Had it not been for an ACL injury, Notre Dame EDGE Boubacar Traore could have been a college football star

The journey to stardom in college football is a dream many players share, and for some, that path is filled with obstacles that can delay or even derail their success. One of those obstacles is injury, and for Notre Dame EDGE rusher Boubacar Traore, a devastating ACL injury prevented him from showcasing his potential in the fall of 2024. Many believe that had Traore been healthy, he could have made a major impact for the Fighting Irish and could have been among the breakout stars of the college football season.

Traore’s story is one of perseverance, raw talent, and a glimpse of what could have been. Born in the United States to parents of West African descent, Boubacar Traore’s athletic abilities were evident from a young age. His journey to Notre Dame was filled with the highs and lows common to many elite prospects. As a high school standout, Traore’s physical attributes—his size, speed, and explosiveness—made him a coveted recruit by some of the top programs in college football. His skill set as an EDGE rusher made him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks and offensive linemen, and many scouts had predicted that he would be an immediate impact player at the collegiate level.

Early Promise and Recruitment

Boubacar Traore’s football story began at a young age. Raised in the Midwest, he was introduced to the sport by his father, who had roots in West Africa, where athletics were a way to connect with community and culture. Traore quickly gained a reputation for his physicality and athleticism, showing flashes of brilliance on the football field, especially as a pass rusher. By the time he entered high school, his size—standing at 6’4″ and weighing around 250 pounds—combined with his speed and agility, made him a prime candidate for recruitment from top-tier programs across the country.

Traore’s high school years were marked by impressive performances, with his ability to disrupt opposing offenses earning him the title of one of the top EDGE rusher prospects in the nation. His combination of size and speed allowed him to dominate off the edge, pressuring quarterbacks, stuffing running backs, and even forcing fumbles. His senior season was nothing short of spectacular, with a series of games that featured multiple sacks and tackles for loss. Scouts took notice of his potential, and Traore quickly found himself at the top of many recruiting boards.

When it came time to decide where he would play college football, the decision was tough but ultimately led him to Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish’s rich history of success and the opportunity to play for one of the most respected programs in the country made Notre Dame an attractive option for Traore. The program had a long tradition of developing NFL talent, especially on the defensive side of the ball, and Traore saw it as the ideal place to hone his skills and grow as a player.

In 2021, Traore committed to Notre Dame, choosing the Fighting Irish over offers from programs like Ohio State, Alabama, and Georgia. His decision was a statement of confidence in his ability to rise to the occasion, and it set the stage for what many expected to be a standout career at Notre Dame.

A Setback: The ACL Injury

As with many college football careers, however, success does not come without adversity. Traore’s path to stardom hit a major bump in the road when he suffered an ACL injury during the offseason heading into the 2024 campaign. The injury, which occurred during spring practices, was a devastating blow for the young player, who had been primed to make a significant impact that season.

The ACL injury is one of the most serious and common injuries in football, and it usually requires months of rehabilitation before a player can return to full strength. For Traore, this setback not only sidelined him for the entirety of the 2024 season but also forced him to miss out on a crucial opportunity to showcase his talents on the national stage. The timing of the injury was particularly unfortunate, as Traore was expected to be a key contributor to the Notre Dame defense, potentially even becoming one of the most talked-about pass rushers in college football.

Had he been healthy, Traore’s combination of athleticism, explosiveness, and football IQ would have made him an immediate starter for Notre Dame. His speed off the edge, coupled with his ability to read offenses, made him an ideal fit for defensive coordinator Al Golden’s aggressive scheme. The absence of Traore left a significant void in the Fighting Irish defense, as the team struggled to find a consistent pass rusher to complement their defensive line.

The Potential Traore Brought to Notre Dame

Before the injury, many experts were projecting Boubacar Traore to have a breakout season in 2024. His blend of size, strength, and quickness gave him the tools necessary to be an elite EDGE rusher in college football. While Notre Dame had talent on both sides of the ball, the one area where they needed immediate impact players was on the edge of their defense. Traore’s unique skill set was expected to provide the kind of pressure on opposing quarterbacks that would elevate Notre Dame’s defense to one of the best in the nation.

Looking back at his high school career, it’s easy to understand why there was so much excitement surrounding Traore’s potential. His high school tape was filled with jaw-dropping plays, including sacks, tackles for loss, and forced fumbles. Traore’s ability to explode off the line of scrimmage and close the distance between him and the quarterback in the blink of an eye was a skill that few could match. He had a natural pass-rushing technique and showed a relentless motor that made him nearly impossible to block at times.

But what set Traore apart from other highly ranked recruits was his versatility. Not only was he a gifted pass rusher, but his athleticism allowed him to be a well-rounded defender. Traore was capable of dropping into coverage, setting the edge against the run, and playing multiple positions along the defensive front. His high football IQ and work ethic allowed him to adjust his game as needed, something that made him a perfect fit for Notre Dame’s defensive scheme.

This combination of attributes—the ability to rush the passer, play in space, and contribute to the overall defense—made Traore a potential star in the making. In a season where the Fighting Irish were aiming to compete for a playoff spot, his presence would have added an extra dimension to their defense, giving them the ability to pressure quarterbacks while maintaining solid coverage in the secondary.

Recovery and Future Outlook

Despite the setback, Boubacar Traore’s story is far from over. While the injury was a major blow, it’s important to remember that ACL recoveries have become more routine in recent years, thanks to advances in medical science and rehabilitation techniques. Many players have bounced back from ACL injuries to have successful careers, and Traore’s determination and work ethic give him every chance to do the same.

At the time of the injury, Notre Dame’s coaching staff expressed their full support for Traore, knowing that his resilience and commitment would help him overcome this challenge. They emphasized that while the injury was unfortunate, it was only a temporary setback in a long and promising career. Traore himself has shown incredible determination, staying focused on his recovery and remaining positive throughout the process. He has spent the year rehabbing the injury, with plans to return even stronger for the 2025 season.

When Traore is back on the field, he will be eager to prove that he is every bit the player scouts thought he could be before the injury. His natural talent, combined with the experience he gained in his first year at Notre Dame, will make him a player to watch. He will likely reenter the lineup with an added sense of purpose, driven by the desire to fulfill his potential and help Notre Dame compete for championships in the coming seasons.

The Road Ahead for Notre Dame

Notre Dame’s defense has not been the same without Traore’s presence, and the team’s coaches are eagerly awaiting his return. While the Fighting Irish defense has continued to perform well, there’s no doubt that Traore’s ability to rush the passer and disrupt offenses could take the unit to another level. With the recruitment of other talented players and the development of key veterans, the 2025 season could see Notre Dame fielding one of the top defensive units in the country, and Boubacar Traore will be at the heart of that effort.

The 2024 season might have been a missed opportunity for Traore to showcase his talents, but it also serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of college football. Injuries can sideline players at any moment, but the recovery process is part of the journey. For Traore, this setback is simply a chapter in his story—a chapter that will one day be followed by a season of redemption and success.

Boubacar Traore had the potential to be one of the breakout stars of the 2024 college football season, but an ACL injury robbed him of that opportunity. Nonetheless, his future remains bright. His raw talent, versatility, and passion for the game make him a player to watch when he returns to the field. For Notre Dame, the 2025 season offers a chance for Traore to fulfill the promise he showed as a high school standout, and for college football fans, the chance to see one of the most exciting young defenders in the game. Traore’s story is one of resilience and hope—a reminder that even in the face of adversity, talent and determination can ultimately lead to greatness.