The Fighting Irish had almost lost their on-field general on the defense, Drayk Bowen, to the NFL Draft this year. Just as the 2025 season concluded on a disappointing note, the Mike linebacker announced that he’d return for the 2026 season. However, as he prepares for the final year in Notre Dame colors, Bowen will spend the spring recovering.

According to Notre Dame insider Tyler Horka, Drayk Bowen underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum in his hip. He is expected to miss most of the spring. Fortunately for the program, this is not expected to affect his return for the 2026 season, as he will be good to go by the time the Irish take the field.

His decision to return was a huge win for the Irish, as he’s been a dominant force over the past two seasons. Bowen has been a constant backfield threat, racking up 145 tackles and 8.5 tackles for loss in 28 starts while consistently disrupting opposing quarterbacks. Last year, he led the team with 67 tackles and added 28 stops, always stepping up in clutch moments.

With Bowen sidelined, the door is wide open for others to seize a larger role. While veterans like Jaylen Sneed and Jaiden Ausberry provide a steady presence, the real battle for reps will be among the younger talent.

Sophomore Madden Faraimo, who finished last season strong, looks poised to be the biggest beneficiary. He saw 93 snaps in the final four games and 16 tackles, two sacks, and a TFL to his name. Depth will come from veterans like Kahanu Kia and Teddy Rezac, while younger talent like Ko’o Kia and early enrollees Thomas Davis Jr. and Kobe Clapper will get their first taste of South Bend life.

As the Irish prepare for spring, new linebackers coach Al Washington will be leading the room, while fans continue to rally around the team’s injured stars.

Irish fans send prayers after star LB’s surgery

Fans have been flooding social media with support after the news about Bowen’s injury and surgery. “Praying DB has a speedy & full recovery. Go Irish☘️,” one fan wrote, conveying the sentiments of many hoping their star comes back stronger. Others sent their heartfelt wishes, “Hoping for a successful surgery and quick recovery,” while another added, “he played through multiple games with this? Tough doesn’t begin to describe him!”

There’s also been frustration aimed at critics of the team’s cautious approach. Some opposing fanbases had shamed Drayk and the other captains for opting out of the Pop-Tarts Bowl, only for it to come out that he needed surgery and couldn’t play anyway. As one fan put it, “Absolutely no reason to further risk your best players in bowl games that only serve as an advertisement for corporate sponsors and ESPN.”

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Beyond the prayers, fans are also applauding the leadership and communication it takes to excel on the field. One fan wrote, “Except he is the QB of the defense. Cannot stress enough the importance of great communication.” The sentiment from the fanbase is clear: a mix of hope for a speedy recovery and respect for a player smart enough to prioritize his long-term health.’