Notre Dame's Top Defensive Legends

Notre Dame Fighting Irish Football Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jun 28, 2026 · 1m

Notre Dame’s defensive legends dominate this countdown—Manti Te’o’s 2012 season reigns supreme with 100+ tackles, 5.5 sacks, and 7 interceptions, earning him Heisman finalist honors and nearly every major award. Xavier Watts (2024) follows with 83 tackles and 13 picks, anchoring bowl wins. Justin Tuck (2003) and Shane Walton (2002) also shine with elite stats and accolades. Tied at 5: JOK (2020) with 11 TFLs and ACC Defensive Player of the Year, and Jaylon Smith (2015) with 114 tackles and 9 TFLs—both Butkus Award winners and All-Americans. These elite defenders define Notre Dame’s storied…