There’s a distinct kind of grit that comes from playing football at Notre Dame. It’s a mixture of tradition, pressure, discipline, and legacy that few programs can replicate. For Evans, that crucible forged a player ready for the next level—both mentally and physically. On NFL Draft night, that readiness was rewarded as the Carolina Panthers made it official: Evans is heading to Charlotte.
Evans’ journey to the NFL is a story of consistency, resilience, and steady development. He was never the loudest voice in the room or the flashiest highlight on social media. But ask any coach, teammate, or opponent, and they’ll tell you the same thing—Evans is a difference-maker. Whether lined up in the trenches or dropping back in coverage, he earned his respect one play at a time.
Coming out of high school, Evans was already on the radar of several major programs, but it was Notre Dame that saw his full potential. He chose the Irish not just for football, but for the tradition, the challenge, and the academic rigor. From day one in South Bend, he embraced everything that came with wearing the gold helmet. Practices under cold Indiana skies, film sessions that stretched deep into the evening, weight room grinds in the offseason—it was all part of a process Evans never shied away from.
His college career was marked by steady improvement. As a freshman, Evans showed flashes of what was to come. He played mostly in rotational duty, but his explosiveness off the ball and ability to process the game quickly earned him early snaps. By his sophomore season, he was already a regular in the starting lineup. Coaches began to trust him in big moments, and more importantly, so did his teammates.
What separated Evans wasn’t just his talent, but his work ethic. Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman often pointed to Evans as a player who led by example. “He’s the kind of guy who doesn’t say a lot, but when he speaks, everybody listens,” Freeman said during a press conference last fall. “He prepares like a pro, he practices like a pro, and now he’s going to be one.”
Indeed, Evans’ preparation set him apart. Known for being the first one in the building and the last one to leave, he studied opposing offenses like a quarterback. Teammates say he was notorious for calling out plays before the ball was snapped. That football IQ, combined with his athletic ability, made him a nightmare for offenses to scheme against.
Scouts took notice, especially during the pre-draft process. At the NFL Combine, Evans turned heads with a strong showing in position drills, but it was his interviews that really elevated his stock. Multiple league executives noted his maturity, leadership, and deep understanding of the game.
By the time the draft arrived, there was a buzz around Evans. While mock drafts varied on where he would land, there was a growing consensus that any team looking for a high-character player with a strong football foundation would be lucky to get him. The Carolina Panthers clearly agreed.
Carolina’s decision to draft Evans fits perfectly with their recent efforts to re-establish a culture of toughness, intelligence, and accountability. After a rocky stretch that saw the team cycle through coaches and quarterbacks, the Panthers appear to be building from the inside out. Bringing in a player like Evans—someone who has thrived under high expectations and pressure—aligns with that vision.
Panthers head coach Dave Canales addressed the media shortly after the pick was announced. “We see Evans as someone who can come in and compete right away,” Canales said. “He understands how to prepare, how to lead, and how to elevate those around him. That’s what we’re building here—a group of guys who love football and love the process.”
It’s not hard to see where Evans fits in Carolina’s defensive scheme. He offers versatility, whether it’s stuffing the run, rushing the passer, or dropping back into coverage. He’s the kind of player who doesn’t need to be asked to play special teams—he volunteers. That type of mindset will endear him quickly to both coaches and veterans in the locker room.
Beyond the Xs and Os, Evans brings a professionalism that’s rare for rookies. During his final season at Notre Dame, he was often seen mentoring younger players, even those who weren’t in his position group. He took pride in passing down the program’s traditions and standards, just as upperclassmen once did for him.
Now, as he steps into the NFL, he’ll be the one learning again—but that’s a role he welcomes. “I’m ready to work,” Evans said in a brief interview after being drafted. “That’s what I’ve always done. It’s not about the cameras or the headlines—it’s about the team, the locker room, and doing your job every day.”
It’s that kind of mindset that makes his move from South Bend to Charlotte feel less like a leap and more like a natural next step. Evans has always taken the long view—focusing on daily improvement rather than overnight success. That approach helped him thrive in one of college football’s most demanding programs. It’s also why so many believe he’ll thrive in the NFL.
For Notre Dame fans, seeing Evans reach the pros is a point of pride. He represents everything the university hopes for in its student-athletes: integrity, commitment, and excellence on and off the field. In an era where some players chase quick exits and NIL deals, Evans stayed the course. He trusted the process, and now that process has led him to the NFL.
As for the Panthers, they didn’t just get a football player—they got a culture-builder. Someone who can be the foundation of a defense, a locker room presence, and a leader for years to come. He may not be the loudest or most talked-about rookie in this draft class, but don’t be surprised if, five years from now, Evans is one of the most respected.
Back in South Bend, his former teammates and coaches will be watching. Not because they’re worried, but because they know what’s coming. They’ve seen the film. They’ve seen the work. And now, the rest of the football world is about to see it too.
From South Bend to Charlotte, Evans is ready for the next chapter. The Panthers made a smart bet—and if his college career is any indication, it’s a bet that’s about to pay off in a big way.