Bryce Young Radiates Confidence In Notre Dame's Defensive Line Potential

Junior defensive end Bryce Young id one of the many players on the 2026 roster that's poised for a breakout season. He's a key member of an extremely talented defensive line room and if this defense and this team is going to reach its full potential, the 6-6, 260-pound North Carolina native is going to have to continue elevating throughout fall camp. Many believe, myself included, that Young is the catalyst in the trenches. His breakout would put this unit over the top and that's exactly what he's been working towards this offseason. New defensive line coach Charlie Partridge has instilled a lot of confidence in this extremely talented room. Young has taken to his new defensive line coach in a very positive way and it's elevating his game overall but the expectations remain the same.  “It's the same standard," Young explained when asked what's different about playing under Partridge. "It's the same standard that we had last year. Now, we bring a new scheme to the table and a new strategy. Change can be good sometimes, and it's been really cool to see the way he teaches the game and the knowledge and wisdom he brings and how much I’ve learned from him.” Young isn't the only player that's blossoming under Partridge's leadership. There's been a tremendous amount of growth on the field and on the recruiting trail since the former Indianapolis Colts defensive line coach came to South Bend. The defensive line group has a different feel to it in 2026 and Young believes it's built from the foundation laid in past seasons.  “I would say it all starts with the same culture," Young answered when asked about what's different about this group of defensive linemen. "It's the same culture we had last year. It's just now we have new guys coming in and they share their experience from outside and are able to add to that culture as well. It's just been really cool to see how that all fits together. We're Notre Dame guys. We're taught to be smart."  Young's elevation this offseason is also in part to who he's been facing on a weekly basis on the opposite side of the ball. Offensive tackles Will Black and Guerby Lambert have been exceptional tests for the junior defensive end to battle on a weekly basis. The work and battles that have been occurring in the trenches has been phenomenal.  "It’s helped my game a lot, and credit to them," Young shared. "They have been very good in holding me accountable and making sure I'm using the technique I need to use because you go against those guys and you don’t use the right technique, then you're not getting your job done. They've definitely helped me a lot in making sure I'm being honest with myself.” The 6-6, 260-pound North Carolina native has All-American potential written all over him. He had a breakout last season coming in No. 2 overall on the team in total pressures. But now, it's time to turn that potential into production. This defensive end room overall is loaded with talent, but it's Young's breakout that will put this unit over the edge.  ------  Become a premium Irish Breakdown member, which grants you access to all of our premium content and our premium message board! Click on the link below for more. BECOME A MEMBER  Be sure to stay locked into Irish Breakdown all the time! Join the Irish Breakdown community! Subscribe to the Irish Breakdown YouTube channel Subscribe to the Irish Breakdown podcast on iTunes Follow me on Twitter: @TTrow5 Like and follow Irish Breakdown on Facebook