The Notre Dame football team knew that Gabriel Rubio had a big role for the Sugar Bowl. As it turns out, he’s likely to have a big role for the 2025 season.
During Sugar Bowl media day, the fourth-year defensive player announced that he intends to return to South Bend in his final season.
This is big news, as Mills will most likely be off to the NFL, as will the other starter Howard Cross III. While the Notre Dame football team has shown off tremendous depth along the defensive line this fall, they will have at least one of the spots shored up with the return of Rubio.
Notre Dame football gets great news about a big hole for 2025
The Fighting Irish haven’t said exactly how they plan on replacing other defensive pieces so far this offseason. It’s possible that once their playoff run is over, they’ll be looking at the transfer portal.
Irish fans have to expect that Donovan Hinish will be penciled in as the other starter. There are still going to be plenty of questions about how . Either way, it’s great news that Rubio will return for one more go-around.
The Notre Dame football team’s defense has been a big part of their identity. Hopefully with the return of Rubio and the Irish filling the roster in other ways this offseason, that will still be the case in the 2025 season. Especially since there will be questions about the offense with Riley Leonard being gone next fall.