Just In—Top 5-Star Rated Veteran Defensive Lineman Jason Onye Announces His Departure from Washington, Commits to Notre Dame
In a stunning move that has sent shockwaves through the college football world, veteran defensive lineman Jason Onye, a top-rated 5-star talent and one of the most formidable forces in the trenches, has officially announced his departure from the University of Washington. In a bold and calculated decision, Onye has committed to Marcus Freeman’s Notre Dame Fighting Irish, adding even more depth and dominance to a defensive front that is already brimming with potential heading into the 2025 season.
Onye’s announcement, delivered via a social media video early Monday morning, was brief yet emphatic: “South Bend, I’m coming home. Go Irish.” In the 45-second video clip, Onye is shown packing his bags, flashing the famous Golden Dome in the background, and donning the iconic Notre Dame blue and gold uniform. It was equal parts cinematic and impactful—a move befitting one of the most coveted defensive linemen in college football today.
A Long, Winding Road: From Rhode Island to South Bend
Jason Onye’s journey to Notre Dame wasn’t a direct one. Born and raised in North Providence, Rhode Island, Onye first emerged as a standout at Bishop Hendricken High School, where he developed a reputation for combining raw athleticism with relentless energy and a high football IQ. Originally recruited by Brian Kelly’s Notre Dame regime in 2021, Onye ultimately committed to the Irish out of high school, spending multiple seasons in South Bend.
However, in search of expanded playing time and development opportunities, Onye transferred to Washington in 2024 following his redshirt sophomore season. Under former head coach Kalen DeBoer, Onye saw limited snaps but flashed moments of brilliance that made NFL scouts take notice. Despite his limited action, the 6-foot-5, 295-pound lineman recorded 4.5 sacks, 6.5 tackles for loss, and proved to be an interior disruptor in the Pac-12 during key matchups.
But following a coaching turnover in Seattle and a less-than-optimal schematic fit under the new Huskies staff, Onye entered the transfer portal earlier this spring—and it didn’t take long for Marcus Freeman and Al Washington to pick up the phone.
Marcus Freeman’s Recruiting Masterstroke
Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman, a former defensive coordinator himself, has developed a reputation for being one of the fiercest recruiters in the nation—particularly on the defensive side of the ball. While the Irish lost some talent to the NFL Draft following the 2024 campaign, including All-American DT Howard Cross III, the addition of Jason Onye is being hailed as a top-tier acquisition, both strategically and culturally.
Onye brings veteran experience, a high motor, and a strong familiarity with Notre Dame’s defensive identity. His prior time in South Bend means he won’t require a major learning curve to acclimate to the locker room or defensive system. Perhaps more importantly, his return sends a powerful message: elite talent still believes in Marcus Freeman’s vision for the Notre Dame program.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Jason back,” Freeman said in a press release. “He’s grown tremendously as a player and a person, and he knows what it means to wear the gold helmet. His leadership and production are going to elevate our entire defensive front.”
The Return to a Program on the Rise
Notre Dame enters the 2025 season with heightened expectations. After an 11-2 season that included a resounding win in the Orange Bowl and top-10 finishes in both the AP and Coaches Polls, Freeman’s squad is now firmly in the national title conversation. Quarterback CJ Carr returns with another year of development under his belt, and the Irish are poised to field one of the nation’s most complete rosters.
Adding a force like Onye to an already stacked defensive line rotation that includes up-and-comers like Tyson Ford, Boubacar Traore, and Devan Houston gives defensive coordinator Al Golden a myriad of options up front.
“He’s a mismatch nightmare,” Golden said in an interview. “He has the strength to play inside and the agility to bounce out on stunts and twists. He’s the type of guy you have to account for on every snap.”
What Makes Jason Onye Special?
Onye’s blend of size, strength, and athleticism is rare. He’s quick off the ball, possesses excellent hand-fighting technique, and has the ability to shed blocks while maintaining gap discipline. At 6’5”, he plays with leverage and shows surprising bend for someone his size.
During his limited snaps at Washington, Onye often drew double teams and showed flashes of dominance—particularly in games against USC and Oregon. His best performance came in a gritty late-season matchup where he notched 2 sacks, a forced fumble, and 3 quarterback hurries, earning Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week honors.
His ceiling remains sky-high, and Notre Dame hopes that under the tutelage of Freeman and Golden, Onye can fully realize his All-American and NFL potential.
Locker Room Impact and Veteran Presence
Beyond his on-field impact, Onye brings something invaluable to Notre Dame: maturity and leadership. Having spent time in two major Power Five programs, Onye understands the rigors of big-time college football. His return to South Bend will not only serve as a confidence boost for the younger players, but also provide the kind of internal accountability that championship teams are built upon.
Sophomore DL Brenan Vernon, one of the top breakout candidates on the roster, spoke highly of Onye: “Jason’s a dude. I’ve watched his film, and now I get to learn from him every day. That’s huge for all of us.”
Strategic Implications for the 2025 Season
The addition of Onye also changes the calculus for Notre Dame’s 2025 defensive scheme. With Onye in the mix, the Irish could shift to more four-man front packages or even experiment with multiple base looks to maximize their pass-rushing talent. In passing situations, Onye can anchor the middle while speed rushers like Joshua Burnham or Junior Tuihalamaka collapse the edges.
Moreover, against power-run teams like Michigan or USC, Onye’s presence ensures Notre Dame won’t get bullied in the trenches—a criticism that has plagued the Irish in past seasons.
National Reaction: Praise and Surprise
National analysts have already begun weighing in on the Onye move, and the consensus is clear: Notre Dame just pulled off a transfer portal coup.
“Jason Onye returning to Notre Dame is one of the most impactful late-spring portal moves I’ve seen in a while,” said ESPN’s Pete Thamel. “He fits their defense like a glove, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he plays his way into Day 1 or Day 2 NFL Draft consideration.”
FOX Sports’ Joel Klatt echoed the sentiment: “If Notre Dame makes a run to the Playoff this year, we’ll look back at this Onye move as the turning point.”
What This Means for Washington
For the Washington Huskies, Onye’s departure is a significant blow. New head coach Jedd Fisch inherited a team in transition, and losing a veteran defensive stalwart like Onye adds to the uncertainty. While the Huskies do have talent waiting in the wings, there’s no immediate replacement who brings Onye’s mix of power, experience, and versatility.
The Huskies, already dealing with roster turnover and a changing defensive philosophy, now face even more pressure to hit on their portal additions.
Looking Ahead: The Road to the Playoff
With Jason Onye back in blue and gold, Notre Dame has strengthened one of the few areas on its roster that wasn’t already elite. The Irish will begin the 2025 season with high-profile matchups, including a neutral-site game against Texas A&M and a road trip to Death Valley to face Clemson in early October.
Onye will be tested early, but those games will provide the perfect stage for him to showcase his dominance—and for Notre Dame to make a national statement.
Final Thoughts: A Reunion With Championship Intentions
In an era where the transfer portal has become a revolving door of college football talent, few moves carry as much emotional and strategic weight as Jason Onye’s return to Notre Dame. This isn’t just a transfer. It’s a homecoming.
For Onye, it’s a second chance to finish what he started. For Freeman, it’s a masterstroke that addresses a key need. For the Irish faithful, it’s another reason to believe that the Golden Dome may soon shine atop college football once again.
One thing is clear—Jason Onye is back, and he’s ready to help Notre Dame chase a national title in 2025.