The Notre Dame Fighting Irish pass rush looks to build on last season’s strong performance, where they ranked 14th in sacks. However, it will be a little more challenging after losing two of their three leading sackers from last year to the next level. The Seattle Seahawks drafted Rylie Mills in the fifth round, while the Cincinnati Bengals signed Howard Cross III as an undrafted free agent.
The Fighting Irish hoped their super senior would break out in his final college season.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish’s super senior was recovering from an injury
Jordan Botelho‘s 2024 campaign was prematurely cut short due to a significant injury. He suffered a season-ending patellar tendon rupture in his right knee in Week 3 against the Purdue Boilermakers, typically a six-to-twelve-month recovery time. The good news for Botelho was that he was progressing well in rehab and was set to return for fall practices.
Also Read: “Feeling Great”: Notre Dame Fighting Irish Super Senior Gives Major Injury Update
Unfortunately, he suffered another significant injury, jeopardizing the start of his 2025 season.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish’s starter sustained a significant injury
According to Matt Freeman of Irish Sports Daily, Jordan Botelho suffered a pectoral injury while training at home that required surgery last week. Freeman notes that he will miss the next four months and could be sidelined until mid-October.
Notre Dame defensive end Jordan Botelho is expected to be out for the next four months following a pectoral injury. https://t.co/WBzwNclkwC
— Matt Freeman (@mattfreeman05_) June 13, 2025
Fans react to the news
Oh man this kid can’t catch a break. Here is to hoping a speedy recovery.
— Chris S (@ShermSticky_CS) June 13, 2025
Poor kid. Hate to see that coming off his previous injury. Hopefully gets healthy and helps them second half of the season.
— Kevin Fitzgerald (@DocFitz47) June 13, 2025
Stay positive Jordan!
— Chris Girodat (@Chr20902Chris) June 13, 2025
Kid can’t catch a break
— Babaganoush (@PLACT_ITFDB) June 13, 2025
Gotta be kidding me…
— Alexander Ozoiek (@alexozoiek1739) June 13, 2025
At least it’s not leg. He should be able to stay in shape and continue to rehab knee more.
— Jim (@Jim54302653576t) June 13, 2025
He just posted a video like maybe a month ago showing off his health and moves now injured again…..what a disappointment.
— PeanutButterAngeliRazzleDazzle (@YTLG4EVER) June 13, 2025
👎
— Irish Redleg (@OakIrish) June 13, 2025
Man his journey has been a story to be written. Hopefully it finishes with a happy ending. 🙏🏻🇺🇸☘️
— Mongoose (@thepaintrain88) June 13, 2025
Next man up
— Stout Irish (@iamstoutirish) June 13, 2025
