The 2025 NFL Draft is already beginning to take shape, with several college football programs expected to have notable talent entering the draft pool. Notre Dame, a program with a long history of producing top-tier talent, is no exception. On Thursday, ESPN released its projections for where six Notre Dame football players could be selected in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft. The list highlighted several key contributors to the Irish program and their potential landing spots in the league, but it also sparked conversation due to several notable omissions from the list.
The Irish are no strangers to having multiple players drafted in the NFL, as the program routinely churns out top-tier talent that goes on to have successful professional careers. Under the leadership of head coach Marcus Freeman, the 2025 class promises to be another group of players that could make their mark on the NFL. ESPN’s projections, while providing a glimpse into the future, also serve as a barometer for the direction of the program and the development of its players.
The Six Notre Dame Players Projected in the 2025 NFL Draft
ESPN’s projections for the 2025 NFL Draft focused on a select group of Notre Dame players who have made significant contributions to the program during their college careers. These players represent a mix of positions, from offensive and defensive playmakers to key special teams contributors. Let’s dive into the six players ESPN projected to be selected in the 2025 NFL Draft.
- Joe Alt, OT – Projected First Round Pick (Top 10)
Offensive tackle Joe Alt is widely regarded as one of the best players in his position in the country, and ESPN’s projection of him going in the top 10 of the 2025 NFL Draft is a testament to his skill set and leadership on the field. Alt has been a standout player for Notre Dame, known for his size, strength, and agility in pass protection and run blocking. Standing at 6’8″ and weighing around 320 pounds, he possesses the ideal frame for a left tackle at the next level.
Alt’s ability to protect the quarterback’s blind side, combined with his experience in Notre Dame’s pro-style offense, makes him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams. As a key member of the offensive line, Alt has helped anchor one of the nation’s most respected units, providing solid protection for quarterbacks and creating running lanes for the Irish’s ball carriers. ESPN’s projection of Alt as a top-10 pick aligns with the growing consensus that he will be one of the most sought-after players in the 2025 draft class.
- Jadarian Price, RB – Projected Second Round Pick
Running back Jadarian Price has been one of the most dynamic players for Notre Dame, showing off both speed and power as a workhorse in the backfield. Price’s quickness and ability to break tackles make him a compelling prospect for NFL teams looking to add a versatile running back to their rosters. His vision, acceleration, and ball security have been standout traits, and he has proven himself as an all-around back capable of handling a full workload.
ESPN projects Price to be selected in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, which speaks to his potential to make an immediate impact at the next level. His blend of size and agility will make him an attractive option for teams that prioritize a balanced offensive attack and need a back who can handle both rushing duties and catching passes out of the backfield. If Price continues to develop and stay healthy throughout the 2025 season, he could very well rise higher in the draft rankings.
- Benjamin Morrison, CB – Projected First Round Pick (Late First/Top 20)
Cornerback Benjamin Morrison is one of the most highly anticipated defensive prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft. Morrison, who has demonstrated exceptional ball skills, technique, and coverage ability, is expected to be selected in the late first round, with some projections even placing him in the top 20 picks. His physicality and ability to shut down top receivers have made him one of the top cornerbacks in college football.
Morrison’s performance for Notre Dame has earned him accolades as one of the premier cornerbacks in the nation, and his ability to play both man and zone coverage gives him added versatility. With his instincts, size, and ability to track the ball, Morrison is poised to be a top selection in the draft and could contribute immediately at the next level.
- Tyler Buchner, QB – Projected Second to Third Round Pick
Quarterback Tyler Buchner has been a key figure in Notre Dame’s offensive plans, and ESPN projects him to be selected in the second or third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Buchner has been a dual-threat quarterback for the Irish, showing flashes of brilliance with both his arm and his legs. Though his development has been somewhat limited by injuries, Buchner’s athleticism and raw talent make him an intriguing option for NFL teams looking for a quarterback with upside.
Buchner’s ability to make plays on the move, combined with his strong arm and leadership qualities, could allow him to emerge as a high-ceiling quarterback in the NFL. If he continues to develop as a passer and remains healthy throughout the 2025 season, there’s a strong possibility that he could end up as a starting quarterback for an NFL team.
- Marist Liufau, LB – Projected Third to Fourth Round Pick
Linebacker Marist Liufau is another key player for Notre Dame who could be selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. Liufau is known for his ability to read plays, cover ground, and make impactful tackles, both in the run game and as a pass rusher. His versatility as an inside linebacker has caught the attention of NFL scouts, and ESPN projects him to go in the third or fourth round of the 2025 draft.
Liufau’s ability to defend against both the run and the pass, as well as his leadership on the field, make him an ideal candidate for an NFL team looking to add a smart, reliable linebacker. While his draft stock may depend on his ability to further develop his coverage skills, he could be an immediate contributor on special teams or as a rotational linebacker.
- Riley Mills, DL – Projected Third Round Pick
Defensive lineman Riley Mills is a powerful and explosive player who has been a disruptive force on Notre Dame’s defense. Known for his ability to get to the quarterback and his relentless motor, Mills has the traits that make him an intriguing option for NFL teams looking to bolster their defensive front. ESPN projects Mills to be selected in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, with the possibility of moving up depending on his performance during the 2025 season.
Mills’ ability to play both defensive tackle and defensive end gives him added versatility, and his size and strength make him difficult for offensive linemen to handle. His stock could rise if he continues to show that he can excel in both pass-rush and run-defending situations.
Notable Omissions
While ESPN’s projections were certainly insightful, there were several notable omissions from the list of Notre Dame players projected to be selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. These omissions sparked discussions about the potential upside of other players on the roster who could surprise as early draft selections.
- Audric Estimé, RB – Potential First or Second Round Pick
Despite being one of the most talented running backs in the country, Audric Estimé was not included in ESPN’s list of projected draft picks. Estimé is known for his combination of size, strength, and vision, and he has been one of the most consistent offensive performers for the Irish. Some experts believe that Estimé could be a first- or second-round pick due to his rare physical traits and ability to impact the game as both a runner and a blocker. His omission from ESPN’s projections may be due to concerns about his consistency in pass-catching or his ability to remain healthy throughout the season, but Estimé remains a player to watch closely in the coming months.
- Al Golden, OLB – Rising Star
Another notable omission is outside linebacker Al Golden, who has shown flashes of brilliance in pass-rushing situations. Golden has the athleticism and skill set to make a significant impact at the next level. His versatility as both an edge rusher and coverage linebacker makes him an intriguing prospect, and while he may not yet be a household name, many expect him to turn heads in the 2025 draft process.
- Cam Hart, CB – Underrated Potential
Cornerback Cam Hart was another player who failed to make ESPN’s list but has the potential to make an impact in the NFL. Hart has good size and coverage skills, and his ability to match up with elite receivers is something that could elevate his draft stock. His omission from the list reflects some uncertainty about his ability to consistently perform at a high level, but he remains a sleeper candidate to surprise in the draft process.
- Michael Carmody, OL – High Ceiling
Michael Carmody is another player who could find himself in the 2025 NFL Draft discussion if he continues to develop. Carmody has been a reliable presence on Notre Dame’s offensive line, and his versatility along the line gives him an edge in terms of his value to NFL teams. While he may not yet be regarded as a top draft pick, his ability to play multiple positions along the line could allow him to make a jump in the draft rankings.