49ers Eye Notre Dame Ballhawk as Ideal Replacement for Talanoa Hufanga — Potential Game-Changer Brings Elite Instincts, Physicality, and Turnover Ability to San Francisco’s Secondary
San Francisco, CA — As the San Francisco 49ers prepare for the 2025 season, one of their biggest questions lies in the secondary — specifically at strong safety, where Talanoa Hufanga’s absence leaves a glaring void. But according to sources close to the organization, the Niners may have their sights set on a standout from South Bend who checks every box: Notre Dame’s ball-hawking safety, whose name is quickly rising up draft boards.
With Hufanga recovering from a torn ACL and questions surrounding his long-term durability, the 49ers are actively exploring potential replacements — and the Notre Dame star has emerged as a top contender.
“He’s instinctive, physical, and always around the football,” one NFC scout told NFL Network. “You want a guy who can step in and bring the same juice Hufanga brought? This kid is it.”
A Natural Fit in the 49ers’ Defense
The 49ers’ defensive scheme — known for its speed, aggression, and emphasis on playmaking — thrives on smart, reactive safeties who can cover ground, tackle in space, and make impact plays on the ball. The Notre Dame standout fits that mold perfectly. Known for his elite football IQ, sideline-to-sideline range, and nose for turnovers, he racked up multiple interceptions, forced fumbles, and double-digit pass deflections during the 2024 season.
His tape shows a player who plays fast and fearless — unafraid to shoot gaps in run support or take calculated risks in coverage. That’s the exact brand of energy Hufanga brought when he burst onto the scene for San Francisco in 2021.
“This guy doesn’t just play safety. He commands the secondary,” said a former Notre Dame defensive backs coach. “He’s vocal, he’s physical, and he studies the game like a pro.”
Hufanga’s Absence Creates an Opportunity
Talanoa Hufanga, a Pro Bowl selection in 2022, quickly became one of the most beloved and feared defenders in the NFL with his physical style and playmaking flair. But after suffering a season-ending knee injury in 2024, his future — while still promising — carries uncertainty.
While Hufanga is expected to make a return, the 49ers are wisely preparing for every possibility, including depth or a long-term replacement. Drafting or acquiring a high-upside player who can learn behind or rotate with Hufanga could be the key to keeping the 49ers’ Super Bowl-caliber defense in top form.
“We’re building for now and the future,” 49ers GM John Lynch told reporters earlier this offseason. “We love Talanoa, but we’re always looking to add elite talent — especially on defense.”
The Notre Dame Pipeline Continues
San Francisco has a history of tapping into Notre Dame talent, including past connections through coaching and scouting circles. The culture of discipline, toughness, and high football character at Notre Dame mirrors what Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch expect in Santa Clara.
With the NFL Combine approaching, buzz continues to build around the Fighting Irish safety. He’s projected to run a sub-4.5 40-yard dash and test well across the board. If his stock continues to rise, the 49ers may have to act fast to secure him — whether via a trade-up in the draft or an aggressive mid-round pick.
The Bottom Line
The loss of Hufanga was a major blow — but in crisis comes opportunity. And for the 49ers, the emergence of this Notre Dame ballhawk may be the perfect answer. If drafted, he could learn behind a star, eventually take the reins, and potentially become a cornerstone of the 49ers’ defense for years to come.
One thing’s certain: San Francisco isn’t just hoping for a rebound — t
hey’re preparing for dominance.
