The latest on Notre Dame defensive tackle Jason Onye and his potential return to the team following his second half absence

Early on in the 2024 college football season, Notre Dame football was still waiting for defensive tackles Howard Cross III and Rylie Mills to round into form. Behind them, the Fighting Irish defense was getting tremendous contributions from Jason Onye, who was especially impressive against Purdue, collecting four total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks.

Onye was playing so well that many were hoping No. 47 could increase his snaps, and play an even bigger role up front. After the fifth game against Louisville, there began to be some weirdness surrounding Onye and his situation. That was his final game of the year, and there was an ominous vibe to his situation but all we knew was that Onye had stepped away from the team.

For months, many thought that was the end of Onye’s time with the Notre Dame program. There was no new information, and nobody knew fully what was going on, but it didn’t seem good. Then earlier this offseason, Onye showed up on the 2025 roster for the Irish. That’s obviously a good sign, but we were all still waiting for some public update about Onye’s status going forward.

A to Z Sports has learned that not only has Onye returned, but he is fully back with the team and a “full go” for spring practice. Getting back the talented defender is huge for new defensive coordinator Chris Ash, quite literally. The return of Onye could end up being the comeback story that this talented defense needed most.

It can’t be undersold just how important the return of Onye is for this program. Due to Cross and Mills both heading to the NFL, Notre Dame has some answers they need to find inside. With Donovan Hinish and Gabriel Rubio returning, as well as a hopeful breakout for Armel Mukam, there is quality depth coming back. Add in the transfer portal additions of Jared Dawson (Louisville) and Elijah Hughes (USC), and the defensive tackle position is a lot deeper than a year ago on paper.

Regardless of that depth, the Irish defense still needs someone on the interior to develop into a difference maker. Onye is arguably the most talented of that group, possessing outstanding size and length and 6-5 and 295 pounds. If he can get back into the groove, and really harness his athletic tools, Onye has a chance to put together a tremendous season in 2025.