We live in a college football world of lists, rankings, and countdowns. Many players on Notre Dame’s roster have been talked about and written about over the last few months — so let’s fall in line.
This will be my official Top 20 Notre Dame Football Players ranking. I will unveil each player, and list the three things I like about them. It seems simple enough, but I have no doubt that some of these ratings will be highly criticized, but you can always share your thoughts in the comments below.
#18 Jaiden Ausberry LB
Consistent
Notre Dame has been said to have the best linebacker room in the country this season, and it’s quite likely that we will consistently see five linebackers play meaningful minutes each game. Even more extraordinary is that the Irish now use the nickel as its base — so they are really cranking that rotational gear. Through it all, Ausberry always seems to be in the right place at the right time on every play. He isn’t flashy, but he clocks in and goes to work every Saturday.
Football Family
One of the most important parts of a football player’s DNA is his actual DNA. I know it flys under the radar sometimes, but Jaiden is the son of legendary LSU linebacker, Verge Ausberry, who was a two time captain for the Tigers in the 80’s. Verge is the current LSU athletic director, and was so when Jaiden first came to ND.
Leading the way
I’m not sure who the Notre Dame captains will be in 2026, but at linebacker, Drayk Bowen will likely get the nod for the second year in a row. And yet… it’s quite possible that Ausberry joins him on the field with a “C” on his chest. Jaiden, again, shows up with his lunchpail and kicks in his opponents teeth and the team can and will get behind that all season.
