Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa returns to full-contact work as Notre Dame leans on depth at linebacker

NOTRE DAME, Ind. -- Notre Dame wrapped up its second week of fall camp Sunday, offering another glimpse at a Fighting Irish team beginning to take shape ahead of September.

Quarterback Blake Hebert returned to practice after missing the past week because of personal matters, rejoining the competition behind starter CJ Carr. Wide receiver Quincy Porter remained limited, and receivers coach Mike Brown declined to provide a timetable for his full return, saying he would leave that update to head coach Marcus Freeman.

But one of the biggest storylines emerging from camp may be on the other side of the ball. Notre Dame’s linebacker room is loaded. Under first-year linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary, the Irish have the ability to legitimately go five deep with Drayk Bowen, Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, Jaiden Ausberry, Jaylen Sneed and Madden Faraimo. That gives defensive coordinator Chris Ash an enviable collection of options and the flexibility to keep fresh bodies on the field throughout the season.

Jean-Mary, who joined Notre Dame after coaching at Michigan, said the group is attacking the small details during camp.

“Be better at tackling, be better with our eyes, I think that’s always the big thing,” Jean-Mary said. “And then pass coverage-wise, what we can do to help, whether we are the fourth or fifth rusher or in zone coverage.”

The center of this unit can be based on the return of Viliamu-Asa. The 6-foot-3, 230-pound linebacker was back participating in full-contact work Sunday without a knee brace, less than nine months after suffering an ACL injury.

Viliamu-Asa said watching from the sideline allowed him to study more than his own position. He paid attention to how the defensive line and secondary operated, giving him a broader understanding of how the entire defense fits together. Now, he has the opportunity to put those lessons into action.

“Just want to show people that you can overcome anything standing in your way, no matter how many times it comes at you,” Viliamu-Asa said. “And as for defense, just want to fly around and play violent.”

For Viliamu-Asa, 2026 represents more than a return from injury. It is an opportunity to re-establish himself as one of the most impactful players on Notre Dame’s defense after spending much of last season watching instead of playing.

Notre Dame will continue fall camp this week, with Freeman scheduled to speak with reporters Friday.