Three things I like about Notre Dame LB Jaylen Sneed

[ASFN Admin]

You must be registered for see images

Oct 4, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Jaylen Sneed (3) celebrates against the Boise State Broncos at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images | Michael Caterina-Imagn Images

We live in a college football world of lists, rankings, and countdowns. Many players on Notre Dame’s roster have been talked about and written about over the last few months — so let’s fall in line.

This will be my official Top 20 Notre Dame Football Players ranking. I will unveil each player, and list the three things I like about them. It seems simple enough, but I have no doubt that some of these ratings will be highly criticized, but you can always share your thoughts in the comments below.

#19 Jaylen Sneed LB​

ATHLETE

There’s just something about Sneed that screams ATHLETE. I don’t know — maybe it’s his athleticism (pauses for applause and laughter). Seriously though, Jaylen Sneed has the burst, speed, and explosive power that you look for in an outside linebacker. He is as valuable in the run game as he is in the passing game, and can come off the edge on a blitz as smoothly as anyone.

Jaylen Sneed (#3) is a versatile linebacker for Notre Dame. His best attribute is getting after the quarterback. He has been mostly a rotational player, but a pretty good one entering 2026. That will likely continue this year with all the returning talent Notre Dame has in that… pic.twitter.com/EWIYbtkUIZ

— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) May 3, 2026

HE IS STILL HERE

I don’t think when Jaylen Sneed came to Notre Dame as a freshman he thought he would be in South Bend for 5 years. But… that’s exactly what’s going on here. He could have took his chances in the NFL Draft, and he could have hit the transfer portal for a bigger payday — but he CHOSE to give it one last go at Notre Dame and play for a national championship.

THE BEST IS YET TO COME

I firmly believe Jaylen Sneed was about to have a massive year last year, but the schematic change with the defense in Chris Ash’s first year caused some stumbling blocks — mostly because the rotational snaps lessened due to a more nickel base. HOWEVER… within that same system and still sharing the load with other linebackers, I think this is a season Sneed truly shines as a complete defender. It’s a bet, but a judge in Texas just said that’s fine.

TOP 20 COUNTDOWN​

#20 DT Francis Brewu

Continue reading...