Just months after competing in the College Football Playoff National Championship, Notre Dame linebacker Jack Kiser is entering the 2025 NFL Draft. Kiser, a former team captain for the Fighting Irish, has all of the intangibles that an NFL coach could hope for. Jack Kiser is a savvy linebacker whose scouting report indicates that he could be impactful at the next level.
Overview, Film Analysis, and 2025 Scouting Report of Notre Dame Linebacker Jack Kiser
Measurables
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 231 lbs
Player Background
Jack Kiser is something of a football legend in the state of Indiana. At Pioneer High School in Royal Center, Indiana, Kiser led one of the most dominant teams in the country. He won back-to-back state championships in his junior and senior seasons and was named the 2018 IndyStar Mr. Football. In his high school football career, Kiser had over 11,000 total yards, nearly 200 total touchdowns, 424 tackles, and 20 interceptions. His prolific play earned him a four-star rating from 247Sports and offers from schools like Indiana and Duke. Ultimately, Kiser chose to accept an offer from Notre Dame and stay in his home state.
In his six seasons at Notre Dame, Kiser played over 1,500 defensive snaps and made 172 tackles. He was a key contributor on special teams, but he grew into a starting role as an off-ball linebacker. Kiser became a team captain in 2024 when he led Notre Dame to their first championship appearance since 2012. In his final season, Kiser had 58 tackles and one forced fumble.
Strengths
More than his on-field play, Jack Kiser’s intangible qualities will make him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams. Kiser is a clear leader. He was a team captain at Notre Dame in 2024. He directs the defense like an on-field coach and shows consistent effort. Kiser is experienced both on defense and special teams.
Jack Kiser rarely misses tackles. His missed tackle rate of just 3.7% in 2024 (per PFF) was one of the best in the country among starting linebackers. He punches at the ball when runners are already wrapped up, leading to fumbles. He forced five fumbles during his time at Notre Dame. Kiser is a good blitzer, able to weave through blockers. He shows impressive instincts, especially during running plays.
Weaknesses
Jack Kiser is significantly limited by his size and athleticism. He does not show the speed to work from sideline to sideline like most NFL defenses require. He shows slow changes of direction, which can cause him to struggle in open space against route runners and ball carriers. When blockers meet him head-on, he often gets knocked back and fails to disengage. Kiser is limited in coverage, primarily due to his lack of athleticism and arm length.
Potential Team Fits
NFL Projection
Jack Kiser is an experienced linebacker who should be able to carve out a role for himself in the NFL. His leadership qualities will be attractive to NFL teams. He will provide an immediate impact on special teams and quality depth at linebacker. Kiser’s age, athleticism, and coverage skills limit his ceiling significantly. Jack Kiser projects as a fifth-round prospect.
Main Photo: [Amber Searls] – USA Today Sports
