Unfortunate circumstance could be a blessing in disguise for Notre Dame football for the 2025 season
Notre Dame football head coach Marcus Freeman spoke to the media on Monday. It was the first time in over a week following the team’s second bye week of the season. The main topics of conversation were centered around recapping the victory over Navy, looking ahead to Florida State, and injuries. Coach Freeman was also […]
Notre Dame football head coach Marcus Freeman spoke to the media on Monday. It was the first time in over a week following the team’s second bye week of the season. The main topics of conversation were centered around recapping the victory over Navy, looking ahead to Florida State, and injuries.
Coach Freeman was also asked about defensive end Jordan Botelho specifically, who was injured during their game against Purdue with a knee injury earlier this season. After that game, Coach Freeman commented on his openness to Botelho returning in 2025. That conversation was tabled at that point, with things obviously needing to play out.
When asked about it during this media availability, Freeman had no hesitation commenting on it. The team is expecting the talented pass rusher to return next season. Before that injury, Botelho was putting together a tremendous campaign for the Irish, and his experience is a huge bonus to having coming back.
In three games played before the injury, Botelho had recorded 12 total tackles, one tackle for loss and a sack. His impact was a lot greater than what that box score may have indicated. Botelho will now return with 77 total tackles, 16 tackles for loss, and 11.5 sacks in his career.
While no injury is ever a good thing, this could end up being a blessing in disguise for the Notre Dame staff. With sophomore Boubacar Traore also suffering an injury, the Vyper was going to be a spot that seriously lacked depth next season. Botelho returning answers some of those concerns big time.
