Jason Onye update: Notre Dame DT (personal) to return for spring practice
Nestled in a jam-packed press conference Thursday afternoon was a significant piece of information regarding Notre Dame defensive tackle Jason Onye, who missed the second half of the 2024 season for personal reasons.
Onye is part of a group of players, according to head athletic trainer Rob Hunt, who missed all or a large part of 2024 for various reasons but will be fully available for spring practice. The list also includes running back Gi’Bran Payne, offensive lineman Styles Prescod, safety Taebron Bennie-Powell, walk-on defensive lineman Quentin Autry and quarterback CJ Carr.
“They’ve had an unrestricted winter program and really have no limitations for themselves as we’re moving into the spring,” Hunt said. “So, really great recoveries for each of them, and [they] should be full participants in all that we’re doing as we’re moving into the spring.”
Onye is listed on Notre Dame’s spring roster, but until Thursday, the Irish had not said whether he would be fully back with the team. According to a Blue & Gold source in early February, Onye still had hurdles to clear before he reached that point.
The official word from Notre Dame, now in early March, is that he cleared them.
Onye played the first five games of Notre Dame’s season, his fourth with the team. But on Oct. 12, he was ruled out for personal reasons shortly before the Irish defeated Stanford 49-7. He would not return for the remainder of the year, which he finished with 7 total tackles and 1.5 sacks.
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Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman last provided an update on Onye’s status Nov. 4.
“He’s taking some personal time right now to get some things that he needs,” Freeman said. “If there’s a chance for him to return, we’d love to have him back. But right now, we just gotta support Jason and get him the help he needs.”
Now back with the team, Onye will join a defensive tackle room that needs all the help it can get after losing Howard Cross III and Rylie Mills to graduation. He will be one of three fifth or sixth-year players competing for jobs at the position, alongside fellow returner Gabriel Rubio and Louisville transfer Jared Dawson.
Senior Donovan Hinish will be a factor as well, having started games in place of Cross (ankle) at the end of the 2024 regular season. Several underclassmen will also compete for roles, including junior Armel Mukam, sophomore Sean Sevillano Jr. and junior USC transfer Elijah Hughes.
Onye will play his final year of eligibility with the Irish in 2025.
