Now his third two-time first-team All-American honor, graduate safety Xavier Watts has been named a First Team All-American by the Associated Press (AP).
This marks the second-straight year in which Notre Dame has had a two-time AP First Team All-American, as Watts joins Irish offensive lineman Joe Alt (2022-23). Watts is one of two repeat first-team selections this season, joining Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter.
Watts, a Notre Dame team captain, was also named an AFCA and Walter Camp First-Team All-American, both for the second-consecutive season.
The Associated Press All-America team is one of the five All-America teams that are utilized to determine both consensus and unanimous All-America honors. The Football Writers Association of America and The Sporting News teams are the other three that have yet to announce their teams.
Watts has also been named a First-Team All-American by The AthleticUSA TODAY, Sports Illustrated and Pro Football Focus. Watts was named a First-Team Midseason All-American by Associated Press, The Sporting News, PFF, Athlon Sports, The Athletic and CBS Sports.
Watts earned Notre Dame’s program Defensive Player of the Year award in 2024, and he was named a semifinalist for the 2024 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award and the 2024 Lott IMPACT Trophy.
Watts has totaled 12-career interceptions, the most by a Notre Dame player since 1996. He is the 19th Notre Dame player to intercept 10 or more passes and is tied for eighth on the all-time list for career interceptions in program history.
Watts ranks third in the nation in total interceptions (5), fourth in the nation in interceptions per game (0.4), and 12th in the country in passes defended (1.2 per game).
Notre Dame has gained 28 turnovers this season (tied for first in the nation). Watts is responsible for six of them (five interceptions, one fumble recovery).
The Irish defense is one of the most complete defenses in the country, ranking among the FBS’ top teams. At the end of the regular season, Notre Dame was first in team passing efficiency defense (94.10), first in turnovers gained (28), first in defensive touchdowns (6), third in scoring defense (13.6), fourth in passing yards allowed (157.9), fourth in interceptions (17), seventh in fumbles recovered (11), ninth in red zone defense (0.733), 10th in total defense (296.8) and 10th in first downs defense (197).
