Jordan Clark’s arrival at Notre Dame in 2024 brought a surge of toughness, intelligence, and leadership to the Fighting Irish secondary. Transferring from Arizona State, the 5-foot-9, 184-pound nickelback quickly established himself as a cornerstone of Al Golden’s defense, helping elevate Notre Dame’s pass defense to one of the best in the nation.
Clark’s on-field performance was marked by consistency and physicality. He recorded 36 tackles, six pass breakups, and one interception, while allowing just 5.7 yards per target and only one touchdown across 54 targets . His ability to deliver timely stops and excel in man coverage made him a reliable force in critical third-down situations. Additionally, his 83.2 Pro Football Focus coverage grade underscored his elite play in the slot .
Beyond his statistics, Clark’s leadership and resilience stood out. Despite a controversial unsportsmanlike conduct penalty during a game against Louisville, he took full responsibility for his actions, demonstrating maturity and accountability . Head coach Marcus Freeman praised Clark’s impact, noting that his contributions extended beyond the field, enhancing the team’s culture and competitiveness .
Clark’s football lineage is notable; he is the son of former NFL safety and ESPN analyst Ryan Clark. Ryan expressed immense pride in his son’s achievements, stating that Jordan’s participation in the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship surpassed his own Super Bowl victory in personal significance .
Although not invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, Clark showcased his strength and athleticism at Notre Dame’s Pro Day, recording 18 bench press reps, a 36.5-inch vertical jump, and a 10-foot-4 broad jump . His efforts culminated in signing with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent, where he aims to continue his football journey at the professional level .
In his single season with Notre Dame, Jordan Clark exemplified the qualities of grit, determination, and leadership, leaving a lasting impact on the program and setting a standard for future transfers.
