Ball-hawking safety and proven big-game playmaker
Xavier Watts entered 2025-26 as one of Notre Dame’s most decorated defenders, coming off unanimous All-America in 2023 and consensus first-team All-America in 2024, with 13 career interceptions for the Irish and a knack for flipping games with takeaways. His defining trait is true ball production—he led Notre Dame with 6 interceptions in 2024 and was responsible for 7 turnovers overall that season—while also showing reliable run support and open-field tackling. He fits a defense that values instinct, range, and high-leverage playmaking more than raw measurables.
