(Photo: Joseph Weiser)
As the Irish kick off spring practice for the 2025 season, Notre Dame welcomes a wave of new talent to campus. With seven transfers and 11 early-entry freshmen set to participate, the spring provides a fresh opportunity for these newcomers to showcase their skills and make an immediate impact. Here’s a closer look at the players joining the team this spring.
Transfer Portal Additions
Offensive Additions
Will Pauling (Wide Receiver, Wisconsin)
Pauling arrives in South Bend after a strong stint at Wisconsin, where he established himself as a reliable target in the passing game. Over his three seasons with the Badgers, Pauling recorded 145 receptions for 1,575 yards and 10 touchdowns. However, he is recovering from surgery on a stress fracture in his right foot and will gradually increase his participation throughout spring practice as he works back to full strength. Once healthy, Pauling is expected to be a key piece in Notre Dame’s passing attack.
Ty Washington (Tight End, Arkansas)
Washington is expected to play a significant role this season, especially with sophomore tight end Cooper Flanagan currently out due to injury. At 6-4, 247 pounds, Washington’s size and experience should make him a valuable addition to Notre Dame’s offensive attack, particularly as a blocker. In three seasons at Arkansas, Washington totaled 14 receptions for 212 yards and 4 touchdowns. His breakout game came in 2023 against Ole Miss, where he posted 7 catches for 90 yards and 2 touchdowns. He is expected to see immediate playing time this fall.
Noah Burnette (Kicker, North Carolina)
Burnette joins the Irish from North Carolina, where he was one of the most accurate kickers in program history. Over three seasons, Burnette converted 38 of 48 field goal attempts (79%) and 89 of 90 extra points (99%). His longest field goal was 47 yards in 2023. Burnette is the clear frontrunner to secure the starting kicker position and could provide much-needed consistency in the kicking game.
Defensive Additions
DeVonta Smith (Cornerback, Alabama)
Smith brings elite-level athleticism and experience from Alabama’s talent-rich secondary. At 6-0, 185 pounds, he projects as Notre Dame’s starting nickel back and is expected to have an immediate impact in both coverage and run support. In three seasons at Alabama, Smith recorded 25 tackles and 4 pass breakups. He had a career-high 7 tackles in a game against Arkansas in 2023.
Jalen Stroman (Safety, Virginia Tech)
Stroman is a versatile safety with strong coverage skills and a physical, big-hitting presence. Over his three seasons at Virginia Tech, the 6-2, 205-pound Stroman recorded 101 total tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 3 forced fumbles, and 2 interceptions. However, he is recovering from a shoulder injury and will avoid contact during spring practice. Once healthy, he is expected to push for a starting spot alongside Adon Shuler.
Jared Dawson (Defensive Lineman, Louisville)
At 6-1, 302 pounds, Dawson strengthens the interior defensive line, adding experience and depth to a position looking to replace Howard Cross III and Rylie Mills. In 10 games last season, Dawson recorded 19 tackles (11 solo), 6.5 tackles for loss (25 yards), and 4 sacks (19 yards). His best performance came against Jacksonville State, where he had 7 tackles and a sack. Early reports from South Bend indicate that Dawson has already made a strong impression.
Elijah Hughes (Defensive Lineman, USC)
Hughes adds versatility to the defensive front. At 6-3, 294 pounds, his size and quickness make him a promising addition to Notre Dame’s defensive line rotation. Hughes played in 12 games for USC in 2023, recording 15 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss. His best game came against Arizona, where he registered 4 tackles and a sack. In the 2024 season, due to a hamstring injury, Hughes appeared in just 6 games, recording 4 solo tackles and 1 sack.
Early Enrollee Freshmen
Notre Dame’s early enrollee class for 2025 includes 11 freshmen, headlined by several four-star recruits who will have the opportunity to make an early impression this spring:
Offensive Players
Blake Hebert (Quarterback, Boxford, Massachusetts – Brunswick School)
Ranked as a four-star recruit, Hebert stands at 6-3 and weighs 210 pounds. He brings a strong arm and high football IQ to the Irish quarterback room.
Matty Augustine (Offensive Lineman, Greenwich, Connecticut – Brunswick School)
Rated as a four-star prospect, Augustine stands at 6-5 and weighs 300 pounds. He projects as a versatile lineman with significant upside.
Owen Strebig (Offensive Lineman, Brookfield, Wisconsin – Waukesha Catholic Memorial)
Another four-star recruit, Strebig is 6-6 and weighs 315 pounds. His size and strength make him a potential early contributor.
Cam Herron (Offensive Lineman, Indianapolis, Indiana – Warren Central)
Evaluated as a three-star prospect, Herron is 6-5 and weighs 295 pounds. He adds depth to the offensive line.
Jerome Bettis Jr. (Wide Receiver, Atlanta, Georgia – Woodward Academy)
The son of Hall of Famer and ND legend Jerome Bettis, Bettis Jr. is 6-1 and weighs 190 pounds. He’s a three-star recruit with solid route-running ability.
Elijah Burress (Wide Receiver, Totowa, New Jersey – DePaul Catholic)
The son of former Michigan State and 12-year NFL receiver Plaxico Burress, Elijah is 6-1 and weighs 190 pounds. He’s a three-star prospect boasting speed and versatility.
Defensive Players
Madden Faraimo (Linebacker, Oceanside, California – JSerra Catholic)
Ranked 66th overall nationally, Faraimo is the Irish’s top-ranked defensive recruit. Standing at 6-1 and weighing 225 pounds, Faraimo could see early playing time.
Davion Dixon (Defensive Lineman, Miami, Florida – Palmetto)
A four-star recruit, Dixon stands at 6-3 and weighs 290 pounds. He adds size and strength to the defensive line.
JaDon Blair (Safety, Winston-Salem, North Carolina – Mount Tabor)
Considered a four-star prospect, Blair is 6-0 and weighs 190 pounds. His range and physicality make him a potential playmaker in the secondary.
Ethan Long (Safety, Milford, Connecticut – Brunswick School)
A three-star recruit, Long is 6-1 and weighs 195 pounds. He provides depth in the defensive backfield.
Cree Thomas (Cornerback, Phoenix, Arizona – Brophy College Preparatory)
A four-star recruit, Thomas stands at 6-0 and weighs 190 pounds. He brings speed and coverage skills to the Irish secondary.
Immediate Impact Potential
Notre Dame’s transfer class addresses key needs on both sides of the ball. Burnette provides stability in the kicking game, while Smith and Stroman bring experience and depth to the secondary. Washington looks to be a likely valuable depth piece at tight end, and Pauling has the potential to become a key playmaker once fully healthy.
Meanwhile, the early enrollee freshmen bring a balance of immediate contributors and long-term developmental pieces. Faraimo and Dixon are positioned to push for early playing time, while the offensive line additions bolster the depth and future of the position group.
As spring football begins in South Bend, it mirrors the arrival of spring—growth, renewal, and new potential. A total of 18 new faces will look to seize the opportunity in the next few weeks and become key contributors to the Irish in 2025 and beyond.