In a major announcement that sent shockwaves through the world of college football and the NFL draft community, Notre Dame cornerback Benjamin Morrison declared his intentions to forgo his remaining eligibility and enter the 2025 NFL Draft. The decision comes on the heels of a stellar freshman campaign in 2022 followed by an injury-shortened 2024 season.
Morrison, a 6-foot, 190-pound defensive back from Phoenix, Arizona, burst onto the scene as a true freshman in 2022. He tied for third in the nation with six interceptions, earning Freshman All-American honors from multiple outlets. His six picks were the most by a Notre Dame player since Manti Te’o’s seven in 2012.
Rising Star Derailed by Injury
Expectations were sky-high for Morrison entering the 2023 season, and he delivered. Named a preseason All-American, he recorded three more interceptions and a team-leading 10 pass breakups. He was a semifinalist for the Thorpe Award, given to the nation’s top defensive back.
But just as Morrison’s star was reaching its apex, disaster struck. In an October 12th matchup against Stanford, he suffered a devastating hip injury that required season-ending surgery. The setback was a crushing blow for both Morrison and the Irish defense.
Declaring for the Draft
Despite the injury, Morrison’s NFL stock remains high. ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. ranks him as the No. 23 overall prospect and the third-best cornerback in the 2025 class. In his heartfelt announcement, Morrison reflected on his time in South Bend:
“This is not just the end of one chapter — it’s the beginning of another. I’ll carry the lessons, memories, and love from Notre Dame every step of the way.”
– Benjamin Morrison
Morrison leaves behind an impressive legacy at Notre Dame. He finishes his collegiate career with nine interceptions, 27 passes defended, and 84 total tackles. The son of former NFL safety Darryl Morrison, he possesses the elite athleticism and instincts that should translate well to the professional ranks.
What’s Next for Morrison?
As Morrison begins his preparations for the NFL draft process, all eyes will be on his recovery from hip surgery. If he can prove to scouts that he’s back to full health, he has the potential to be one of the first defensive backs off the board in April. His unique blend of size, speed, and ball skills makes him an enticing prospect for cornerback-needy teams.
While his Notre Dame chapter may be finished, Benjamin Morrison’s story is far from over. As one of the top young talents in the 2025 NFL draft class, he’ll have the opportunity to take his game to the next level and prove himself against the world’s best receivers. For Irish fans, it’s bittersweet to see him go, but they’ll undoubtedly be rooting for his success at the next level.
