Notre Dame Impact Players For 2025: No. 43 Cole Mullins

Notre Dame is now 43 days away from kicking off the 2025 season against the Miami Hurricanes down in Hard Rock Stadium. The Irish will be relying on some impact players to get them through the home opener as well as getting them back to another run at the National Championship. I broke down who I believe will be the top 50 impactful players for Notre Dame this season. Let’s continue this countdown to kickoff with my No. 43 most impactful player, defensive end Cole Mullins.

Mullins made the switch back out to defensive end this spring after spending the 2024 season on the interior of the defensive line. After watching him in multiple practices, the jersey scrimmage and the spring game, it's easy to see that's where Mullins is the most comfortable on defense. Due to some players working their way back from injuries and an offseason injury to Jordan Botelho, Mullins will be able to crack the defensive end rotation.

What He Brings To The Table

The 6-5 273 pound Georgia native brings a different body type to the defensive end spot. He's one of the biggest edge players Al Washington has at his disposal. Last season, Notre Dame's defensive ends struggled at times setting the edge against the run, something that Mullins' skillset gives you the opportunity to do. He isn't quite the pass rusher that Bryce Young or Boubacar Traore project to be, but he has some capabilities.

His play is similar to Josh Burnham's in that they both are strong defenders against the run. Notre Dame will face some talented backfields and some really big offensive lines this year that may require Mullins' skillset and body type. He has a quick first step and plays with good pad level; he's a very physical player which was showcased in the Blue Gold game as he matched up against starting left tackle Anthonie Knapp on multiple series.

What Is His Impact?

Due to Botelho's offseason pectoral injury and Traore work load remaining undefined heading into fall camp, Mullins has the opportunity to solidify his name in the defensive end rotation this fall camp. Schematically, new defensive coordinator Chris Ash made the switch from Vyper and big end to left defensive end and right defensive end, allowing this unit to play more matchup based football.

Mullins will be used primarily against the run and will be an extremely quality depth piece. He isn't the type of player who will end the season with 8.5 sacks, but could make an impact on tackle for loss numbers. His presence will likely be felt in the run game, but has the capabilities as a power rusher if need be.

Notre Dame's defensive end position enters fall camp with a handful of question marks, but the ceiling of this unit is undeniable. Mullins will play a factor in this unit reaching it's full potential. Based on his size at 6-5 273 pounds and his skillset, he lands himself as one of the No. 43 most impactful players for Notre Dame in 2025.

PAST TOP 50 BREAKDOWNS

No. 44 - Preston Zinter
No. 45 - James Flanigan
No. 46 - Noah Burnette
No. 47 - Guerby Lambert
No. 48 - Sullivan Absher
No. 49 - Jordan Botelho
No. 50 - Charles Jagusah