Notre Dame Rules Out Leonard Moore for Stanford Game

Notre Dame will be without All-American cornerback Leonard Moore and linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa when the Fighting Irish host Stanford on Saturday after injuries suffered in the 37-26 win over North Carolina on October 03, 2026. Offensive lineman Matty Augustine is available, according to multiple reports.

Moore sustained a concussion during the final minutes of Notre Dame's victory over North Carolina, according to 247Sports and the South Bend Tribune. The junior defensive back had started 13 consecutive games and recorded eight tackles and four pass deflections in five games.

Viliamu-Asa will also miss the Stanford matchup because of a left thumb injury suffered against the Tar Heels, according to 247Sports. He entered the week with 13 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, one interception and one fumble recovery.

Reserve tight end Ty Washington is unavailable because of illness, while safety Luke Talich is expected to return after earlier injury issues, according to Sports Yahoo. Defensive lineman Jason Onye and safety Brauntae Johnson remain unavailable after injuries from earlier games.

Notre Dame offensive lineman Matty Augustine is returning to availability after missing the first five weeks of the season with a foot injury, according to 247Sports. The sophomore had been competing for the starting right guard position before his fall camp injury.

Notre Dame offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock highlighted Augustine's return as a boost to the offensive line depth after practice, according to the South Bend Tribune.

"I'm thrilled to have him back on the practice field," said Mike Denbrock, offensive coordinator. "Not because I don't think we've done a good job. But he brings an element of toughness and physicality that I think adds to the depth, number one.

God forbid something else happens to somebody else. And on top of that, I think in his own right, he's good enough to push for being in there on a more permanent basis. I just think it makes everybody around him better."

Augustine was listed as questionable earlier in the week before becoming available, according to Sports Yahoo. His return gives Notre Dame additional options at guard after the team adjusted its offensive line plans following his injury.

Michigan transfer Jayden Sanders was expected to make his third career start and first for Notre Dame in place of Moore, according to the South Bend Tribune. Sanders previously started games for Michigan against Central Michigan and Nebraska during the 2025 season.

Notre Dame also continues to monitor other defensive absences. Johnson has been sidelined since a first-half injury against Wisconsin, while Onye has remained out since the same game with an ankle injury, according to the South Bend Tribune.