What is the story about?
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NCAA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Notre Dame fans across the country.
Good afternoon, and welcome back to One Foot Down Reacts. This week, we’re putting a fun twist on some stats we’ve seen so far and asking you: Which would surprise you the most if it came true?
- Choice #1: Leonard Moore does NOT lead the team in pass breakups. Moore is unquestionably the Irish’s best defensive back, and he’s been targeted nine times in 99 coverage snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. Of those nine targets, the junior has broken up two of those passes. Opponents have targeted Jayden Sanders eight times in 34 snaps, and it’s been boom or bust. Sanders gave up three catches for 53 yards and one score, but he’s also broken up three passes in his limited time. Does Moore, who finished second to Christian Gray in PBUs last year and tied with Gray in 2023 – finish on top again? Or does Sanders, Gray, or some other dark horse take the crown?
- Choice #2: Loghan Thomas has the most sacks. Thomas has made the most of his 30 snaps where the opponent’s offense has passed. He’s had two sacks and two hurries for a total of 4 havoc plays, according to PFF. Yes, that pales in comparison to Boubacar Traore’s 15 disruptions (3 sacks, 3 hits, 9 hurries) or Bryce Young’s 11 pressures (3 sacks, 2 hits and 6 hurries), but those two have also logged 2 1/2 times more snaps against pass formations than Thomas. Will Thomas make it difficult for defensive coordinator Chris Ash to take him off the field? Or will he fight for scraps left behind by Traore and Rodney Dunham?
- Choice #3: Notre Dame scores touchdowns on punt returns and kickoff returns this season. Jadarian Price, Luke Talich and Tae Johnson all had touchdown returns on special teams last year — with the later two blocking kicks (or picking up blocked kicks) for scores. Jayden Harrison had a kickoff return for a score in 2024, but no one brought it to the house on punt. Chris Tyree (punt) and Price (kick) each had one in 2023. Can Aneyas Williams and Jonaz Walton break one loose on a kickoff? Will Jordan Faison or Dallas Golden wiggle free on a punt return?
- Choice #4: Nolan James Jr.’s missed tackles forced will be greater than C.J. Carr’s rushing yards. This is not a pair of stats that are typically compared to one another, but it would have made for a fun preseason prop so I include it here. Carr has 13 rushing yards on eight attempts so far this season. As a refresher, the then-sophomore rushed 41 times for 33 yards in 2025. James has forced 12 missed tackles in 2026, according to PFF. In 2025, Jeremiyah Love (56 missed tackles forced), Jadarian Price (32) and Aneyas Williams (9) all bested Carr’s rushing output. Could it happen this year?
Let us know in the comments if this question was tricky or easy, and your justification for your pick. And we’ll be back later this week with the results
of the survey.
