NFF National Scholar-Athletes
Jack Kiser, LB – Notre Dame
3.82 GPA – Business Analytics
Head Coach: Marcus Freeman | Athletics Director: Pete Bevacqua
Faculty Athletics Representative: Patricia Bellia
Recipient of Jefferson W. Kirby Scholar-Athlete Award, Endowed by the F.M. Kirby Foundation
A true leader, Jack Kiser grew up on a family farm in rural Indiana, learning a work ethic that has made him an exceptional student-athlete. The Royal Center, Indiana, native now becomes the 20th Notre Dame NFF National Scholar-Athlete, following his teammate and 2023 honoree JD Bertrand.
Already having two degrees in hand, Kiser graduated cum laude in May 2022, majoring in business analytics and maintaining a 3.82 GPA. A 2023 CSC Academic All-District pick, Kiser earned his master's of accountancy in 2023, and he is currently pursuing further graduate education in arts & letters. He earned the Tom Frecka Academic Achievement Award for posting the top GPA (3.97) in the entire Notre Dame Master of Accountancy program. A member of the 2024 NFF Hampshire Honor Society, Kiser claimed the Dean's Graduate Business Award.
A team captain, Kiser has been among the top tacklers on a Notre Dame defense the past three seasons, including last year when the Irish defense ranked No. 1 in the nation for passing efficiency and No. 2 for red zone defense. His career totals include 219 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, four sacks, four interceptions (two pick-sixes), 10 pass defended, five forced fumbles and a blocked kick. His 65 tackles in 2023 placed him third among Irish defenders and his 58 tackles in 2022 ranked him second on the team. This year, he currently ranks second on the team with 34 tackles.
Earning Notre Dame Special Teams Player of the Year honors in 2023, Kiser has helped the Irish rank nationally each year he has been on the roster. Last season, his efforts contributed to an Irish win in the Sun Bowl and a final No. 14 ranking. In 2022, the team claimed a Gator Bowl victory and a final No. 18 ranking. In 2021, Notre Dame finished at No. 8 after an appearance in the Fiesta Bowl, and the 2020 team landed an appearance in the CFP Semifinal in the Rose Bowl, ending the season with a No. 5 ranking. Through Week 8 of the 2024 season, the Irish rank No. 12 with a 6-1 record.
A member of the 2024 AFCA Good Works Team, Kiser has been an exceptional leader in the community as chairman of Notre Dame's "Cleats for a Cause," which raises money for local charities by auctioning the team's footwear. For three years, he has been the team lead for the Irish Fight for Life, pairing pediatric patients with Irish athletes, and he spent two months preparing tax returns for low-income families. His other community activities include Uplifting Athletes, the Ronald McDonald House, and ticket-giveaways for youth football teams.
(All stats as of Oct. 23, 2024)
