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Notre Dame Football 2021: 25 Most Impactful Players, No. 10-6

By Jack Leniart

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 19: Defensive lineman Isaiah Foskey #7 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish attempts to tackle running back Travis Etienne #9 of the Clemson Tigers in the second quarter during the ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium on December 19, 2020 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 19: Defensive lineman Isaiah Foskey #7 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish attempts to tackle running back Travis Etienne #9 of the Clemson Tigers in the second quarter during the ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium on December 19, 2020 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TX – NOVEMBER 02: Kereon Merrell #5 of the Marshall Thundering Herd runs the ball defended by Blaze Alldredge #55 of the Rice Owls and Antonio Montero #1 in the second half on November 2, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – NOVEMBER 02: Kereon Merrell #5 of the Marshall Thundering Herd runs the ball defended by Blaze Alldredge #55 of the Rice Owls and Antonio Montero #1 in the second half on November 2, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

Notre Dame Football 2021: 25 Most Impactful Players, No. 10-6

8. Cain Madden, Offensive Line

  • Best Ranking: 4
  • Worst Ranking: 18

Cain Madden was a relatively unknown prospect coming out of high school in Minford, Ohio. He decided to stay close to home and enrolled at Marshall University, where he walked on to the football team.

After taking a redshirt as a true freshman, Madden was able to earn some playing time during the 2017 season. He played in all thirteen games for the Herd that year. That experience proved to be valuable because Madden had to step into the starting lineup the following season due to injury. He started nine games for Marshall in 2018 and established himself as a physical presence on the offensive line.

Madden started all 13 games for the Herd in 2019 and started to earn some broader recognition when he was named as part of the All-Conference USA second team. The following season, he was named as a second-team All-American.

Madden announced his intent to transfer following the 2020 season and quickly became one of the most coveted offensive linemen in the transfer portal. Notre Dame was able to beat out some other suitors from the Power Five to earn his commitment.

With the departure of Dillon Gibbons, Madden is favored to start at guard for the Irish this fall. I’m certain that Jeff Quinn and the rest of the offensive coaches are glad that they were able to add an experienced player like Madden to the roster.

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