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Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa prepares for Notre Dame return against Rice

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 10, 2026, 5:01 PM

Last updated Sep 10, 2026

Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa prepares for Notre Dame return against Rice

Summary

Notre Dame linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa is set to return to the field for the team's home opener against Rice this Saturday. The junior has been sidelined for 42 weeks following his second left ACL tear, which occurred during a game against Syracuse last November. Coach Marcus Freeman stated that Viliamu-Asa has practiced well throughout the week and is expected to contribute to the defensive rotation. During his 11 appearances last season, the linebacker recorded 48 tackles and 7.5 tackles for loss. Notre Dame relied on a limited rotation of three linebackers during their season-opening victory over Wisconsin on September 6. Freeman noted that Viliamu-Asa’s workload will likely be monitored closely given the defensive requirements of facing Rice’s triple-option offensive scheme.

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Status Watch

•Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa is returning after recovering from an ACL injury sustained last November.
•The linebacker participated in practice throughout August and is expected to play Saturday.
•Notre Dame limited its linebacker rotation to three players in the season opener against Wisconsin.
•Coaching staff plans to monitor Viliamu-Asa's playing time during his first game back.
•Notre Dame hosts Rice in its home opener this Saturday following an initial win.

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