Notre Dame lost one of its most versatile defenders for the season to a lower-body injury on Wednesday. Multiple reports indicate junior linebacker Marist Liufau‘s season is over before it started. Irish Sports Daily‘s Matt Freeman first reported Liufau’s injury.
Liufau spent August placing a firm hold on the starting Will linebacker job, positioning himself as a three-down player who was effective both in coverage and when rushing the passer. After splitting time with Shayne Simon in 2020, Liufau had become the unquestioned starter, in part because of his mental focus.