Notre Dame safety Tae Johnson has quickly become one of the season’s early surprises, but his journey to South Bend was shaped by more than just head coach Marcus Freeman’s trust in the process.
A Fort Wayne native and former four-star receiver, Johnson’s path to the Irish defense carried equal parts patience, adversity and mentorship. At the center of that guidance was former Notre Dame All-American Jaylon Smith, who had been training with Johnson for years in their hometown.
Now a redshirt freshman starter, Johnson has embraced Freeman’s belief that “every player is on his own journey.” His rise from injured cornerback to one of the Irish’s most promising defensive backs reflects that idea.
The push and lessons from veteran teammates and All-American Xavier Watts prepared him to seize a starting role after just two games this fall.
From Fort Wayne to Notre Dame: Johnson’s rise and Smith’s impact
Johnson’s story began with Freeman’s mantra of trusting the process.
“I’ve just been grateful for the process,” Johnson said. “From not starting to being a rotational player to being able to earn a starting job after the second game, it’s just taught me a lot in the process.”
He flashed playmaking ability during spring practices and built on that momentum in fall camp with two highlight interceptions.
Tae Johnson’s instincts and speed are pretty exceptional.
— Jack Soble (@jacksoble56) October 1, 2025
Watch how quickly he triggers and gets to his spot to deliver this hit. The play didn’t count because Bowen got held, but Johnson has flashed a lot in the past three games. pic.twitter.com/W8EHt51oQU
After overcoming early mistakes, his breakout came against Arkansas, where he delivered his strongest performance to date.
Johnson credited the game slowing down for him and simplified coverages that allowed him to “cover and attack the ball.”
The 6-foot-2, 192-pounder dealt with a broken foot last season but studied behind Xavier Watts, who taught him film preparation.
“The biggest thing X taught me is how to really just watch film and hone in on that,” Johnson explained.
The connection to Smith carried special weight.
“He’s had a huge impact,” Johnson said. “That's why I wear No. 9 because of him. Also, just a big reason why I came here.” Both hail from Fort Wayne’s south side, and Johnson sees their parallel journeys as proof that Notre Dame can change lives. “I feel like that impact was going to help me change the trajectory of my family.”
"He's had a huge impact. That's why I wear the No. 9 and a big reason why I came here....I feel that impact is going to help me change the trajectory of my family." - Notre Dame S Tae Johnson on his relationship with Irish legend Jaylon Smith pic.twitter.com/rW0rsbk4Iw
— Matt Freeman (@mattfreeman05_) September 30, 2025
Johnson’s path is still unfolding, but with Freeman’s trust and Smith’s guidance, his journey at Notre Dame is only just beginning.