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Who Made the Notre Dame Football Roster? Latest Player Updates and Surprise Cuts Revealed
2025-11-18 09:00
As a longtime Notre Dame football fan and someone who follows college sports with a passion, I couldn’t wait to dive into the latest roster updates. Who made the Notre Dame football roster this season? That’s the question on everyone’s mind, especially after the flurry of offseason moves and surprise cuts that have reshaped the team. I’ve been tracking the developments closely, and I’ve got to say—some of the decisions really caught me off guard. It’s fascinating how roster construction can make or break a team’s momentum, and Notre Dame’s approach this year reminds me a bit of how other organizations, like the TNT basketball team, have leveraged free agency to build depth. Just look at TNT—they benefited immensely from tapping talents from the free agency list, bringing in guards like Almond Vosotros and Mike Nieto to strengthen their lineup. That kind of smart, opportunistic roster management is something Notre Dame seems to be emulating, albeit in a different sport.
When I first scanned the official Notre Dame football roster announcements, I noticed a mix of familiar faces and fresh talent. The coaching staff clearly focused on balancing experience with youthful energy, which I think is a smart move for a program with such high expectations. For instance, returning players like quarterback Sam Hartman and linebacker JD Bertrand bring that veteran stability, but it’s the new additions—like a couple of standout transfers—that have me excited. I remember thinking, "Wow, they really went all out in the transfer portal this time." It’s not just about filling spots; it’s about finding those hidden gems who can step up in crunch time. And let’s be honest, that’s where the surprise cuts come into play. Some fans were shocked when a few fan favorites didn’t make the final list—I heard rumors that at least three players with significant playing time last season were let go, which is a bold move by the coaching staff. Personally, I think it shows they’re not afraid to make tough calls to build a championship-caliber squad.
Digging deeper into the player updates, I can’t help but draw parallels to how TNT maximized their roster by scouting free agents. In football, just like in basketball, identifying undervalued talent can give a team that extra edge. For Notre Dame, this meant snagging a couple of under-the-radar recruits who’ve already impressed in preseason workouts. I spoke to a source close to the program who mentioned that one new wide receiver, for example, clocked a 4.38-second 40-yard dash—that’s elite speed that could stretch defenses in ways we haven’t seen in years. On the flip side, the surprise cuts included a veteran defensive back who, despite his experience, seemed to struggle with consistency. It’s a reminder that performance trumps seniority, and I, for one, appreciate that merit-based approach. After all, in today’s competitive landscape, you can’t afford to carry dead weight, no matter how popular a player might be.
As we move into the heart of the discussion, let’s talk about how these roster changes might impact Notre Dame’s season. From my perspective, the adjustments signal a shift toward a more dynamic, adaptable team. Think about it: by trimming the fat and injecting new blood, the Irish are positioning themselves to handle injuries and fatigue better than in previous years. I recall last season when depth issues cost them in a close game against Ohio State—they simply didn’t have the bench strength to sustain the pressure. This time around, with a refined Notre Dame football roster, I’m optimistic they’ll avoid those pitfalls. And it’s not just about the starters; the second-string players now include some exciting prospects who could step up if called upon. For instance, a redshirt freshman running back has been turning heads in practice, and insiders say he might see significant snaps early on. That kind of depth is what separates good teams from great ones, and I’d bet money that Notre Dame’s playoff chances have improved because of it.
Wrapping things up, the question of who made the Notre Dame football roster isn’t just about names on a list—it’s about strategy, vision, and sometimes, gut-wrenching decisions. Reflecting on the process, I’m reminded of how TNT’s success in free agency underscores the importance of proactive talent acquisition. Notre Dame seems to have taken a page from that playbook, blending returning stars with savvy pickups to create a balanced, formidable group. Sure, there were surprises along the way, like the release of a senior lineman who many thought was a lock, but that’s the nature of competitive sports. As a fan, I’m thrilled with the direction and can’t wait to see how it all unfolds on the field. Ultimately, this updated Notre Dame football roster feels like a step in the right direction, and if the coaches’ bets pay off, we could be in for an unforgettable season.
Heather Bolton Suber ’02
Leah Schnell ’01
Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93
Dr. Ralph Swearngin
Point University will induct four members into the Athletics Hall of Fame during a luncheon on Friday, October 24, during Homecoming weekend.
The class of 2025 includes Leah Schnell ’01, Heather Bolton Suber ’02, Dr. Ralph Swearngin and Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93. The Athletics Hall of Fame was launched in May 2024, when six inaugural members were inducted.
“We look forward to honoring the second Hall of Fame class during Homecoming,” said Jaunelle White, vice president of intercollegiate athletics and chief student development officer. “It’s always a great feeling to have our alumni back on campus mingling with our current student-athletes and coaches. These individuals were elite during their time at Atlanta Christian College and deserve to be recognized.”
Schnell attended Atlanta Christian College from 1998 to 2001, where she earned a degree in business while competing in both basketball and volleyball. On the basketball court, she earned First Team All-Conference, Scholar Athlete, and First Team All-American honors for three consecutive years. Schnell also held the title of all-time leading scorer from 1998-2001. She now thrives as a commercial construction project manager at Barnsley Construction Group and as an entrepreneur.
Suber, from Havana, Florida, attended ACC from 1998 to 2002. A dedicated two-sport athlete, she earned numerous accolades, including First Team All-Conference, Second Team All-Conference, Honorable Mention and First Team All-American. One of her most memorable achievements came when she made eleven three-pointers in a single game. Suber graduated with a degree in early childhood education and went on to earn a master’s degree in education and a specialist degree in instructional technology. For over 23 years, she has served as an educator.
Swearngin has had a distinguished career in education, athletics and ministry spanning several decades, including 20 years at ACC in roles such as professor, dean of students, athletics director and coach. He held national leadership positions with the NCCAA, served as a trustee of Point University for over 10 years, and worked extensively in ministry and education in California, earning degrees from Whittier College and Georgia State University. His athletic involvement includes 23 years as a high school football official in California and Georgia, 22 years with the Georgia High School Association — retiring as executive director in 2014 — and service on national football and softball rules committees. Honored with multiple Hall of Fame inductions and the Atlanta Falcons Lifetime Achievement Award, Swearngin has authored two books and remains active in retirement through preaching and leading Bible studies, alongside his wife of 58 years, Evelyn.
Wiggins grew up in Roswell, Georgia, where she began playing basketball at the age of ten. After two years at Florida State University, she transferred to ACC in 1990. While at ACC, Wiggins was named to the All-American team in both 1991 and 1992. In her final year, she led her team in scoring, helping them finish second in the nation, and was named national MVP in 1992. She earned a bachelor of science in elementary education in 1993 and later received a master’s degree in technology and media sciences from Georgia Southern University in 2009. For the past 33 years, Wiggins has worked as a dedicated educator. In 1997, she married Todd Wiggins. Together, they have two children, Preston, 26, and Logan, 22.
