Notre Dame football jersey numbers: Changes, true freshmen, summer enrollees
The start of summer workouts always brings a mix of excitement and scrutiny in South Bend, but few traditions stir up as much buzz among die-hard Notre Dame football fans as the release of updated jersey numbers. For a program steeped in history, where each number carries echoes of those who wore it before, jersey assignments aren’t just organizational—they’re symbolic. They reflect hierarchy, position battles, mentorship, and for some, a player’s first step into Irish lore. With summer enrollees now on campus and true freshmen taking their first full reps in blue and gold, the latest wave of number changes and new assignments gives us a window into the early dynamics of the 2025 Irish roster.
Each number comes with weight, especially at Notre Dame. The No. 3 jersey alone conjures memories of Ron Powlus, Rick Mirer, and of course, Brady Quinn. When a player receives a number with such legacy, it often signals the trust the staff places in him. That’s why all eyes turned this summer when true freshman wide receiver Tyshaun Hill, a dynamic four-star out of Texas, was handed No. 3 almost immediately upon arrival. Hill was one of the crown jewels of Notre Dame’s 2025 signing class, and his blend of speed, hands, and suddenness made him an early standout during 7-on-7 workouts. The staff’s decision to place him in a high-visibility number suggests they believe he’ll be in the rotation sooner than later. Players and coaches alike have already praised his quiet confidence and pro-ready work ethic.
Not far behind in excitement is linebacker K.J. Dumas, another early enrollee who arrived in January but officially received his jersey—No. 34—this summer. Dumas, who hails from Georgia powerhouse Buford High School, has turned heads in spring practices with his closing speed and advanced understanding of the playbook. Traditionally worn by physical tacklers and hybrid defenders, No. 34 fits Dumas’s profile perfectly: versatile, physical, and always around the ball. Sources close to the program believe he could see the field on special teams immediately, with packages drawn up for situational downs at linebacker by midseason.
Among returning players, several number changes point to shifting roles or personal significance. Junior defensive end Joshua Burnham has swapped from No. 56 to No. 9, a rare shift for a lineman but one that reflects his increased visibility as a potential breakout player. Burnham, who came on strong in the latter half of last season with 4.5 sacks in the final five games, has reshaped his body and added a relentless edge to his game. No. 9 has often been associated with disruptive defenders at Notre Dame, and Burnham wearing it is a sign that the staff expects him to be one of the defense’s leaders this fall.
Wide receiver Jayden Greathouse, fresh off a solid freshman campaign, is another returning player who’s opted for a new look. After sporting No. 19 last year, Greathouse will now wear No. 1. The single-digit switch is a notable one—often reserved for alpha playmakers and team leaders. Greathouse’s development this offseason has been impossible to ignore. He’s reportedly added muscle without sacrificing speed and has become a favorite target for quarterback Riley Leonard in early throwing sessions. His elevation to No. 1 reflects not only his potential production but his emergence as a tone-setter in the wide receiver room.
Summer enrollees have also begun settling in, with jersey numbers helping to illuminate early impressions and positional clarity. Offensive lineman Cooper Roth, a 6-foot-6, 310-pound tackle from Illinois, will wear No. 74, aligning him in a lineage that includes former Irish greats on the offensive front. While Roth is expected to redshirt, his athleticism and footwork have already garnered attention from line coach Joe Rudolph, who is impressed by the freshman’s ability to absorb coaching and compete physically with older teammates during conditioning sessions.
In the backfield, fans will get used to seeing No. 21 on the field again—this time worn by true freshman running back Cam “C.J.” Watson. A compact, powerful runner from North Carolina, Watson’s game is built on vision and burst, and No. 21 suits his low-center-of-gravity, do-it-all style. Coaches were impressed by his initial agility drills and change of direction, and while the running back room is crowded, Watson could find himself carving out a third-down or short-yardage role by the second half of the season.
On the defensive side, cornerback Micah Hill, who joins the Irish from powerhouse St. Frances Academy in Maryland, has been assigned No. 23. The number has long been a staple among Notre Dame DBs, and Hill’s smooth hips and length make him a strong fit for the aggressive man coverage schemes the Irish plan to implement this season. With Cam Hart and Clarence Lewis gone, Hill could rise quickly on the depth chart depending on how he handles camp reps and live scrimmage work in August.
Another defensive name to monitor is safety Eli Johnson, who has taken No. 27. Johnson, known for his rangy play and instincts in the deep field, has already shown flashes in walkthroughs and film study. The number choice may not pop on paper, but internally, it’s been worn by several trusted veterans over the last decade, often used for safeties who are strong communicators and reliable tacklers. Johnson is expected to begin his career contributing on special teams, but don’t be surprised if he earns situational reps in dime packages before long.
Tight end R.J. Hamilton, one of the more polished receiving threats from the 2025 class, has been given No. 88. That number, while less historic than others in the tight end lineage at Notre Dame, has started to build its own legacy in recent years. Hamilton’s soft hands, fluid route running, and red zone reliability stood out in summer 7-on-7 work. With Mitchell Evans recovering from injury and holding off NFL considerations, Hamilton may have a clearer path to early playing time than some expected.
In the quarterback room, no changes were made for veterans, but true freshman Max Kirkland has been assigned No. 12—a number with significant history at Notre Dame. While Kirkland is unlikely to see action this fall barring unforeseen circumstances, his presence as a developmental dual-threat quarterback could be pivotal in future seasons. Observers have noted his calm demeanor and early grasp of pre-snap reads as signs he’ll compete hard during his redshirt season. His number choice also symbolizes an eventual transition plan once Riley Leonard’s eligibility expires.
A few special teams numbers have also changed, particularly among kickers and punters, though these may still shuffle before the season begins. Sophomore punter Bryce McFadden has moved to No. 99, while incoming freshman kicker Luca Martinez will wear No. 32. Martinez, already known for his booming leg and high accuracy in high school, is expected to push for kickoff duties right away.
Notre Dame’s longstanding policy of avoiding duplicate numbers on offense and defense simultaneously used in the same game remains in place, but the trend of single-digit numbers being earned (rather than given) appears stronger than ever. Coach Freeman and his staff have emphasized that low numbers are reserved for tone-setters—players who practice with intensity, lead vocally, and back it up with consistent performance.
The culture around jersey numbers at Notre Dame isn’t just aesthetics; it’s a reflection of status, expectation, and trust. Whether it’s a highly touted recruit receiving a coveted single-digit, or a walk-on finally earning a consistent jersey after years on scout team, every number has a story. And for many incoming freshmen, that story is just beginning.
Perhaps the most telling aspect of this summer’s number reveal is the balance it shows between incoming talent and established leadership. Veterans are asserting their presence, but freshmen are clearly being viewed as more than developmental projects. The staff’s confidence in giving them high-profile numbers and visible roles indicates an openness to meritocracy. If you can play, you’ll play. If you can lead, you’ll wear the number to prove it.
That philosophy reflects Marcus Freeman’s broader ethos: earn everything. No one is handed prestige. Players must fight for reps, attention, and tradition. Numbers are earned, not given—and once they’re worn, they’re expected to be honored.
As fall camp approaches, the jersey assignments will become more than just identifiers on a roster chart. They’ll signal who’s emerging, who’s rising, and who may be the next to join the long list of Notre Dame legends. For now, fans and coaches alike will pore over practice film, scanning for those jersey numbers, looking for clues about who’s next to leave a mark on Irish football.
Because at Notre Dame, what you wear on your back is more than just a number. It’s a responsibility. And this summer, a new group of players has taken the first step toward living up to it.
