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Xavier Watts confirms NFL Draft decision with heartfelt farewell to Notre Dame
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Xavier Watts delivered one of the most impressive careers for a defender in Notre Dame history. Now, Watts has confirmed he’s jumping to the 2025 NFL Draft after spending 5 seasons with the Fighting Irish.
Originally a 4-star wide receiver in the 2020 recruiting class, Watts quickly became a contributor at linebacker in 2021 before finding his permanent spot at safety in 2022. He would go on to anchor Al Golden’s defense, even capturing the Bronko Nagurski Trophy in 2023 as the top defender in college football.
Thank you Coach Freeman, Coach Golden, Coach Micken, Coach O’Leary and the rest of our football staff. You made me a better player and — more importantly — a better man. I am forever grateful for the lessons you taught me and the time you invested in me…
I hope that my time in the Irish uniform has helped continue the tradition of those that came before me. Thank you to the fans for embracing me into the Notre Dame Family, and I promise to keep striving to make you all proud. I am excited for what GOd has planned as I get ready for the 2025 NF Draft.
As a safety, Watts was a 2-time All-American in 2023 and 2024, recording 13 interceptions across those 2 seasons. He led the entire country with 7 interceptions during the 2023 season.
Watts was Notre Dame’s 2nd-leading tackler with 82 stops this past season, including 4 TFL, 6 interceptions, a pick-6 and 10 pass breakups. He leaves South Bend tied for 3rd on Notre Dame’s all-time list for career interceptions.
Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.
