Notre Dame's Brauntae Johnson Suffers Foot Injury, Out Multiple Weeks

Notre Dame safety Brauntae Johnson suffered a left foot injury in Sunday's 41-13 victory over Wisconsin in Lambeau Field, forcing him to stand on the sideline in a walking boot for the second half. He will be out for at least Notre Dame's game against Rice, but the injury is severe enough for him to miss multiple games. "Tae and Jason (Onye) will be out a couple of weeks," coach Marcus Freeman said. "We expect them to be back at some point in the season." The 6-foot-2, 200-pound defensive back is considered one of the most talented safeties in the country after becoming a freshman All-American last season. In 2025, he recorded 48 tackles (0.5 for a loss), three pass deflections and four interceptions in 10 games. He missed fewer than 4% of his tackles. Senior Luke Talich replaced Johnson in the Wisconsin victory. The 6-foot-4 senior could've transferred in the offseason with the opportunity to start at most Power Four programs. Now, he'll get the chance to garner a significant role in the Fighting Irish secondary.Here's Notre Dame's depth chart ahead of Rice. Luke Talich will start for Brauntae Johnson (left foot injury) and Tionne Gray will replace Jason Onye (left ankle injury). pic.twitter.com/UOzPzk8Dv6Last season, Talich recorded 25 tackles (1.0 for a loss), three pass deflections and three interceptions. "We view Luke Talich as a starter..." Freeman said. "Now his role has just increased."