Notre Dame Football Faces Departures as Key Players Hinish and Baker Announce Decisions to Leave Team After Ohio State Loss
South Bend, IN – In the aftermath of a hard-fought 34-23 loss to Ohio State, Notre Dame football experienced two significant departures, as defensive lineman Donovan Hinish and offensive lineman Tosh Baker announced they would be leaving the team.
Hinish, a senior from Pittsburgh, had been a key contributor to the Fighting Irish defense since stepping into a starting role earlier in his career. The defensive tackle had been a consistent presence on the line, helping to bolster the run defense and provide interior pressure. Following the Ohio State loss, Hinish made a public statement expressing his gratitude for the opportunities he had at Notre Dame but cited personal reasons for his decision to step away from the program.
“I want to thank my coaches, teammates, and everyone at Notre Dame for supporting me throughout my career,” Hinish said. “After a lot of reflection, I feel it’s time for me to move forward and pursue other opportunities.”
Baker, a talented offensive tackle from Arizona, had been a key part of Notre Dame’s offensive line rotation but had struggled to secure a starting spot in recent seasons. The 6-foot-8 lineman announced his decision to leave the team on social media, acknowledging the tough decision but feeling that it was the right time for him to move on.
“I’m grateful for my time at Notre Dame, and I’ve learned so much along the way,” Baker wrote. “But after discussing with my family and coaches, I’ve decided to step away and focus on the next chapter of my life.”
The departures of Hinish and Baker leave gaps in key areas for Notre Dame as they head into the remainder of their 2025 season. Head coach Marcus Freeman and the staff will now need to adjust to the loss of two experienced players, with both the defensive and offensive lines facing additional challenges moving forward.
