Notre Dame football: How good can this Irish defense be in 2022?

The Notre Dame football team is loaded with talent on defense heading into 2022, but how good can they really be this upcoming season.

When looking at the 2022 Notre Dame football team, one thing is for sure, and that is they will be special on the defensive side of the ball. The Irish had many potential 2022 NFL Draft picks to return to school for next season, including key defensive players, like likely first-rounder, Isaiah Foskey.

Whether it is upfront along the defensive line, where there are a ton of big bodies on the interior, and elite edge rushers, or on the other two levels, this Irish defense is going to be special. They have a group of veterans at the linebacker spots that have played in some huge games for the program, and the secondary could have two 2022 first-round picks as well.

At the helm of the program is a defensive genius in Marcus Freeman, who had the Irish defense playing at an elite level down the stretch last season. They will be tested early on, as they face the high-powered offense of the Ohio State Buckeyes, but just how good can this group be in 2022?

Notre Dame football could have the best defense in the country

The loss of Kyle Hamilton is a big one, but Brandon Joseph is an elite transfer, and many believe he will be the first safety off the board in the 2023 NFL Draft. Foskey is a first-round talent, and the linebacker group is as good as it gets, while Cam Hart is a budding superstar at cornerback.

Also, there have been plenty of guys who have stepped up this spring, including Jaden Mickey, a true freshman cornerback who could sneak his way into the starting lineup when all is said and done in Year 1.

Notre Dame football: Positions battles still loom for 2022 offense

The Notre Dame football team has made it through spring practices and the Blue-Gold Game, but battles still remain for starting jobs on offense.

Overall, I expect the defense to do some damage against Ohio State, and it will really depend on whether or not the offense can keep up throughout. They are going to be fast, tough, and punishing in 2022, and when all is said and done, could be the main reason the Irish punch their ticket to the College Football Playoff.