Joel Klatt Names Notre Dame Star Among Top 10 Players for 2025, Highlighting Elite Talent and Rising National Championship Hopes

FOX Sports analyst Joel Klatt sent waves across the college football world when he unveiled his list of the Top 10 Players for the 2025 season — and a familiar name for Fighting Irish fans made the cut. Notre Dame’s do-it-all standout defender, Benjamin Morrison, earned a coveted spot on Klatt’s list, joining a group of players expected to dominate headlines, lead Heisman discussions, and shape the 2025 College Football Playoff race.

For Notre Dame, Morrison’s inclusion is more than a personal accolade. It’s a reflection of the growing respect around Marcus Freeman’s program and a validation of the Irish’s rising stock entering the 2025 campaign.

Benjamin Morrison: A Cornerback Built for the Spotlight

A junior cornerback with shutdown instincts and elite ball skills, Morrison has quietly built a résumé that screams All-American. After a breakout freshman year, he followed up with a sophomore season that featured lockdown coverage, multiple interceptions, and an ability to eliminate the opponent’s best weapon each week.

In naming him to the Top 10, Klatt emphasized Morrison’s maturity, technique, and leadership, noting that he’s the kind of defensive back who changes the entire geometry of an opposing offense.

“He’s not just a corner — he’s an eraser,” Klatt said during the segment. “Teams simply stop throwing his way.”

Morrison tallied four interceptions and 14 pass breakups last season, routinely taking on — and shutting down — the nation’s top receivers. His anticipation, hip fluidity, and knack for tracking the ball make him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. But it’s not just the stats that stand out — it’s the consistency and confidence.

“He reminds me of Patrick Surtain or Sauce Gardner,” Klatt added. “Long, smart, instinctive — and never rattled.”

Marcus Freeman’s Blueprint on Full Display

Morrison’s national recognition is another feather in the cap of Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman. A former elite defensive coordinator himself, Freeman has built a team identity rooted in discipline, toughness, and defensive dominance. Morrison is the embodiment of that identity — a physical yet technical corner with a film-room mentality and high-level athleticism.

“Coach Freeman demands accountability and excellence — you feel that in every practice,” Morrison said during spring camp. “He’s building something special here, and I’m honored to be part of it.”

The Freeman-led Irish return multiple starters on both sides of the ball, but Morrison will be the face of the defense — a leadership role he welcomes. With Klatt now pushing Morrison into the national conversation, expect Heisman dark horse whispers to begin, especially if Notre Dame rattles off early-season wins against top-tier competition.

How Morrison Compares to Other Top Players

Klatt’s Top 10 list features the usual offensive stars — quarterbacks like Texas’ Arch Manning, Georgia’s Carson Beck, and Michigan’s new gunslinger Davis Warren. But Morrison was one of only two defensive players named, the other being Alabama linebacker Qua Russaw. That speaks volumes about his talent and respect across the college football landscape.

“Morrison’s impact is different,” Klatt said. “Most corners are good in man coverage. He’s elite in man, zone, and in understanding route concepts. His brain is as valuable as his athleticism.”

The Notre Dame standout ranked second nationally in Pro Football Focus’ cornerback coverage grade last season and led the FBS in lowest opposing QB rating when targeted. Whether matching up against a 6-foot-5 boundary target or a slippery slot receiver, Morrison handled every assignment with poise.

NFL Scouts Are Watching Closely

It’s no secret that NFL evaluators already have their eyes on Morrison. Multiple scouts reportedly view him as a future Day 1 pick, and if he maintains his current trajectory, a top-15 selection is well within reach.

“He’s got all the tools: length, footwork, smarts,” one AFC scout told The Athletic. “And he competes. That’s the key — he competes like every play is personal.”

In a draft class that could include wide receivers like Emeka Egbuka and Tetairoa McMillan, Morrison’s ability to neutralize top talent will only boost his stock. If Notre Dame makes a playoff run, Morrison could become one of the first corners in years to earn serious Heisman Trophy consideration.

Notre Dame’s 2025 Outlook Gets a Boost

With Morrison now squarely in the national spotlight, Notre Dame’s postseason hopes are gaining steam. The Irish boast a mix of returning experience and blue-chip talent, along with one of the nation’s top recruiting classes. And while the offense, led by QB CJ Carr and running back Jeremiyah Love, continues to evolve, the defense has the potential to be elite.

“Our standard is excellence,” Morrison told Irish Illustrated. “We want to be the best defense in the country — no excuses.”

Notre Dame’s schedule features high-stakes matchups against Ohio State, Clemson, and USC. If Morrison can continue locking down one side of the field, he could very well play his way into college football legend.

Joel Klatt’s Influence and the National Perception Shift

Klatt’s praise matters. As one of FOX Sports’ most prominent voices, his evaluations carry weight with fans, scouts, and voters alike. By placing Morrison in the Top 10 — ahead of several big-name SEC and Big Ten stars — Klatt essentially declared that Notre Dame is no longer just a “good” program; it’s one that can produce the best individual talent in the country.

“Notre Dame isn’t just back — they’re dangerous,” Klatt concluded. “With players like Morrison, you have to start including them in serious playoff conversations.”

It’s a message Freeman and the Irish will gladly echo.

What This Means Moving Forward

For Morrison, the attention is just another motivator. He’s never been one to bask in media hype, and those close to him say his work ethic has only increased this offseason.

“He’s first in, last out,” said defensive backs coach Mike Mickens. “You tell him to watch an hour of film, and he shows up with four pages of notes.”

Morrison is already focused on game one, a primetime showdown that could set the tone for Notre Dame’s season — and his own award campaign.

“I want to win,” he said. “Individual honors are great, but my goal is to bring a title back to South Bend.”

If Morrison keeps playing at the level Klatt and others expect, that goal may not be far-fetched.

Benjamin Morrison’s inclusion in Joel Klatt’s Top 10 for 2025 is a defining moment — for the player, the program, and the perception of Notre Dame football. It’s the culmination of development, coaching, and elite play. But more than that, it’s a warning shot to the rest of college football: Notre Dame has stars, swagger, and a shot to make noise on the national stage.

With Morrison anchoring the defense, Freeman steering the ship, and national voices like Klatt taking notice, the Irish have every reason to believe that 2025 could be their breakthrough year.