Notre Dame graduate safety and team captain Xavier Watts has been named a First Team All-American by the Associated Press, marking his third career first-team All-American honor. Watts is one of only two repeat AP First Team selections this season, alongside Heisman winner Travis Hunter, and continues Notre Dame's streak of two-time honorees following Joe Alt (2022-23).
In 2024, Watts also earned First Team honors from AFCA, Walter Camp, The Athletic, USA TODAY, Sports Illustrated, and Pro Football Focus. He led Notre Dame with 12 career interceptions—the most by an Irish player since 1996—and ranks third nationally this season with five interceptions.
Watts played a key role in Notre Dame's nationally ranked defense, which leads the FBS in turnovers gained (28) and team passing efficiency defense, while ranking top 10 in multiple categories including scoring defense (13.6 ppg) and total defense.