Moore, KVA questionable for Stanford

Last Updated: October 5, 2026By Chuck Freeby

(Notre Dame) — Just before Irish football coach Marcus Freeman began his press conference Monday, Notre Dame media relations released the team’s injury report.

Suffice to say, more people may have been reading than listening at that time.

The report lists cornerback Leonard Moore (concussion) and linebacker Kyngston Villiamu-Asa (thumb) as questionable for Saturday’s game against Stanford at the Stadium. Moore’s injury occurred on North Carolina’s final touchdown when he collided with Tar Heel tight end Jelani Thurman at the 3-yard line. Moore had to be helped off the field, appeared woozy and did not return to action.

There is no word as to when Villiamu-Asa injured his thumb. The linebacker missed the opener against Wisconsin, as he recovered from a knee surgery in the off-season, but has returned to the lineup making 13 tackles with a fumble recovery and an interception.

Also listed as questionable is guard Matty Augustine, which is actually an upgrade for him. Augustine has missed the entire season with a foot injury he suffered in August, but could be a key piece to bolstering the line upon his return.

“He’ll start practicing this week,” stated Freeman. “He’s not going to go the entire practice and every single rep, but he’ll start doing football specific work. He’s doing a really good job on his progression to return.”

Freeman may not have to rush Augustine, as his guards Anthonie Knapp and Sullivan Absher had their best combined game of the season Saturday in the win over North Carolina. Knapp paid the price, coming off the field for one play with blood pouring from his face.

“We talk Bloody Tuesdays. That was a Bloody Saturday,” chuckled Freeman. “He was trying to tell me something, I said ‘Go see the trainer. Keep that blood to yourself’.”

Freeman then lauded the offensive line. “There are a couple things that stick out to me. One is playing on their side of the line of scrimmage. And our guards — Sully and Knapp — were pulling play after play after play and kicking guys out. I was really pleased with the way they played, and protection.

“Sully is practicing really well. We believe the way he’s practicing habits gives him the best chance to produce Saturday. We did our fair share of gap schemes and zone schemes. The ability to do them both is important. The chemistry is really starting to improve.”

Notre Dame should be able to do whatever it wants offensively against a 2-3 Stanford squad. The Cardinal are giving up 38 points and 459 yards per game. It’s the annual “Irish Wear Green” game with a 3:30 kickoff scheduled for the NBC telecast.

Chuck Freeby and Angelo Di Carlo discuss more Notre Dame football Monday night at 7 pm on Notre Dame Federal Credit Union’s Irish Football Fix, which airs on Pulse FM (92.1, 96.9 and 103.1) before being made available in podcast form on Apple and Spotify.