Notre Dame has bolstered its defensive line through the transfer portal once again, this time securing Louisville graduate transfer Jared Dawson. The 6-foot-2, 305-pound Tennessee native officially committed to the Irish this afternoon, following early interest from Notre Dame.
Dawson was a key contributor to Louisville’s defensive line in 2024. After two seasons as a rotational player, he emerged as a standout in his final year with the Cardinals. Despite missing the last few games due to injury, Dawson recorded 19 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss (third-best on the team), and four sacks (tied for second). Pro Football Focus credited him with 12 total pressures.
Over the last two seasons, Dawson demonstrated consistent pass-rushing ability, accumulating nine sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss in 794 snaps. Comparatively, Notre Dame’s Howard Cross III, over 1,136 snaps in the same period, logged six sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss. Rylie Mills, another standout, registered 14 tackles for loss and 10 sacks across 1,074 snaps. Dawson’s efficiency and disruptive presence make him an exciting addition to Notre Dame’s aggressive defensive scheme.
Capable of playing both nose tackle and three-technique roles, Dawson could seamlessly fill the position previously held by Cross. His skillset strengthens a defensive line that will need to replace the production of Cross and Mills, both pivotal players in recent years.
Dawson becomes Notre Dame’s second defensive addition via the transfer portal, joining Alabama nickelback DeVonta Smith. The Irish are expected to add at least two more defensive players from the portal in the coming week, including another defensive lineman, further solidifying their roster for the 2025 season.
