‘Robot’ days behind him, a ‘more explosive’ Jaylen Sneed is ready to detonate for Notre Dame football

When Jaylen Sneed first arrived at Notre Dame, he was full of promise. Known for his athleticism, speed, and natural talent, the linebacker from South Carolina quickly garnered attention as one of the most highly anticipated players in the Fighting Irish’s 2022 recruiting class. But early on in his college career, Sneed found himself struggling to meet the expectations of the Notre Dame football program. For a player with such immense potential, the transition from high school to college football wasn’t as smooth as he had hoped.

Many players face this initial learning curve, but Sneed’s experience was unique. He describes his first season as “a bit robotic.” He wasn’t playing with the free-flowing instincts that made him one of the top linebacker recruits in the country, but rather, he was trying to process every step of the game while keeping his assignment at the forefront of his mind. This focus, while important, held him back from truly unlocking the athleticism that made him a star at the high school level.

Fast forward to 2025, and Jaylen Sneed is a completely different player. Gone is the tentative, “robotic” version of the linebacker who was cautious in his play. In his place is a much more explosive and confident player, ready to make an impact for Notre Dame and cement his place as one of the program’s key defenders in the upcoming season. With a renewed sense of purpose, a new mentality, and a commitment to growth, Sneed is primed to “detonate” and become one of the most feared players on the field.

The Early Struggles: A ‘Robot’ on the Field

Jaylen Sneed arrived in South Bend in 2022 with high expectations. He was a consensus four-star recruit, rated as one of the top linebackers in the nation. His high school film showed a dynamic player with excellent speed, tackling ability, and a nose for the ball. But as is often the case, translating that talent to the college level wasn’t automatic.

“It’s a whole different world when you get here,” Sneed reflected. “I was so focused on learning the playbook and making sure I didn’t make mistakes that I wasn’t playing with the freedom that got me here in the first place. I was like a robot, just trying to do what I was told.”

This “robotic” mindset kept him from playing instinctively and utilizing his athleticism to the fullest. Sneed knew he was capable of more, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that he wasn’t quite clicking yet. This was a frustration many young players face, especially when their natural gifts are being stifled by the grind of learning the ins and outs of a complex defense.

“I was in my own head a lot,” Sneed continued. “I wasn’t letting myself just react to the game. Instead, I was overthinking everything. I needed to let go and trust myself.”

This struggle wasn’t a reflection of Sneed’s work ethic or his ability to learn. He worked tirelessly on the field and in the film room, trying to get better every day. But for all his hard work, something was missing: the explosiveness that had made him stand out in high school. He needed to find a way to channel that raw energy and athleticism into his play at Notre Dame.

Finding His True Potential: The Mental Shift

After a year of development, Sneed began to make a crucial mental shift. His coaches, including defensive coordinator Al Golden and linebacker coach James Laurinaitis, recognized the potential in him. They worked tirelessly to help him refine his skills and approach to the game, giving him the confidence to trust his instincts. The real turning point came when Sneed stopped trying to fit into a box and started playing his game — the game he had played since he was a kid.

“I had to get out of my head,” Sneed said. “The coaches told me, ‘Play fast, trust your instincts, and let your natural ability take over.’ Once I started playing with more freedom, everything started to click.”

The shift in Sneed’s mindset has been dramatic. No longer bound by the constraints of overthinking every decision, he has begun to play with the explosiveness and ferocity that originally made him a top recruit. His speed, once dormant in a cloud of uncertainty, is now a weapon. He’s become a more decisive player, attacking the line of scrimmage with authority and instinct.

“Jaylen is a completely different player now,” said defensive coordinator Al Golden. “He’s much more explosive, much more confident. You can see it in his play. He’s been putting in the work, and now it’s all coming together. He’s more comfortable in the system and more comfortable in his own skin.”

This new version of Sneed has been evident in his offseason training and in his practices leading up to the 2025 season. The change is not just physical — though he has certainly become stronger and faster — but also mental. Sneed is now embracing the chaos of the game, knowing that it’s okay to make mistakes as long as he’s playing with energy and effort. This mentality shift has led to a much more explosive version of the linebacker who is ready to explode on the field for Notre Dame.

The Physical Transformation: More Explosive Than Ever

While Sneed’s mental shift has been the most significant aspect of his growth, his physical transformation has not been insignificant either. Over the past year, he’s worked diligently to improve his speed, strength, and overall conditioning. Whether it’s in the weight room or on the field, Sneed has made significant strides to ensure that he’s in peak physical shape for the upcoming season.

“Last offseason, I was focused on getting stronger, faster, and more explosive,” Sneed explained. “I’ve worked on my flexibility, my speed off the line, and my ability to react quicker. The goal was to get faster in short bursts and have better control over my body.”

Sneed’s improved physicality is evident in his on-field play. His quickness and agility have made him a much more effective tackler, and his ability to cover ground quickly has made him a bigger asset in pass coverage. He has developed a knack for reading the quarterback’s eyes and reacting to plays before they unfold, allowing him to make plays in the backfield or break up passes with ease.

“I feel more explosive than I’ve ever felt,” Sneed said. “I’m able to get to the ball faster and be more disruptive in the backfield. My acceleration is a lot quicker, and I’m finishing plays at a higher level.”

This explosiveness has already started to show in spring practices, where Sneed has consistently stood out. He’s been a constant presence in the backfield, making tackles for loss, disrupting the quarterback’s rhythm, and showcasing the kind of burst that made him a sought-after recruit in the first place. His speed has allowed him to chase down plays from behind and to cover more ground than before, making him a versatile weapon in Notre Dame’s defense.

The Importance of Leadership and Experience

In addition to his physical and mental development, Sneed has also taken on a more prominent leadership role within the Notre Dame football program. As a player with more experience now under his belt, he has become a mentor to younger players, showing them the ropes and helping them adjust to the college game.

“I’ve learned a lot from the older guys, and now I feel like it’s my turn to give back,” Sneed said. “Being a leader isn’t just about being vocal; it’s about leading by example. I want the younger guys to see how hard I work and how I approach every day with the right mentality.”

His leadership has been key in creating a stronger sense of unity within the linebacker corps and the defense as a whole. Sneed is no longer just a player trying to prove himself — he’s a player who is now tasked with helping others reach their potential, too.

“Jaylen has grown into a great leader,” said linebacker coach James Laurinaitis. “He’s not just leading with his voice; he’s leading with his actions. His work ethic and his approach to the game have set a standard for the younger guys. He’s a player they look up to now.”

Ready to Detonate: The 2025 Season and Beyond

With the 2025 season fast approaching, Jaylen Sneed is poised for a breakout year. His transformation into a more explosive, confident player is not just about individual success but also about the impact he can have on the entire Notre Dame defense. Sneed’s ability to cover ground quickly, disrupt plays, and make key tackles will be critical for Notre Dame as they look to make a push for a playoff spot and contend for a national title.

As the season begins, Sneed is more than ready to let his talents shine. He’s no longer a player searching for his identity or playing with hesitation. He’s a force, a linebacker who can change the course of a game with a single burst of speed or a timely tackle.

“I’m ready to go,” Sneed said with a smile. “I’m not holding anything back this season. I feel like I’m about to detonate on the field.”

For Notre Dame fans, the 2025 season promises to be an exciting one, with Jaylen Sneed ready to make his mark as one of the most explosive players on the defense. The “robot” days are behind him, and now, the true version of Jaylen Sneed — explosive, confident, and hungry — is ready to lead the Fighting Irish to new heights.