The Irish Illustrated team has its finger on the pulse of Notre Dame transfer portal news, recruiting, coaching staff moves and more after the Irish lost to Ohio State in the CFP National Championship

Notre Dame football is looking at Chris Ash to fill its defensive coordinator vacancy after losing Al Golden to the Bengals.

Notre Dame football's season had unforgettable moments. Take a look back and appreciate the journey that made it truly special.

Notre Dame's Benjamin Morrison is heading to the NFL Draft after a promising junior season was cut short by a serious hip injury

Jan 20, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Pat Coogan (78), head coach Marcus Freeman, and offensive lineman Rocco Spindler (50) react after losing against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the CFP National Championship college football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. / Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Notre Dame safety and team captain Xavier Watts, who closes his collegiate career with 189 total tackles, 16 passes defended, 1.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and 13 interceptions, shared a message on social media thanking God, family, friends and Fighting Irish fans for sharing in his journey.

They are three of the seven members of Notre Dame’s roster linked by a unique bond: Each player’s father played in the NFL, achieving various degree of success but blazing a path for their sons to follow into Monday night’s College Football Playoff championship game against Ohio State.

Xavier Watts delivered one of the most impressive careers for a defender in Notre Dame history. Now, Watts has confirmed he’s jumping to the 2025 NFL Draft after spending 5 seasons with the Fighting Irish.

He was also on the field prior to the game hyping up the Fighting Irish fans. Before he embarked on a 13-season NFL career that included a Super Bowl title and a Pro Football Hall of Fame recognition,

Ohio State held on to defeat Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff National Championship. Eric Edholm provides three takeaways from the game, with an eye on the 2025 NFL Draft.

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates a first down catch during the second half of the College Football Playoff quarterfinal against the Oregon Ducks at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Jan. 1, 2025. Ohio State won 41-21.