Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden is thrilled of the news that defensive end Jordan Botelho intends to return for a 6th season in 2025.

Botelho, who was enjoying a solid start to the 2024 season, suffered a season ending knee injury against Purdue on September 14th in just the third game of the season. Irish coach Marcus Freeman said Monday that the program had spoken to Botelho and Botelho said he plans to come back next year.

“I’m really proud of Jordan. I’m ecstatic that he’s coming back,” Golden said Tuesday when asked. “Everybody’s journey is different and you guys saw the final product of it this year. We saw the inside–the hard days, moving positions, trying to find the right spot for him. Him settling in, him taking care of his body, him making sacrifices. Then come into this year and play at the level he was playing and to have it cut short, that was hard. It was hard on all of us, especially he and his family. I’m glad he has this opportunity to come back and we will welcome him with open arms because we just love what he’s done and the impact he’s had on our program.”

In 3 games this season, Botelho had 12 tackles, one tackle for loss and a sack. Because he played in just three games, he’s eligible for a medical redshirt. Considering he suffered the injury during the season, it’s unclear when Botelho would be ready to go for 2025.

His return will give Notre Dame veteran leadership at the defensive end position in 2025 as it will look to replace six year players Rylie Mills and Howard Cross on the interior.