Full Breakdown
Notre Dame Faces Defensive Setbacks After Wisconsin Win
9/9/2026, 4:46:55 AM
Injury Update: Johnson and Onye Out for Multiple Weeks
Starting safety Brauntae Johnson suffered a left-foot injury in the second half of Notre Dame’s 41-13 victory over Wisconsin. Coach Marcus Freeman confirmed Johnson will miss at least the upcoming game against Rice and is expected to be sidelined for “a couple weeks.” Defensive tackle Jason Onye left the same game with a left-ankle injury; Freeman said Onye will also be out for “a couple weeks,” though both players are not considered season-ending losses.
Background & Context
The injuries occurred during Notre Dame’s season-opening matchup at Lambeau Field. Johnson, a junior who recorded 48 tackles, three pass deflections and four interceptions in ten games last season, exited after 24 defensive snaps. Onye, a sixth-year senior defensive tackle who petitioned for an extra year of eligibility, played 19 snaps before departing with the ankle issue.
Data & Statistics
- Brauntae Johnson (2025): 48 tackles (0.5 for loss), 3 pass deflections, 4 interceptions in 10 games.
- Jason Onye: 6-5, 295 lb; limited to 19 snaps in the opener after a medical leave in fall 2024.
- Luke Talich: 4 career interceptions; logged 37 defensive snaps in the Wisconsin game.
- Joey O’Brien: Freshman safety, recorded a single snap in the opener.
Official Statements & Responses
He highlighted the increased roles of Luke Talich, Joey O’Brien, Ethan Long, and other young safeties, and expressed confidence in the defensive line rotation, which now leans more heavily on Francis Brewu, Tionne Gray, and Armel Mukam while Onye recovers. Freeman also reiterated that the team expects the injured players to return later in the season, though not next week.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Timeline: Freeman described the expected absence as “a couple weeks,” while some reports suggest “multiple weeks” for Johnson and a “slightly longer timeline” for Onye.
- Injury specifics: The exact nature of Johnson’s foot injury has not been confirmed; sources differ on whether the injury resulted from a missed tackle or a hard landing on his chest. No official medical diagnosis has been released.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We view Luke Talich as a starter,” — Marcus Freeman, notre dame coach
- “We expect them back at some point in the season, but they’re not going to be back next week,” — Marcus Freeman, notre dame coach
- “Backups like Joey O’Brien, Ethan Long and those young guys, their roles have increased,” — Marcus Freeman, notre dame coach
- “I feel good about the depth of the D-line room and the safeties room,” — Marcus Freeman, notre dame coach
What’s Next
Notre Dame’s next contest is against the Rice Owls. With Johnson and Onye unavailable, the Irish will start Luke Talich at safety and Tionne Gray at defensive tackle. The coaching staff expects the depth players to fill the gaps while the injured starters undergo rehabilitation, aiming to have them back before the schedule intensifies with matchups against BYU, Miami and SMU.
