Notre Dame got more good news on Tuesday when the NCAA approved a sixth year of eligibility for Jason Onye, further solidifying an interior defensive line that looked thin not long ago. Onye’s return, paired with the transfer additions of Francis Brewu and Tionne Gray, continues to reshape what was once the biggest question mark on the roster entering 2026.
On its own, Onye’s approval might not have moved the needle much. On top of all of Notre Dame’s other January moves, it matters a lot. After emerging as a steadier presence in the second half of the 2025 season following Gabriel Rubio’s injury, Onye gives Notre Dame a known, experienced option inside.