How Louisville transfer Jared Dawson plans to help Notre Dame football return to the title stage
How Louisville Transfer Jared Dawson Plans to Help Notre Dame Football Return to the Title Stage
Notre Dame football has long been one of college football’s most storied programs. With a rich history of championship victories, legendary coaches, and iconic players, the Fighting Irish are always a team to watch. However, in recent years, Notre Dame has been in search of the formula that will return them to the pinnacle of college football and bring another national title to South Bend.
The program took a major step forward with the addition of Jared Dawson, a highly regarded transfer from the University of Louisville, who has all the tools to help the Irish make a run at the national championship. Dawson, a versatile and physically gifted player, has made it clear that he’s not just looking to contribute, but to make a meaningful impact on Notre Dame’s quest for greatness.
As the 2025 season approaches, Jared Dawson is ready to bring his skills and leadership to a program with national title aspirations. In this feature, we’ll dive into who Jared Dawson is, how his transfer to Notre Dame came to fruition, and what his role will be in helping the Irish return to the college football elite.
Jared Dawson’s Journey: From Louisville to Notre Dame
Jared Dawson’s path to Notre Dame wasn’t a simple one. It was paved with hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence that started long before his transfer to the Fighting Irish. Dawson was a standout player at Louisville, where he developed into one of the top talents at his position. However, despite Louisville’s efforts to build a championship-caliber team, Dawson believed that in order to fully realize his potential, he needed a new challenge—one that came with a program that consistently contends for national titles.
The Louisville Years
Dawson’s college football career began in 2023 at Louisville, where he quickly earned a reputation as one of the top players on the roster. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 225 pounds, Dawson is a physically imposing presence on the field. His blend of size, speed, and athleticism made him an immediate force at Louisville, where he played for two seasons. During his time with the Cardinals, Dawson excelled both as a pass rusher and as a versatile defensive player. He accumulated impressive stats, showing his ability to disrupt plays and be a consistent force on the field.
While his individual success was undeniable, Dawson had a desire for more than just personal accolades. He wanted to play for a program with a tradition of success, and after weighing his options, he decided to enter the transfer portal following the 2024 season. Notre Dame, with its rich football history, its storied coaching staff, and its championship pedigree, became an ideal landing spot for Dawson.
Making the Move to Notre Dame
When Dawson entered the transfer portal, it didn’t take long for his recruitment to heat up. Notre Dame, always on the lookout for talented players who fit the program’s high standards, quickly made contact with Dawson. After an extensive recruitment process, Dawson made the decision to transfer to Notre Dame, citing the opportunity to be part of a championship-contending team and the chance to work under a coaching staff renowned for developing elite talent.
Dawson was particularly drawn to Notre Dame’s strong defensive coaching staff, headed by Marcus Freeman, who has been instrumental in shaping the team’s defense since taking over as head coach. Freeman’s reputation as a developer of talent and his ability to craft strong, aggressive defenses made Notre Dame an appealing destination for Dawson, who wanted to maximize his potential.
Jared Dawson’s Role in Notre Dame’s Defense
One of the key reasons Dawson chose to transfer to Notre Dame was his belief that the program could help him reach new heights. As a player with a high ceiling, Dawson is expected to be an integral part of Notre Dame’s defense, particularly in their push to return to the college football playoff and compete for a national title. Let’s take a look at how Dawson fits into the Notre Dame defensive system and what his role will likely be moving forward.
Position Flexibility and Impact
Dawson’s most valuable asset is his versatility. Throughout his career, he has shown the ability to play a variety of roles within the defense. Whether he’s rushing the quarterback from the edge, dropping into coverage, or stuffing the run, Dawson is a multifaceted player who can contribute in numerous ways. This versatility will be crucial to Notre Dame’s defensive game plans.
In the Fighting Irish’s defense, Dawson will likely spend most of his time as a hybrid EDGE rusher, using his speed and explosiveness to attack the quarterback. Notre Dame has had great success with EDGE players in recent years, and Dawson has the potential to follow in the footsteps of past Irish greats in this role. His ability to get after the quarterback will provide Notre Dame with an added weapon on a defense that already boasts considerable talent.
However, Dawson’s role won’t be limited to just rushing the passer. Under Marcus Freeman’s defensive philosophy, Dawson is expected to be utilized in a variety of ways to keep opposing offenses guessing. This could include dropping into coverage to cover tight ends or running backs, spying on quarterbacks, or using his length and athleticism to create mismatches against offensive linemen.
Leadership and Defensive Identity
In addition to his on-field abilities, Dawson’s leadership and mentality are exactly what Notre Dame needs as they look to re-establish themselves as a national contender. At Louisville, Dawson was known for his intensity and passion, setting the tone for the defense and leading by example. Those qualities will be crucial as he transitions into his role at Notre Dame, where the program is in a transition period and needs strong leadership from its senior players.
Notre Dame’s defense has the talent to be one of the best in the country, but Dawson’s leadership could be the final piece that elevates them to championship-level play. As the Irish look to build a more aggressive, opportunistic defense under Freeman, Dawson’s presence will help set the tone for the unit. His commitment to relentless pursuit and his passion for the game will be infectious, and his experience in high-pressure situations will help guide the younger players on the roster.
The Notre Dame Defensive Scheme: What Dawson Brings to the Table
Notre Dame’s defensive scheme, under Marcus Freeman, is designed to create pressure, mix coverages, and allow players like Dawson to make plays in a variety of ways. Freeman’s defense is known for being aggressive, unpredictable, and disruptive—qualities that are well-suited to Dawson’s skill set.
Pass Rush and Pressure Creation
One of the hallmarks of Freeman’s defensive philosophy is generating pressure on the quarterback. Over the past few seasons, Freeman has employed multiple fronts and creative blitz packages to keep offenses on their heels. With the addition of Dawson, Freeman now has a dynamic EDGE rusher who can be utilized in numerous ways to create chaos in the backfield.
Dawson’s ability to bend the edge, rush the passer with speed, and use his hands to disengage blockers makes him a perfect fit in this system. Notre Dame is known for its ability to produce standout pass rushers, and Dawson has the potential to join that lineage. He’ll likely be paired with other talented pass rushers on the roster, creating a formidable unit capable of applying constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Versatility in Coverage
Freeman’s defense also places a heavy emphasis on versatility in coverage. With players like Dawson, who can rush the passer and drop into coverage, the Irish will be able to confuse opposing offenses and create mismatches. Dawson’s athleticism makes him a valuable asset in both man and zone coverage schemes. He’ll be used to cover running backs out of the backfield, tight ends, and even be asked to spy mobile quarterbacks in certain situations.
His versatility allows Notre Dame to mix things up on defense, keeping opposing quarterbacks guessing. By utilizing Dawson’s ability to move fluidly in space, the Irish can create an unpredictable defensive unit that will be tough for any offense to handle.
What Jared Dawson’s Arrival Means for Notre Dame
Dawson’s decision to transfer to Notre Dame could prove to be a game-changer for the program. Here’s why:
Immediate Impact
Dawson is expected to make an immediate impact in the Fighting Irish’s defense. With his skill set and experience at Louisville, he is ready to step in and contribute right away. Notre Dame’s defense has been a strong point in recent years, and with Dawson on board, they have the potential to be even better. His pass-rushing ability, combined with his versatility, could elevate Notre Dame’s defense to one of the best in the country.
Depth and Talent
Adding Dawson gives Notre Dame another key player to complement their already talented defensive line and linebacker corps. Notre Dame is known for developing strong defensive units, and with players like Dawson, the Irish can rotate their defensive linemen more effectively, keeping fresh legs on the field and applying relentless pressure on the quarterback. This depth will be crucial as Notre Dame aims to compete for a national title.
Elevating National Title Hopes
Perhaps the most important aspect of Dawson’s arrival is how it boosts Notre Dame’s chances of returning to the College Football Playoff and ultimately contending for a national championship. With the Irish already boasting a talented roster and a strong defensive identity, Dawson’s addition provides the final piece to what could be a championship-caliber team.
The Fighting Irish’s defensive line, bolstered by Dawson, could be one of the most disruptive units in the country. With a strong defense, a solid offense, and a championship mindset, Notre Dame is in position to make a serious run at the title. Dawson’s leadership, combined with his playmaking ability, could be what pushes the Irish over the top.
