseph, Johnson is an incredibly rangy football player who can become one of the best in college football in 2026. I’m interested to see if we see him utilize a bit more work from depth. That potential should get Notre Dame fans pretty excited.

Brian Jean-Mary – LB Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa 

This selection is obviously dependent on Viliamu-Asa getting back healthy, and when he does get back. If healthy, however, I am so excited to see all that he can accomplish with Jean-Mary. Over the last two years with Michigan, Jean-Mary had the chance to work with former Maryland transfer Jaishawn Barham. He is a very unique player who has spent time at MIKE, SAM, and at defensive end. While I don’t think that Viliamu-Asa will ever turn into a full-time EDGE like Barham, that background with Jean-Mary should allow him to unlock the versatility and potential of KVA.

Charlie Partridge – DT Francis Brewu

Yes, this selection is slightly cheating. A big reason why Brewu ended up in South Bend is his background with Charlie Partridge, who recruited him to Pittsburgh originally. As a coach, Partridge loves having defensive lines that attack and are aggressive. While Brewu may be undersized at 6-1 and 280 pounds, his skill set is clearly something that Partridge appreciates. I could see him playing both interior positions, utilizing his first step and power profile to create some mayhem in the backfield. While this opinion may change as we get deeper into the offseason, Brewu is my early favorite to be the best defensive tackle for the Fighting Irish in 2026.

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