Four Notre Dame Listed in the Athlon Sports Preseason All-America selections
The 2025 college football season is quickly approaching, and as teams gear up for what promises to be a highly competitive year, Athlon Sports has unveiled its preseason All-America selections. Among the standout names on the list are four Notre Dame players who have been recognized for their exceptional skill and potential. These players are poised to play pivotal roles in the Fighting Irish’s quest for a national championship, and their inclusion on the prestigious preseason list is a testament to their ability to shine on the national stage.
Notre Dame football has long been a powerhouse in college football, known for its storied history, national titles, and strong player development. As the team continues to build under head coach Marcus Freeman, these four players represent the future of the program and will be key contributors to its success in 2025. Let’s dive into each of these standout athletes and explore their journey to becoming one of the top players in the nation.
The first player on the list is junior quarterback Sam Hartman. After transferring to Notre Dame from Wake Forest, Hartman immediately became one of the most talked-about players in college football. His ability to lead the offense with poise and precision makes him one of the top quarterbacks in the country. Hartman had an outstanding 2024 season, throwing for over 3,700 yards and 31 touchdowns while leading Wake Forest to a bowl game. His decision to transfer to Notre Dame raised expectations, as the Fighting Irish have long been in search of a dynamic quarterback who can lead them to the top of the college football world.
Hartman’s experience and skill set make him a perfect fit for the Fighting Irish offense. He has an excellent arm and can make all the throws, whether it’s down the field or in the short-to-intermediate range. His decision-making is one of his most significant strengths, as he rarely makes mistakes and is known for his ability to read defenses. This veteran presence is invaluable for a team looking to compete at the highest level, and Hartman’s leadership will be crucial in 2025.
Another player on the Athlon Sports Preseason All-America list is Notre Dame’s dynamic running back, Audric Estime. Estime’s blend of size, speed, and vision has made him one of the most feared backs in the nation. Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing in at 230 pounds, Estime possesses a rare combination of power and agility that allows him to break tackles and accelerate through holes with ease. During the 2024 season, Estime rushed for over 1,300 yards and 14 touchdowns, establishing himself as a key cog in Notre Dame’s offense. His ability to be a physical presence while also displaying finesse has made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Estime’s versatility is another reason why he’s one of the top running backs in the country. He can catch the ball out of the backfield and is more than capable of making defenders miss in the open field. His unique skill set makes him a dual-threat weapon, and as he enters his junior season, he’s expected to play a central role in Notre Dame’s offensive attack. With Estime in the backfield, the Fighting Irish have one of the most dangerous running backs in all of college football, and he’s poised to have a monster 2025 season.
The third Notre Dame player to earn a spot on the preseason All-America team is defensive lineman Rylie Mills. Mills has been a force on the defensive line since arriving at Notre Dame, and he continues to improve year after year. At 6-foot-5 and 295 pounds, Mills possesses the ideal combination of size, strength, and athleticism to dominate in the trenches. His ability to collapse the pocket and disrupt the quarterback is what sets him apart from other defensive linemen. During the 2024 season, Mills recorded 10 tackles for loss and 6 sacks, showcasing his ability to not only stop the run but also get to the quarterback and create havoc in the backfield.
Mills is a key piece of Notre Dame’s defensive front, and his presence will be even more crucial in 2025 as the Fighting Irish look to improve their defense. His explosiveness off the line of scrimmage and his ability to shed blockers make him a nightmare for opposing offensive lines. With another year of development, Mills is expected to take his game to the next level and be one of the top defensive linemen in the country. His leadership and production will be pivotal to Notre Dame’s success on the defensive side of the ball.
The final player on the Athlon Sports Preseason All-America list is cornerback Benjamin Morrison. Morrison, a sophomore, has quickly emerged as one of the top cornerbacks in college football. His ability to lock down receivers and make plays on the ball has earned him recognition as one of the best defensive backs in the nation. During his freshman season in 2024, Morrison recorded four interceptions and was a constant presence in the secondary, shutting down opposing wide receivers. His physicality, combined with his ability to read the quarterback’s eyes, makes him a dangerous player on the outside.
Morrison’s growth from year one to year two will be closely watched, as he’s expected to be one of the top cornerbacks in the country. His ball skills and ability to cover a wide range of receivers make him a matchup nightmare for offenses, and he will be tasked with taking on the best wideouts in the nation during the 2025 season. As one of the top cornerbacks in the country, Morrison has the potential to make a significant impact on Notre Dame’s defense, and his continued development will be key to the team’s success.
Together, these four players—Sam Hartman, Audric Estime, Rylie Mills, and Benjamin Morrison—represent the future of Notre Dame football. They are all highly talented, with unique skill sets that make them among the best in the nation at their respective positions. Their inclusion in the Athlon Sports Preseason All-America selections is a reflection of their hard work, dedication, and potential to lead the Fighting Irish to success in 2025 and beyond.
Notre Dame is a program with a rich history and tradition, and these four players are looking to continue that legacy. With Hartman’s leadership and playmaking ability, Estime’s power and agility in the running game, Mills’ dominance in the trenches, and Morrison’s lockdown skills in the secondary, the Fighting Irish are well-positioned for a successful season. As they look to compete for a spot in the College Football Playoff, these four players will be at the forefront of Notre Dame’s quest for greatness.
In conclusion, Notre Dame’s four selections to the Athlon Sports Preseason All-America team—Sam Hartman, Audric Estime, Rylie Mills, and Benjamin Morrison—are a testament to the talent and potential of the Fighting Irish program. Each of these players has the skill set to make an impact on a national scale, and their continued development will be key to Notre Dame’s success in 2025. With these stars leading the way, Notre Dame is poised for a bright future, and college football fans across the country will be watching to see how these players perform as the season unfolds.
As the 2025 season approaches, expectations for Notre Dame are high, and with these four players among the top talents in the nation, the Fighting Irish are more than capable of living up to the hype. Fans in South Bend and beyond are excited to see what these players can do, and with their inclusion in the preseason All-America selections, it’s clear that Notre Dame has the pieces in place for a championship run.
