The Notre Dame football team knows that opening-day starter safety Brauntae Johnson won’t be back in time for Navy. An injury that was supposed to keep him out “for a few weeks” has officially kept him out for more than half the season. Now, the hope is that he could eventually be back for Miami, or SMU at the latest. It’s not just about getting a very good player back on the field, but a game changer back to a defense that, even with depth, isn’t as good without him.
“When Tae’s on the field, we have a game changer,” Fighting Irish star Jaylen Sneed said after practice earlier this week. “We have a player that can make every play, can run sideline to sideline and just be a ballhawk for us — just like Luke (Talich) is. When Tae Tae’s on the field, it just brings a whole other element to the Notre Dame defense of violence, communication – everything.”
If Talich took those words from Sneed as a slight, you wouldn’t know it. In fact, the man who is starting in Johnson’s place had nothing but great things to say about Johnson himself.
“Tae Tae has been great,” Talich said. “He’s been around the facilities all the time, getting recovery and things like that. He’s doing what he can to help the young guys and be there for anyone that needs it. He’s doing his part for sure.”
Brauntae Johnson return could transform Notre Dame football secondary for late-season push
“He’s getting back, he’s getting better, and I’m excited for him to come back. It won’t be too long here before he’s hopefully in pads again. Super excited for him. Hopefully we can make a push at the end of the year with him for sure.”
It’s not hard to see why guys who might lose playing time to him want Johnson back. Even though he missed half the season, ESPN analyst Mel Kiper still ranks the Notre Dame star as the top safety in his 2027 NFL Mock Draft.
He had a breakout season in 2025, tallying 48 tackles, 3 passes defended, and 4 interceptions. He returned one of those picks for a 73-yard touchdown. He was expected to only improve in 2026.
His numbers certainly won’t look anywhere near as good as his last campaign, but his talent stands out. His teammates certainly see it. That’s why, even when Talich took over and started playing very well himself, he seemed to view the situation as renting the position until Johnson returned to the Notre Dame lineup.
“I wasn’t too focused on replacing Tae Tae,” Talich said. “I was more focused on just doing my job. Tae Tae’s a great player, and I respect him, and I love him for it. Hopefully he can help us when he gets back for sure.”
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