A Historic Preseason Honor
Notre Dame has announced that six of its rising stars have been selected to the 2026 preseason All‑American teams, a distinction that underscores the program’s depth and ambition.
Leonard Moore, the lone first‑team selection, is already being discussed as a contender for multiple national awards, reflecting the high expectations placed on his play.
Tae Johnson earned a second‑team spot after a breakout season that saw him record 48 tackles and four interceptions, highlighting his impact on the defensive side of the ball.
Drayk Bowen and Boubacar Traore were placed on the third team; Bowen brings 145 tackles and 4.5 sacks over the past two seasons, while Traore, after returning from injury, posted 6.5 sacks and 37 total tackles.
CJ Carr and Charles Jagusah round out the fourth‑team selections; Carr threw for 2,741 yards and 24 touchdowns as a redshirt freshman, and Jagusah is expected to be fully healthy for the start of the season after a prior injury.
The Road to the Playoff
Together, these six players form the foundation of a squad that is targeting a College Football Playoff berth, aiming to translate preseason accolades into postseason success.
Coaches and analysts alike predict that the experience and award‑laden roster could give Notre Dame a decisive edge in the coming season, provided the team stays healthy and maintains momentum.