When the Notre Dame Fighting Irish traveled to Louisville in October 2023, their hopes were high. Coming off an impressive start to the season, they were aiming to continue their climb toward a potential playoff berth. But as the Irish took the field in that October game, they were met with an unforeseen onslaught from the Louisville Cardinals, who dominated the contest in a way few expected. One key player for Notre Dame who was notably absent during that tough loss was Jared Dawson, the young and talented defensive tackle. Dawson, sidelined by injury, had no choice but to watch from the sidelines as Louisville ran roughshod over the Irish defense.
Fast forward to the 2024 season, and Jared Dawson made a return to the field, determined to make up for lost time. Although the Irish defense faced another challenging year, Dawson’s return gave them a much-needed spark. His performance in the 2024 season—despite Notre Dame’s struggles—highlighted his resilience, determination, and potential as a future NFL prospect. While it may not have been a season marked by overwhelming team success, Dawson’s growth as a player and his impact on the defensive line were undeniable.
This article takes a closer look at Dawson’s journey, the challenges he faced in missing the 2023 Louisville game, his standout performances in 2024, and the greater implications for the Notre Dame defense moving forward.
Jared Dawson’s Background: The Promise of a Young Talent
Jared Dawson entered Notre Dame as one of the top recruits in the 2023 class. A 6-foot-5, 300-pound defensive tackle from Cedar Hill, Texas, Dawson had garnered attention from colleges across the country for his combination of size, strength, and athleticism. His ability to clog the middle, disrupt the pocket, and eat up space on the defensive line made him a prime candidate to step into the starting lineup for a program like Notre Dame, which consistently produces top-tier defensive talent.
During his high school career at Cedar Hill High School, Dawson developed a reputation as a relentless force on the defensive line. His tape showed a player who was difficult to block due to his combination of physicality and quickness. He was also known for his leadership and ability to make plays in the backfield, both as a pass rusher and run stopper. It didn’t take long for Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman and his staff to recognize Dawson’s potential, offering him a spot on the Irish’s defensive line.
However, despite Dawson’s undeniable talent, his freshman season in 2023 didn’t go as smoothly as anticipated. Injuries plagued his year, preventing him from fully showcasing his abilities. The most significant of these injuries came just before the team’s clash with Louisville in October 2023, forcing Dawson to watch the game from the sideline as the Irish suffered one of their more humiliating losses of the season.
The 2023 Louisville Game: A Missed Opportunity
The game between Notre Dame and Louisville on October 7, 2023, was one that caught the entire college football world by surprise. Few expected the Louisville Cardinals, led by head coach Jeff Brohm, to dominate the way they did against a top-10 Notre Dame team. The Cardinals handed the Irish an embarrassing 33-20 loss at Cardinal Stadium, a defeat that ended Notre Dame’s playoff hopes and set the tone for a disappointing second half of the season.
For the Notre Dame defense, it was a day to forget. Louisville’s offense, led by quarterback Jack Plummer, sliced through the Irish defense with ease, accumulating over 400 yards of total offense. The defense struggled to stop the run, failed to generate consistent pressure on the quarterback, and allowed big plays at crucial moments.
One of the most glaring absences in the defensive front was Jared Dawson. While it’s impossible to say whether his presence would have dramatically changed the outcome of the game, the Irish certainly could have used his physicality in the middle of the defensive line. Dawson had been expected to play a key role in both run defense and pass rush, but injury kept him out of the matchup.
Watching from the sideline, Dawson undoubtedly felt a mix of frustration and determination. He knew he could have made a difference in that game, and the taste of missing out on such a pivotal moment in the season likely fueled his drive to return even stronger in 2024.
Jared Dawson’s Return: Rising to the Challenge in 2024
The 2024 season represented a fresh start for Jared Dawson. After missing several games in 2023, he was determined to make up for the lost time and prove that he could be a key piece of the defensive puzzle for Notre Dame. His return to the field was eagerly anticipated by fans, coaches, and teammates alike, all of whom knew that Dawson had the potential to elevate the Irish defense to a higher level.
Dawson came into the 2024 season with a renewed sense of focus. The Notre Dame defense, which had experienced growing pains in 2023, needed someone to step up and anchor the defensive line. With Dawson back in action, the Irish hoped he could be the disruptive force they had been missing.
And, for the most part, Dawson delivered.
Though Notre Dame’s defense still faced challenges in 2024, Dawson’s individual performance was a bright spot. He quickly became a force to be reckoned with in the trenches, using his size, strength, and improved technique to dominate opponents. His ability to plug the middle and occupy blockers gave the linebackers more freedom to roam, while his increasing comfort with the defensive scheme allowed him to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Dawson’s physicality was apparent in nearly every game. Whether it was shedding blocks to stop the run or pushing the pocket to collapse the quarterback’s throwing lanes, Dawson’s presence in the middle of the defense was crucial. He finished the season with a team-high in tackles for loss and sacks among the defensive linemen, signaling his emergence as one of the premier interior defenders in the country.
Despite the overall struggles of the Irish defense, which remained inconsistent at times, Dawson’s individual performance was a bright spot. His efforts were especially evident in several high-profile matchups, such as against USC, where he registered multiple tackles for loss and kept the Trojans’ offense off balance throughout the game. While the Irish didn’t always win these high-stakes matchups, Dawson proved that he could hang with some of the top offenses in the country.
The Impact of Dawson’s Leadership on the Defense
In addition to his on-field performance, Jared Dawson also emerged as a vocal leader on the defense in 2024. His experience, despite being a sophomore, became an invaluable asset for the Notre Dame defense, especially in the trenches. The Irish defensive line was relatively young and inexperienced, with Dawson being one of the few established players. His leadership extended beyond the X’s and O’s; he provided motivation, guidance, and mentorship to his fellow linemen, helping them grow and adapt to the demands of playing at the highest level of college football.
Dawson’s leadership was evident in how he communicated on the field. He was vocal during pre-snap reads, helping to align his teammates and ensure everyone was on the same page. His ability to rally the troops and maintain focus in the face of adversity showed his maturity and understanding of what it takes to succeed at a place like Notre Dame.
While the Irish defense struggled at times, especially against high-powered offenses like those of Clemson and Ohio State, Dawson’s leadership and consistency never wavered. He continued to give everything he had to the team, even when the results weren’t always favorable. His determination to improve, coupled with his increasing skill set, made him a valuable asset to the Irish defense in 2024.
The Future of Jared Dawson and Notre Dame Football
As the 2024 season came to a close, Jared Dawson had made his mark as one of the top young defensive tackles in college football. Despite the team’s overall struggles, Dawson’s growth and resilience stood out. His ability to recover from the injury that kept him out of the Louisville game in 2023, along with his determination to return to form, was a testament to his character and work ethic.
Looking ahead, Dawson’s future at Notre Dame appears bright. With another offseason to refine his skills, he could develop into one of the top defensive players in the country. He has the potential to be a cornerstone for the Irish defense in the coming years, especially as the team works to return to national prominence.
For Marcus Freeman and the Irish, Dawson’s development is crucial as they look to strengthen their defense and compete for championships. While the Irish may have faced setbacks in 2024, players like Dawson give hope that the program is on the right track. With Dawson continuing to improve, Notre Dame’s defensive line could become one of the most formidable units in college football.
In the grand scheme of things, the missed opportunity during the 2023 Louisville game was just one chapter in Dawson’s journey. While he couldn’t contribute in that specific contest, his resilience in bouncing back and putting together a strong 2024 season shows just how far he has come. And as the Irish continue to build toward a brighter future, Jared Dawson will likely be a key piece in the puzzle. His growth on and off the field will be integral in ensuring that Notre Dame’s defense remains one of the most respected in college football.