Main Story

No. 4 Notre Dame will face No. 1 Miami without starting linebacker Drayk Bowen, who injured his right ankle against Navy, and starting safety Brauntae Johnson, who remains out with a foot injury. The Fighting Irish expect cornerback Leonard Moore and linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa back, with Viliamu-Asa likely taking over Bowen’s defensive communication role. Coach Marcus Freeman is urging fans to make Notre Dame Stadium loud for Saturday’s playoff-shaping rivalry game.

By the Numbers
  • Notre Dame is 7-1; Miami is 8-0.
  • Bowen leads Notre Dame with 45 tackles.
  • The Irish rank No. 1 in total defense, allowing 236.2 yards per game, and give up 15.8 points per game.
  • Viliamu-Asa has 15 tackles, 1.5 sacks, one interception and one fumble recovery in five games.
Yes, But

Bowen’s absence is a major loss beyond his role relaying defensive calls: he leads the team in tackles and has contributed to turnovers. Notre Dame could offset some of the impact with Moore and Viliamu-Asa returning, while defensive linemen Francis Brewu and Jason Onye are listed as questionable.

State of Play
  • Bowen and Johnson are out for Saturday’s game; Notre Dame has not said whether Bowen will miss more time.
  • Moore and Viliamu-Asa are expected back after each missed two of the last three games.
  • Moore could be matched up with Miami star receiver Malachi Toney.
What’s Next

Notre Dame’s defensive depth and communication will be tested against an unbeaten Miami team. The Irish also await the status of Brewu and Onye as they prepare for the matchup.

Bottom Line

Notre Dame’s defense remains elite, but losing its leading tackler for the season’s biggest game raises the stakes for its returning defenders—and for a home crowd Freeman hopes can help disrupt Miami.