Having confidence in your teammates is what a strong culture is all about. Senior defensive lineman Junior Tuihalamaka has seen several captains, leaders and talented players come and go during his Irish career. Now, as a leader himself, he will take the field as a senior and four-year player on Saturday against Syracuse for the last home game of the regular season.
Tuihalamaka was recruited by the Irish in the class of 2022 as a consensus four-star recruit and top-200 player. In his freshman season, the California native played in 13 contests, earning his first career start against Navy. By late November of that season, he worked for his season-high in tackles — three against Boston College en route to a vital win. Most of his time on the field came on special teams. He said that was where he learned his biggest lesson.
“Take advantage of special teams,” Tuihalamaka said. “As a freshman, not a lot of people appreciate special teams ... I realized that, as a freshman, I should have taken advantage of those special team reps. You can see that in the NFL, they still get paid for being able to play special teams.”
As a sophomore in 2023, Tuihalamaka worked hard to increase his contribution. In a big effort against North Carolina State, he recorded four total tackles, two of them solo. He took the field in every game, finishing the season with 10 total tackles and seven solo. He started to see his role develop beyond special teams throughout the season, setting up more success down the road.
The dedication and leadership of his defensive captains in year three, Jack Kiser and Rylie Mills, along with the team’s camaraderie, helped Tuihalamaka step into an even larger role in 2024. Against Miami (OH), he recorded a pair of tackles, one solo and one assisted, to go with his first career interception. With injuries to defensive linemen Jordan Botelho and Boubacar Traore, Tuihalamaka saw his responsibilities increase as the season went on. He registered his first career solo sack against Florida State as one of three tackles in the contest.
His breakout game came in the second round of the College Football Playoff against Georgia, though. Tuihalamaka posted five tackles, including three solo tackles and a sack for an eight-yard loss. His biggest moment came diving for a fumble recovery that set up a critical touchdown in the second quarter to take a lead on the reigning SEC champs.
This season, he has once again seen his role change on the defensive line. His first sack came early two weeks ago against Navy in the second quarter. He is coming off a game with a solo tackle and a quarterback hurry against Pittsburgh. However, true impact on the football field goes deeper than numbers on a box score, which is evident in Tuihalamaka’s contributions. Forcing a run into the teeth of the defense, pressuring a quarterback to make a premature throw and getting hands up to change a quarterback’s throwing angle are just a few ways Tuihalamaka has helped the Irish defense this season.
“Knocking back the o-line” was a skill Tuihalamaka wished more people recognized. He explained that while “some people don’t see it when the quarterback’s throwing it out of their hand,” getting in the quarterback’s face is important, “even if you don’t get sacks.”
Tuihalamaka understands the responsibility of cultivating a next-man-up, relentless Irish culture. This culture comes from players committing to completing college degrees, pursuing master’s programs and leaving the University with something to show for it. Asked about his experience at Notre Dame, Tuihalamaka had this to say.
“I would say it over-exceeded my expectations. I’ve been able to play at a high level of college football with my teammates, been able to make plays on the field, make dreams come true and graduate in three years with my undergrad. Now I’m in a master’s program at Notre Dame. It’s everything I could wish for,” he said.
Tuihalamaka has been a critical part of the Irish defensive line on a unit that has bounced back from its disappointing start. The Notre Dame defense is now top-15 in the country against the run, top-10 in turnover margin and top-15 in points allowed per game.
“We’re built through adversity,” Tuihalamaka said. “We always bounce back, lean on practice habits and execute on a high level.”
Defensive coordinator Chris Ash’s group fought the adversity and helped the Irish bounce back into a No. 9 ranking after a 0-2 start that seemed it may have tanked any chances of making the College Football Playoff. With his team back firmly in the hunt with ranked wins over USC in a rivalry contest and Pittsburgh in front of a College GameDay audience, Tuihalamaka has another opportunity to be a critical player in a postseason run.
Tuihalamaka believes it takes a full community of players brought in to make a difference. Playing a critical role at edge rusher, the veteran will suit up on Senior Day for what may be his final start in Notre Dame Stadium.
“I’m trying to take each step as it goes,” Tuihalamaka said. “Hopefully time slows down a little bit ... I’m going to cherish every moment.”
Notre Dame faces Syracuse in its final home game of the season at 3:30 p.m., barring an unlikely chance at hosting the first round of the Playoff. The Orange, who have battled injuries throughout the season at nearly every position, are one of two remaining teams left for the Irish to overcome in their path back to the postseason. All 6-foot-2 of Tuihalamaka will be standing in the way of the Orange offense to keep his senior dream alive.
