College Football's Rising Stars: A Prestigious Preseason Selection
The college football world is abuzz with excitement as the Phil Steele College Football Preview magazine unveils its prestigious preseason All-American teams. Among the standout selections, six players from the renowned Notre Dame Fighting Irish have earned this esteemed recognition.
A Cornerstone of Defense
Let's start with the cornerstone of any great defense, the cornerback position. Leonard Moore, a unanimous All-American in 2025, shines as the sole Fighting Irish player on the first team. Despite a brief injury setback, his stats are impressive: 31 tackles, seven pass deflections, a forced fumble, and five interceptions, ranking him fifth nationally. What makes Moore truly exceptional is his coverage skills, earning the highest grade among Power Four cornerbacks, according to Pro Football Focus. This young talent is one to watch, as he was a finalist for both the Nagurski Trophy and the Jim Thorpe Award.
Secondary Standouts
Tae Johnson, another defensive standout, joins Moore in the secondary. As a Freshman All-American last season, Johnson made an impact with four interceptions, including a pick-six, and 48 tackles. His versatility was on full display when he returned a blocked punt for a touchdown. Personally, I believe Johnson's potential is immense, especially considering he didn't start every game.
Defensive Dominance
The Fighting Irish defense continues to impress with two more players on the third team: linebacker Drayk Bowen and edge rusher Boubacar Traore. Bowen led the team in tackles, sacks, and pass deflections in 2025, while Traore dominated with a team-high 6.5 sacks and 10.0 TFL. This dynamic duo forms a formidable defensive line, creating nightmares for opposing offenses.
Offensive Powerhouses
On the offensive side, quarterback CJ Carr and offensive lineman Charles Jagusah represent Notre Dame on the fourth team. Carr's debut season as a starter was remarkable, leading the team to a 10-2 record with impressive passing stats and an 83.4 QBR, ranking eighth nationally. What's even more impressive is his ability to maintain efficiency under pressure, facing blitzes on 36.7% of dropbacks. Jagusah, a highly touted offensive guard, has battled injuries but is expected to make a significant impact upon his return.
A Competitive Season Ahead
As we look ahead to the upcoming season, Notre Dame will face several marquee opponents boasting their own preseason All-Americans. Miami, BYU, and SMU all have standout players, with Miami leading the way with three selections. This promises an exciting and competitive season, as these elite players go head-to-head.
In my opinion, this preseason recognition is more than just a list; it's a testament to the talent and potential of these young athletes. The Notre Dame players, in particular, showcase a well-rounded team with strengths on both sides of the ball. As the season unfolds, I anticipate these players will not only live up to but also exceed these expectations, leaving their mark on college football.
