Notre Dame football to be without two defensive starters vs. Rice

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WNDU) - Notre Dame will be without two defensive starters for Saturday's home opener against Rice after both suffered injuries during Sunday's 41-13 victory over Wisconsin. Preseason AP All-America second-team safety Brauntae Johnson and defensive lineman Jason Onye have been ruled out with lower leg injuries, according to the team's most recent availability update. Johnson suffered a left foot injury and Onye suffered a left ankle injury. Both were seen on the sideline in the second half of Sunday's game wearing protective boots after being ruled out in the third quarter. Marcus Freeman said during a news conference Tuesday that Johnson and Onye will both be out 'a couple of weeks.' Last year, Johnson had four interceptions and 48 tackles. Onye recorded 26 tackles, including 1.5 sacks. Preseason AP All-America second-team linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa is listed as questionable again after missing Sunday's season-opening win as he continues to recover from a knee injury that ended his 2025 season early. Notre Dame's home opener against Rice on Saturday, Sept. 12, is scheduled to kick off at 3:30 p.m. on WNDU. Stay up to date on local news with WNDU on-air and online. Be sure to download the 16 News Now App and follow our YouTube page as we continue to bring you the latest news coverage.