Notre Dame will start the season ranked inside the top 10. and one of the biggest reasons is because of an elite defense that returns many of its playmakers. Two of those playmakers were named to the Maxwell Award watch list.
From the ND press release:
SOUTH BEND, IN – Graduate defensive lineman Howard Cross III, senior quarterback Riley Leonard and graduate safety Xavier Watts have all been named to the 2024 Walter Camp Player of the Year Watch List. Both Cross III and Watts have previously earned selection to the 2024 Walter Camp Preseason All-America First Team.