BREAKING: Xavier Watts Re-signs with Notre Dame, Will Finish His Career with the Fighting Irish
In a surprising turn of events, Xavier Watts, one of the rising stars in college football, has officially re-signed with Notre Dame, confirming he will finish his collegiate career with the Fighting Irish. The highly anticipated announcement, made earlier today by both Watts and the Notre Dame athletic department, comes after speculation about his future and potential NFL prospects.
Watts, a standout defensive back for Notre Dame, had been rumored to be considering a jump to the professional ranks after an impressive 2024 season. Known for his exceptional coverage skills, playmaking ability, and leadership on and off the field, Watts had generated significant interest from NFL scouts. However, the 2024 All-American decided that his journey with the Fighting Irish was not yet complete, ultimately opting to return for his final season in South Bend.
The decision to re-sign with Notre Dame has sent waves of excitement through the program, with head coach Marcus Freeman expressing his enthusiasm about Watts’ return. “Xavier has been a cornerstone of our defense, and his leadership both on and off the field has been invaluable,” Freeman said in a statement. “We are thrilled to have him back for another season, and we know he’ll continue to set the standard for excellence for our defense and the entire team.”
Watts’ decision to return was largely influenced by his commitment to finishing what he started at Notre Dame. The defensive back, who has been with the program since 2021, has made an indelible mark on the Fighting Irish defense. Over the past few seasons, Watts has been a key contributor, recording multiple interceptions, pass deflections, and significant tackles in crucial moments. His performance in big games, especially in high-pressure situations, has solidified his reputation as one of the top defensive players in the country.
In his statement, Watts expressed his gratitude for the support from the Notre Dame community and his excitement for the 2025 season. “This program has given me so much, and I’m proud to wear the blue and gold one last time. I’m not done here. There’s still work to be done, and we’re going to fight for a championship,” Watts said.
The Fighting Irish, coming off a strong season in 2024, are poised for another deep run in 2025 with the return of Watts. His decision to stay provides a significant boost to Notre Dame’s already formidable defense and adds a level of stability to a team hungry for a national championship. The Fighting Irish faithful are eager to see how Watts will lead them in his final season as they aim to reclaim a spot among college football’s elite programs.
With Watts back in the fold, Notre Dame’s 2025 season just became even more exciting, and fans are hopeful that the defensive standout can help guide the team to its first national title since 1988.
