When people talk about the nd football roster 2024, they usually start and end with the quarterback. I get it. Riley Leonard coming over from Duke was a massive story. But honestly? If you think this roster is just "Leonard or bust," you’re missing the actual engine that drove this team.
Marcus Freeman didn't just build a lineup; he built a defensive fortress that made some of the best offenses in the country look like high school JV squads.
The 2024 season wasn't just another year in South Bend. It was the year the "Golden Standard" actually meant something on the field. From the emergence of young stars like Jeremiyah Love to the veteran grit of guys like Howard Cross III, this roster was a puzzle where every piece actually fit.
The Quarterback Room: More Than Just the Riley Leonard Show
Everyone knew Leonard was the guy. At 6-foot-4 and 216 pounds, he brought that dual-threat dynamic that Notre Dame fans have been craving for years. He finished the regular season with 2,861 passing yards and 21 touchdowns, but his legs were the real story. 14 rushing touchdowns? That tied the school record for a QB.
But what people forget is how deep this room actually was.
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Steve Angeli wasn't just sitting there collecting dust. Whenever he stepped in—like that perfect 12-for-12 performance against Lafayette—he looked like a starter. And don't even get me started on CJ Carr. The freshman might not have seen much "meaningful" time, but the buzz in the building says he’s the future. It’s rare to have a room where the backup could start at 80% of other Power 4 schools.
Why the Defense Was the Real MVP
If Leonard was the face of the nd football roster 2024, the defense was the backbone. Xavier Watts is a freak. There’s no other way to put it. The guy just has a magnet for the football, ending the year with 83 tackles and enough interceptions to make opposing QBs second-guess every deep ball.
Then you have the big fellas up front. Howard Cross III and Rylie Mills were absolute nightmares in the trenches. Cross might be "undersized" to some NFL scouts, but try telling that to the interior linemen he spent all season bull-rushing.
The Linebacker Evolution
- Jack Kiser: The "old man" of the group. 87 tackles. He was the brain of the defense.
- Drayk Bowen: A true sophomore who played like a fifth-year senior. 74 tackles and a physical style that hurt to watch from the sidelines.
- Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa: You don't usually see freshmen play this much under Freeman, but KVA is built different.
The Transfer Portal: Picking the Right Vibe
Notre Dame doesn't just take anyone from the portal. They’re picky. Honestly, they have to be because of the academics and the culture. But the 2024 additions were surgical.
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Beaux Collins came in from Clemson and immediately became a reliable target, hauling in 490 yards. Kris Mitchell from FIU brought that track-star speed that kept safeties honest. Even on special teams, getting Mitch Jeter from South Carolina was huge. Having a kicker who can actually nail a 45-yarder in the rain changes how you call plays on fourth down.
The Young Guns: Jeremiyah Love and the New Speed
For a long time, Notre Dame was known for "bruising" backs. Big guys who'd get you four yards and a cloud of dust.
Jeremiyah Love changed that.
Watching him hit a hole is basically watching a glitch in a video game. He averaged 6.9 yards per carry. Think about that. Every time he touched the ball, he was nearly getting a first down. Between him and Jadarian Price, the Irish had a 1-2 punch that was more about "lightning and lightning" than "thunder and lightning."
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What We Learned About the nd football roster 2024
Look, the roster had its flaws. The offensive line was young. Losing Charles Jagusah before the season started felt like a disaster at the time. Anthonie Knapp, a true freshman, had to step in at left tackle. That’s insane. You don't usually see a kid who should be at prom protecting the blindside of a Heisman-contending QB.
But they grew up fast.
The depth at safety with guys like Adon Shuler and Rod Heard II meant that even when Benjamin Morrison went down with that hip injury, the "No Fly Zone" didn't just collapse. It's a testament to the recruiting.
Actionable Insights for the 2025 Transition
If you're looking at how this roster impacts the next cycle, keep your eyes on these three things:
- Watch the Tackle Development: Knapp and Aamil Wagner survived the fire in 2024. They’ll be the pillars for whatever QB takes the snaps next.
- The Secondary Reload: With Morrison likely headed to the league, Leonard Moore and Christian Gray are the names you need to know. Moore already showed he can lock down elite receivers.
- The "Love" Era: Jeremiyah Love is the undisputed centerpiece of the offense now. Expect him to be in the Heisman conversation from Week 1.
The nd football roster 2024 proved that you can mix old-school defense with a modern, athletic offense. It wasn't always pretty, but it was effective. For the fans who sat through the transition years, this group felt like the payoff.