Notre Dame Linebacker Marist Liufau Opts Out Of The Bowl Game, Will Head To The Draft

Notre Dame fifth-year senior Marist Liufau has announced his intention to not play in the Sun Bowl against Oregon State, and the veteran will opt for the NFL Draft.

"I want to express endless gratitude for the unconditional support and guidance I've received during my time at Notre Dame," Liufau said in a statement. "To the Irish fans - thank you for showing up every Saturday in the fall and for being the best fanbase in college football.

"To my coaches, support staff and professors - thank you for believing in me and helping me find myself as both a student-athlete and person. To my teammates - thank you for the endless memories. You've truly become m family, and I can't wait to see what you all do next.

"After much prayer and thought, I have decided it is best for me to opt out of the bowl game and pursue my dreams by declaring for the NFL Draft. I am extremely excited for the next step in my journey, but Notre Dame will always be home."

Liufau going to the NFL Draft is not a surprise, as Liufau has already accepted an invite to the Reese's Senior Bowl. 

The Hawaii native had a quality final season with the Irish. He finished the 2023 season with 44 tackles, six tackles for loss, three sacks and two pass break ups for a linebacker corps that was steady one of the better parts of the Irish defense.

Notre Dame finished the 2023 season with the 8th best scoring defense in college football and 8th best total defense. The Irish also ranked 5th in fewest yards allowed per play.