5 most intimidating Notre Dame players entering 2025 CFB season following the updated roster being released

While it feels like there isn’t much going on right now, head coach Marcus Freeman and the Notre Dame team are diligently preparing for the 2025 college football season. There is a lot of optimism in the air right now, and a big part of that is because of the roster the staff has been able to assemble. It could be a special group. 

From a physical perspective, there are a ton of players on the roster that have the look of future NFL players. Here are my most intimidating players for the Fighting Irish heading into 2025. There are the “first man off the bus” type of players that Notre Dame can lean on. 

EDGE Bryce Young 

At 6-7 and 273 pounds, we just haven’t seen many defensive ends that look like Young historically. He is an outstanding athlete for his size, and Young has a chance to be absolute weapon in 2025. His added size could also allow for Notre Dame to do some creative things with him, taking advantage of his rare combination of size and athleticism. 

OG Charles Jagusah 

Now that we can move forward of the frustration that Jagusah isn’t playing left tackle, it’s hard to not to get excited about how good he can be inside. At 6-7 and 331 pounds, Jagusah is a massive blocker with absurd power and flexibility. If Jagusah is able to stay healthy, he could become the best offensive guard this season. 

OT Guerby Lambert 

It’s uncertain how much we will see of Lambert this upcoming season coming off the injury. If we do, there’s a strong chance we will marvel at the sheer size that Lambert brings to the table. At 6-7 and 341 pounds, he is a massive human being with a ton of length and movement skills. Lambert just continues to add more good weight to his frame. 

S JaDon Blair 

Imagine having a 6-5 and 206-pounds safety, and now imagine that they are just a freshman. The crazy part is that Blair still looks skinny, but his frame is developing quickly. It’s hard to imagine that Blair won’t make a huge impact in 2026. He is a freak athlete. 

RB Kedren Young  

Everyone knew that Young was a big running back, but him being 242 pounds this summer was a big surprising. Jeremiyah Love is an imposing force with his athletic gifts at 214 pounds, but Young is definitely a “first man off the bus” kind of guy. The redshirt freshman could be a major factor as a short yardage runner in 2025.