SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Senior defensive lineman Gabriel Rubio has been named to the inaugural Hispanic College Football Player of the Year Watch List. The list recognizes 15 standout college football athletes of Hispanic heritage making an impact on and off the field this season.
This is the first season of the award, which is presented by the Hispanic Football Hall of Fame.
Rubio has recorded three starts on the defensive line thus far in 2025, totaling 10 tackles, 0.5 sacks, a pass breakup and a quarterback hurry. He has seen action in all four of Notre Dame’s games
Over his career, the St. Louis native has posted 63 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, 7.0 TFL, three pass breakups and a forced fumble. He has played in 37 games, beginning in the 2021 season, making six starts.
In 2024, Rubio played in 11 games, starting three. He totaled 24 tackles, posting a sack and a pass breakup. He notched the first sack of his career in the regular-season finale win over USC.