Notre Dame football: 3 biggest offseason questions facing Brian Kelly’s Fighting Irish in 2021

2. Who becomes the next defensive star after Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah?

It has not just been incredible offensive line play and quality quarterbacking that has brought the Irish truly back to national prominence. For Notre Dame to be competing at a championship level, the Irish will need a defensive superstar to emerge. Last year, that guy was undoubtedly linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. He was outstanding and will be a first-round pick in 2021.

So as we look throughout the Notre Dame roster, three names come to mind when we think about who could be this year’s defensive superstar: Free safety Kyle Hamilton, nose tackle Kurt Hinish and linebacker Drew White. Hinish and White are entering their senior seasons with the program, while Hamilton will be a junior. If any of these three playmakers step up, it could fill the void.

The likeliest of the three to do this is Hamilton. He has made a name for himself already in two years with the program. He is the most talented of the trio and is almost certainly turning pro after his junior season. So for that reason, our money is on him. However, Hinisih could be menacing in the trenches, while White plays the right position to be the next Owusu-Koramoah.

Admittedly, Hinish is a dark horse to be the best defensive player on the 2021 Fighting Irish. However, a game is determined in the trenches and he plays the right position. White could take his game to an even higher level under new defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman coming over from the Cincinnati Bearcats. Ultimately, Hamilton has the best shot of being an All-American.