Although the depth chart was loaded with seniors in 2023, many of those players have remaining eligibility. So far, the Irish know defensive tackles Howard Cross III and Rylie Mills will return along with linebacker Jack Kiser. Each one had at least 45 tackles this season.
While the secondary is hoping that All-American safety Xavier Watts passes up the NFL, that might not happen. Benjamin Morrison, on the other hand, cannot enter the draft for another year. He's been a fantastic two-year starter at corner, totaling eight interceptions and 14 pass breakups.
Look, this could be a tough offseason in South Bend. The offense must be rebuilt, and the defense is stacked with return-eligible seniors. What if many of them decide to move on? Notre Dame has plenty of former blue-chip recruits who could break out in 2024, but no freshmen and sophomores beyond Morrison return as legitimate stars.
