Notre Dame's defensive prowess is on full display as seven of its players have been named preseason All-Americans by Athlon Sports. Leonard Moore, a lockdown cornerback, leads the pack as a unanimous All-American in 2025. Despite missing two games with an ankle injury, Moore's impressive stats include 31 tackles, seven pass deflections, a forced fumble, and five interceptions, tying him for fifth nationally. His coverage grade was the highest among Power Four cornerbacks, and he was a finalist for the Nagurski and Jim Thorpe Awards. Moore's performance speaks to Notre Dame's commitment to defensive excellence.
Anthonie Knapp, a rising junior, is another standout. After starting 27 games over the last two seasons, Knapp is now a preseason All-American and a potential first-round NFL Draft pick. His move to guard is expected to enhance his skills and boost his stock. Adon Shuler and Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, both safeties and linebackers, respectively, also earned third-team honors. Shuler finished second on the team with 53 tackles and Viliamu-Asa, despite a torn ACL, was one of the team's best pass rushers, run defenders, and coverage players.
The fourth team includes two more Notre Dame defenders, Drayk Bowen and Boubacar Traore, and offensive player CJ Carr. Bowen led the team with 65 tackles and 3.5 sacks, while Traore had a team-best 6.5 sacks and 10.0 TFL. Carr, in his first season as a starter, led Notre Dame to a 10-2 record and an 83.4 QBR, the eighth-best mark in the nation. The fact that eight members of Notre Dame's 2026 opponents also made the preseason Athlon All-American team highlights the depth and talent across college football.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the diversity of positions and the potential for future stars. From the lockdown cornerbacks to the powerful offensive players, each of these All-Americans brings something unique to the table. In my opinion, the fact that so many of these players are projected first-round picks in the NFL Draft speaks to the strength of Notre Dame's program and the potential for future success. The uncertainty surrounding Viliamu-Asa's return from injury adds an intriguing layer to the story, as does the potential for these players to make an impact on the national stage. From my perspective, the preseason All-American honors are a testament to the hard work and dedication of these players, and a sign of things to come for Notre Dame football.
