Top 3 Notre Dame defensive players to watch out for in 2025 Orange Bowl ft. Jack Kiser

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish's defensive unit has been among the nation's most formidable this season. The Penn State Nittany Lions on Thursday will face a defense that has allowed an average of 12.5 points per game during the 2024 regular season and College Football Playoff.

The most any team has scored against Notre Dame this season was the USC Trojans, who registered 35 points in a losing cause. Restricting a team like the Georgia Bulldogs to a mere 10 points in the Sugar Bowl speaks volumes about the Irish's defense. Their defense is a key reason why oddsmakers have them as slight -2 favorites for this CFP semifinal matchup.

Let's take a look at three key defensive personnel whose contributions will be valuable in the 2025 Orange Bowl.

Orange Bowl: 3 Notre Dame defensive players to watch out for

#1. Jack Kiser, Linebacker

Jack Kiser has been a standout player for Notre Dame throughout the 2024 season, leading the team with 75 total tackles (47 solo), including two sacks and two forced fumbles.

Whether it's making tackles for loss or disrupting opposing quarterbacks, he is a player to watch in the Orange Bowl. He can stop the run and cover passing lanes.

#2. Xavier Watts, Safety

With 67 tackles (42 solo, 25 assists), six interceptions and eight passes defended during the 2024 season, Watts has been a difference-maker. He has done well to read the opposite quarterback and anticipate passes which allows him to create turnovers, and his 136 return yards on interceptions — along with a touchdown — gives an idea that he can run away if given an open field.

#3. Drayk Bowen, Linebacker

In the 2024 season thus far, Drayk Bowen recorded 62 total tackles (30 solo, 32 assists) and one sack. He can impact both the middle of the field and on the edges. He also has forced fumbles twice, which could come in handy, if he gets one in the upcoming Orange Bowl.

While the following names couldn't make the list, cornerback Leonard Moore, linebacker Jaiden Ausberry and safety Rod Heard II are all well-capable on the defensive front. Overall, the Nittany Lions will have a hard time taking the ball to the end zone.