Notre Dame Safety Tae Johnson Has Star Power Potential In 2026

Notre Dame is starting to string together some really impressive safety performances since 2020. Current NFL star safety Kyle Hamilton was a force on Notre Dame's defense in 2020 and 2021 and was the last Fighting Irish defensive back drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft. The 6-4, 220-pound safety finished his collegiate career with 138 total tackles, 17 passes defended, eight interceptions and one pick six.

Hamilton was followed up by Xavier Watts who is arguably the best safety that's come through South Bend in program history. The 6-0, 203-pound safety finished his collegiate career with 189 total tackles, 16 passes defended, two forced fumbles and 13 interceptions. He won the Bronko Nagurski Award for his performance in 2023, was named a Unanimous All-American in 2023 and was one vote away from being names a Unanimous All-American in 2024.

Currently, the Irish have standout, and captain, safety Adon Shuler who returns for his third season in the starting lineup. He, and middle linebacker Drayk Bowen , will be the heart and soul of this Notre Dame defense in 2026, but there's a redshirt sophomore who is on the verge of breaking out as a national star. Fort Wayne, Indiana native Brauntae Johnson is on the verge of becoming a star, and he didn't waste any time in 2025 making a name for himself.

After only playing a head-scratching nine snaps against Miami in the season opener, Johnson broke out against the Aggies finishing with six solo tackles, one pass defended and a blocked punt return for a touchdown. He was inserted into the starting lineup against the Purdue Boilermakers and started every game until he missed the final two due to a hand injury. The 6-2, 200-pound safety finished the season with 48 tackles, three passes defended, four interceptions, one pick six and didn't allow a single touchdown this season.