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The Notre Dame football team is being highlighted for its potential to become the best in its history. Key players and strong practices are contributing to this optimism.
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This Notre Dame football group has all the makings to be the best
Defensive tackle Tionne Gray, center, warms up before a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Defensive back Joey O'Brien during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Defensive lineman Armel Mukam during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Defensive lineman Francis Brewu during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
The team's strong practices and key player performances are contributing to the belief that they can achieve greatness.
Tionne Gray is a defensive tackle who is part of the Notre Dame football team, known for his preparation during practices.
The Notre Dame football practice took place on April 8, 2026, at the Irish Athletic Center in South Bend.
The Irish Athletic Center is located in South Bend, Indiana, and serves as a training facility for the Notre Dame football team.

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Tight end Jack Larsen (85) during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Defensive back Luke Talich (28) during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Running back Nolan James Jr. during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Wide receiver Elijah Burress (17) during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Defensive back Jayden Sanders (12) during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Defensive back Joey O'Brien during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Wide receiver Devin Fitzgerald during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Wide receiver Kayden Finley during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Defensive lineman Francis Brewu (7) during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Linebacker Kahanu Kia during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Defensive tackle Tionne Gray during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Defensive lineman Joe Reiff during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Defensive line coach Charlie Partridge during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Defensive lineman Elijah Golden during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Defensive lineman Cole Mullins during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Defensive lineman Davion Dixon during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Defensive lineman C. Burgess Jr. during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Defensive lineman Elijah Hughes during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Defensive back Luke Talich during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Defensive back Ethan Long during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Defensive lineman Rodney Dunham during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Defensive lineman Elijah Golden during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Defensive tackle Tionne Gray during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Linebackers run a drill during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Linebacker Ko'o Kia during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Linebacker Teddy Rezac during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Defensive lineman Thomas Davis Jr. during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Defensive lineman Davion Dixon during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Linebacker Drayk Bowen during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Linebacker Jaiden Ausberry during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Linebacker Madden Faraimo during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Linebacker Ko'o Kia during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Safeties coach Jevaughn Codlin, center, during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Defensive back Ethan Long during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Defensive back Mark Zackery IV during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Head coach Marcus Freeman, right, speaks to a group of players during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Defensive back Christian Gray during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
Defensive lineman Armel Mukam during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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Defensive tackle Tionne Gray, center, warms up before a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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Defensive tackle Tionne Gray, center, warms up before a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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Defensive back Joey O'Brien during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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Defensive lineman Armel Mukam during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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Defensive lineman Francis Brewu during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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Tight end Jack Larsen (85) during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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Defensive back Luke Talich (28) during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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Running back Nolan James Jr. during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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Wide receiver Elijah Burress (17) during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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Defensive back Jayden Sanders (12) during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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Defensive back Joey O'Brien during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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Wide receiver Devin Fitzgerald during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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Wide receiver Kayden Finley during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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Defensive lineman Francis Brewu (7) during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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Linebacker Kahanu Kia during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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Defensive tackle Tionne Gray during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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Defensive lineman Joe Reiff during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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Defensive line coach Charlie Partridge during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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Defensive lineman Elijah Golden during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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Defensive lineman Cole Mullins during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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Defensive lineman Davion Dixon during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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Defensive lineman C. Burgess Jr. during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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Defensive lineman Elijah Hughes during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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Defensive back Luke Talich during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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Defensive back Ethan Long during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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Defensive lineman Rodney Dunham during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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Defensive lineman Elijah Golden during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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Defensive tackle Tionne Gray during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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Linebackers run a drill during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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Linebacker Ko'o Kia during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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Linebacker Teddy Rezac during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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Defensive lineman Thomas Davis Jr. during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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Defensive lineman Davion Dixon during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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Linebacker Drayk Bowen during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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Linebacker Jaiden Ausberry during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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Linebacker Madden Faraimo during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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Linebacker Ko'o Kia during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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Safeties coach Jevaughn Codlin, center, during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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Defensive back Ethan Long during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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Defensive back Mark Zackery IV during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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Head coach Marcus Freeman, right, speaks to a group of players during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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Defensive back Christian Gray during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
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Defensive lineman Armel Mukam during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in South Bend.
SOUTH BEND â It has the makeup and makings to be an elite area for the Notre Dame football program this fall.
That secondary is something.
At one safety spot, thereâs a Jersey guy (Adon Shuler from Irvington), who likely will be a two-time team captain and the groupâs playmaking pulse. At the other is a quiet kid from Fort Wayne, Indiana (Tae Johnson) on track to become a national name. One cornerback was a relative unknown from Texas (Leonard Moore) set to be a three-time All-American and likely high NFL draft pick next spring. The other corner from St. Louis (Christian Gray) is a survivor from all the scars accumulated over the last three seasons.
Those four right there would be enough. Not with this group.
Backup corners Dallas Golden and Mark Zackery could be front-line guys for a lot of programs. Same with second-string safeties Ethan Long and Luke Talich. How might transfers DJ McKinney and Jayden Sanders fit? Freshman corners Ayden Pouncey and Nick Reddish and safety Joey OâBrien could be special, but we might not see it this season. Thereâs only so many secondary snaps to spread around.
Directing it all is a first-year Irish assistant (co-defensive coordinator/defensive backs coach Aaron Henry), who played the position in college, whoâs coached it, who knows when he sees what he sees in that room at Notre Dame.
This group doesnât just want to be good. It wants to be great. Best in the country, great. Back end of a national championship defense great. You donât have to tell these guys. They know it. They sense it.
âThis secondary can be tremendous,â Moore said. âWe know who weâve got in the room. We know our potential. Regardless of how much talent we have in the room, itâs how focused we are. How much we can lock in on each given rep.â
This group wonât suddenly wake up one day this fall, be it the opener against Wisconsin or later at home in the revenge game against Miami (Fla.), and decide to be elite. Those moments are built off those reps this spring, when the corners and the safeties collectively were determined to shut down everything sent their way.
Any bad rep was a missed chance to build toward great. They believe that every time they line up in practice â Moore and Golden and Zackery at the corners, Gray at the nickel, Johnson and Shuler lurking â they are the best. Itâs one thing to say it. Itâs another to show it, something Henry often reminds them.
âI donât just want to talk about it; I want to do it,â Henry said. âYou need to practice like that and your preparation has to be like that.â
When itâs not, when somethingâs off or someone slips, Henry corrects them. Encourages them. Humbles them. Reminds them that for everybody who tells them that they can be great, theyâre not there yet. Not even close.
Itâs a long, lonely road to elite.
â(Iâm) trying to get these dudes to understand every day you walk in the building, itâs a race and itâs a challenge not against the rest of the country, but against yourself,â Henry said. âTheyâre getting compliments and pats on the back, thatâs when youâve got to elevate your play. Weâre not where I want us to play. Weâll probably never be where I want us to be.â
â â â
Thatâs Henryâs job â to never settle. He canât. Not with this group, but he knows when he sees special. He knows what this group can do. That smile says so.
âThey can be really good, man,â he said. âThey can be really good.â
The standard is the standard. For the secondary, that standard is raise-your hand and jump up high. Nothing less accepted. These guys are wise to the college football world. They look around the room and they know. They see who came before them and they know. They look around the country and they know.
Nobody outside of the Gug knows how good the secondary might be at Ohio State or Texas, two teams that are often mentioned in the same breath as Notre Dame when it comes to standout secondaries. Let them talk in Austin. Let them talk in Columbus.
Weâll take the secondary in South Bend. Put it first. Tout their talents and their togetherness. Then watch them work. With confidence. With swagger. With shut-down â and shut-out â intentions. Not just a guy out on the island here or a guy on the back end there. Everyone. On every play. As one.
âIf weâre of one accord, we can be the best in the country,â said Zackery, who played 11 games with three starts a year ago as a true freshman. âThatâs an everyday goal to prove that. I feel like if weâre at our peak, weâre playing our best ball, we can do that.â
Thereâs no other choice for a group that has produced the likes of Kyle Hamilton and Cam Hart, Benjamin Morrison and Xavier Watts of late. Those guys were good. NFL good. These guys can be good. Best in the country good.
âWeâre replaying history all over again,â Gray said. âWeâve got all these guys and all these cats who are so good, weâve just got to catch the ball and dominate every game. Thatâs how itâs going to make us great.â
Catch the ball when itâs in the air and tackle the guy with the ball. Every play. Every game. Every week. Sounds easy.
âThatâs what makes an elite DB room,â said Shuler, who believes the group can be the âfire starterâ for this defense this season. From the jump. No more slow starts like against Miami and Texas A&M. Start fast. Play faster.
Being elite is about more than talent. Or tackling. Or ball skills. Itâs confidence and some cockiness. Itâs holding one another to that high standard. It's being good in practice and in a game one week, then being better the next.
It's shutting out the noise and having a tunnel vision to never settle. Never be complacent.
âItâs a little of everything,â Moore said. âWeâre going to be special.â
Time to be great.
Follow South Bend Tribune and NDInsider columnist Tom Noie on X (formerly Twitter): @tnoieNDI. Contact Noie at tnoie@sbtinfo.com
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Don't sleep on this Notre Dame football position group this season