PFF College names Notre Dame safety as top performer during week 5...

Story by Kevin L. Smith, Fighting Irish Wire

US LBM Coaches Poll No. 3 Notre Dame is fully expecting senior safety Luke Talich to capitalize on his stellar sophomore and junior campaigns.

Talich has had a strong start to the 2026 season, but an injured left wrist set him back a bit. However, he only missed the Sept. 26 road game against Purdue, and quickly came back for last Saturday’s matchup versus North Carolina.

The senior went on record three tackles, an interception and a pass deflection in the Fighting Irish’s 37-26 win over UNC. Talich’s performance led to PFF College giving him a 89.8, the highest-graded safety after Week 5. Through four games, the senior has 14 tackles, a sack, a forced fumble, a pass breakup, two picks and three pass deflections.

“I thought it’d be a two-week recovery (after surgery), but (Talich) said ‘No, I’ll be back in one week,’” Freeman said. “It shows you how tough he is.”

Freeman praised Talich’s showing against the Tar Heels.

“He played well, he practiced well,” Freeman added. “To have him back there after having surgery a week ago is a reflection of him and his toughness.”