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If Wednesday’s practice is any indication, Notre Dame will get plenty from veteran defensive end Jordan Botelho this season. The fifth-year senior, once considered a wild card due to inconsistent playing time and periodic injury concerns, has now emerged as a stabilizing presence on the defensive front. Botelho’s recovery from a pectoral injury has been carefully monitored, but watching him work through drills and scrimmage reps during midweek practices suggests that not only is he back to full health, but he might also be set for a career-defining season.
There’s an intensity to Botelho’s game that has always been apparent, but now it appears to be paired with discipline and maturity that wasn’t always there earlier in his career. He came to South Bend as a highly touted prospect out of Honolulu, Hawaii, possessing a natural explosiveness off the edge that drew comparisons to some of the great hybrid pass-rushers in recent college football history. For much of his early career, flashes were all anyone got. He would come off the bench, blow up a play in spectacular fashion, then disappear for a series or even a whole game. Coaches pointed to inconsistency in approach, technique, and the mental side of the game. But this season, everything feels different.
Botelho spent the spring rehabbing from his pectoral injury, and instead of retreating into himself or mentally checking out, he stayed fully engaged. According to teammates and position coach Al Washington, Botelho was one of the most vocal leaders in the room during meetings and walkthroughs. His voice carried weight, not just because of his seniority, but because he had finally gained a command of the defensive scheme. In past seasons, he often relied solely on athleticism. Now, he’s reading protections, diagnosing plays before the snap, and understanding the nuances of leverage and containment. That shift alone makes him more valuable than ever to a Notre Dame defense looking to replace impact players and turn raw potential into production.
In full pads on Wednesday, Botelho looked more like a wrecking ball than someone just recently cleared from injury. He was the first to step up during one-on-one pass rush drills, attacking offensive linemen with an array of moves that showcased his offseason work. Gone is the reliance on a single speed-rush tactic; in its place are rip moves, inside counters, and a surprisingly effective bull rush that embarrassed more than one underclassman lineman. But what stood out most wasn’t the dominance—it was the consistency. Every rep mattered. Every drill had focus. The same player who once played like a firework—brilliant but brief—now looked like a reliable spark plug capable of sustaining energy throughout a game.
Defensive coordinator Al Golden has made no secret of the staff’s expectations for Botelho. After losing NFL-caliber talent on the edge in recent years, Notre Dame has had to rely on development and internal growth. Botelho’s transformation from a situational pass rusher into a complete defensive end is a microcosm of the staff’s player development philosophy. They saw his ceiling. Now, he’s learning how to reach it every week. During film review sessions, Golden has pointed to Botelho’s practice habits as an example for younger players like Boubacar Traore and Armel Mukam, who are expected to see rotational snaps this fall. It’s not just about what Botelho brings to the field, but also the standard he sets off of it.
Teammates have also taken notice. Senior linebacker JD Bertrand, one of the team’s defensive captains, has been outspoken about Botelho’s growth. In a recent media session, Bertrand described Botelho as “the guy who’s going to change games for us” and emphasized how his presence on the edge allows the linebackers to play more freely. With Botelho setting a hard edge and generating pressure, it prevents quarterbacks from stepping up comfortably in the pocket and forces offenses to account for him, potentially freeing up blitzing backers and creating one-on-one opportunities elsewhere.
Botelho’s own humility about his return to form is also refreshing. When asked after practice how he felt about being viewed as a leader, he deflected credit to the coaching staff and the training team that helped him recover. He said he was just grateful to be back on the field and contributing. But there was a glint in his eye when talking about this season—like someone who knows he has unfinished business. That edge is crucial for Notre Dame this year. They’re not just hunting for another 10-win season; they want a College Football Playoff berth. And in games against the likes of USC and Clemson, they’ll need a disruptive force like Botelho to tilt the field.
Botelho’s evolution also mirrors the changes within the program more broadly. Notre Dame under Marcus Freeman is transitioning from being a solid, well-coached team to one that expects dominance on both sides of the ball. Freeman’s emphasis on speed, aggression, and finishing every play with a purpose has clearly influenced players like Botelho, who now carry themselves with a quiet swagger. There’s no more waiting for someone else to step up. Veterans are being challenged to lead in both word and action, and so far, Botelho is answering the call.
Another factor working in Botelho’s favor this year is depth. For the first time in several seasons, Notre Dame has the luxury of rotating defensive linemen without significant drop-off. That means Botelho can go full-speed on every snap, knowing he’ll get a breather when needed. In the past, defensive linemen often had to pace themselves due to limited backups or younger players not yet ready. But with the emergence of younger talents and improved recruiting, the Irish have a deep enough rotation to keep their front seven fresh into the fourth quarter. This depth not only helps with stamina but also with specialization. Botelho can be deployed strategically in situations that maximize his strengths—like obvious passing downs—where his burst and technique can shine.
Yet the real test for Botelho will come not in practices, but under the lights, when opponents game plan for him and challenge his discipline. In the past, teams could bait him with play-action or zone reads, relying on his over-aggression to create running lanes or misdirection opportunities. But this new version of Botelho is more patient, more calculated. He isn’t biting on fakes as easily. During team drills on Wednesday, he stayed home on several read-option plays and forced the quarterback into tough decisions that led to blown-up plays in the backfield. It’s a small detail, but one that signals a significant leap in football IQ and situational awareness.
If he can maintain this level of play throughout the season, Botelho has a legitimate shot at post-season honors. All-ACC or even All-American consideration isn’t out of the question if his sack numbers and tackle-for-loss stats reflect what he’s showing in camp. But individual accolades aren’t what drive him, at least not publicly. He speaks more about team success, about getting over the hump in big games and finally winning the ones that have eluded Notre Dame in recent years. That’s the mindset Freeman wants from all his players—team-first, hungry, and relentless.
Recruiting analysts and NFL scouts have also started to take note. Botelho is the kind of late-bloomer who can climb draft boards quickly with a productive senior campaign. While he doesn’t have the sheer physical measurables of a top-10 pick, his motor, improved technique, and leadership profile check a lot of boxes for teams looking for a rotational edge rusher with upside. His ability to contribute on special teams further boosts his value. And if he can add a few more pass-rush moves to his toolbox as the season progresses, don’t be surprised if he starts earning whispers as a Day 2 draft sleeper.
For now, though, all focus remains on the season ahead. Notre Dame’s schedule is unforgiving, featuring road games and marquee matchups that will test their mettle. But having a player like Jordan Botelho ready to anchor the defensive line is a massive advantage. He may not be the flashiest name on the roster, but he might be the most important when it comes to dictating tempo and disrupting the rhythm of opposing offenses.
The journey from injury uncertainty to defensive leader hasn’t been easy for Botelho. It took self-reflection, coaching, and a willingness to embrace the grind. But Wednesday’s practice served as a vivid reminder of what he’s capable of when healthy and locked in. There’s still a full season ahead, filled with highs and lows, but one thing is clear—Jordan Botelho is no longer just a potential breakout player. He’s arrived, and Notre Dame is better for it.
