Notre Dame continued spring practice Wednesday with a clear focus on growth, leadership and development as players and coaches look to build off last season’s College Football Playoff run.
Wide Receivers Coach Mike Brown and Linebackers Coach Max Bullough each highlighted emerging standouts and position battles that will shape the 2025 campaign.
“Just getting better every single day,” Brown said. “Learning the offense—not just what we’re doing, but why we’re doing it. Year one was about installation, now it’s about mastery.”
Brown’s wide receiver room features a mix of veterans and rising stars. Junior Jaden Greathouse, who emerged as a reliable target late in 2024, has embraced a leadership role.
“Even some of the freshmen call me ‘old,’” Greathouse joked. “But it’s a blessing to be in a position where I can lead and help the younger guys grow.”
True freshman Cam Williams continues to impress. Brown noted the boundary receiver is “a completely different player” compared to last spring and has benefited from daily matchups with sophomore cornerback Leonard Moore.
“He’s gaining confidence and sharpening his technique,” Brown said. “Those reps’ matter.”
Freshman Logan Saldate also drew praise for his development, having transitioned from the scout team last fall to full rotation this spring. “He’s a sponge,” Brown said. “Just soaking up everything from the older guys.”
Meanwhile, on the defensive side, Bullough sees a more confident and physical linebacker group led by junior Drayk Bowen and Jaylen Sneed. Bowen has stepped into a vocal leadership role after sharing snaps last season.
“This time last year, he hadn’t played a down of college football,” Bullough said. “Now, he’s the head of the defense—the commander.”
Sneed, now up to 238 pounds, said the offseason gains have made him more explosive. “I feel like it’s going to be a whole different Jaylen this year,” he said.
Freshman Madden Faraimo is also progressing well after enrolling during the playoffs. “It’s all starting to slow down for him,” Bullough said. “He’s got great guys in front of him to learn from.”
Despite multiple quarterback candidates rotating in with the first team, wideouts like Greathouse and Saldate said chemistry hasn’t been an issue.
“Half the time, I don’t even notice who’s back there,” Greathouse said. “I just want to be wide open when he hits the back of his drop.”
Notre Dame is expected to hold its annual Blue-Gold Game later this month, giving fans a first look at the progress made during what’s shaping up to be a competitive and confident spring in South Bend.
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