Get ready, basketball fans—the chill of winter and the thrill of college hoops are just around the corner! But here’s where it gets exciting: as we gear up for the 2025-26 Notre Dame basketball season, we’re diving deep into the roster to spotlight the players who could make or break the team’s success. And this is the part most people miss—the unsung heroes who quietly step up when it matters most. Take Cole Certa, for instance, a sophomore shooting guard who’s poised to turn heads this season.
Before we know it, the snow will be piling up, temperatures will plunge, and the Purcell Pavilion will be buzzing with Atlantic Coast Conference matchups. To prep you for those electrifying nights, we’re breaking down the 2025-26 Notre Dame roster alphabetically over the next 13 weekdays (October 15–31). Who are these players? What did they bring to the court last year? And how do they fit into third-year head coach Micah Shrewsberry’s vision? We’ve got the inside scoop.
Meet Cole Certa:
Hometown & High School: Le Roy, Illinois (IMG Academy)
Dimensions: 6-foot-5, 200 pounds
Projected Position: Backup shooting guard
Class: Sophomore
Fun Fact: Certa’s freshman season ended with a bang—eight of his 10 made three-pointers came in the final eight games. Talk about finishing strong!
2024-25 Stats: In 18 games, Certa averaged 2.5 points, 0.2 rebounds, and 0.2 assists in just 8.0 minutes per game. His shooting percentages were modest (.300 from the field, .278 from three), but he was a standout at the foul line, hitting a team-best .917 (11-of-12).
2025-26 Outlook: Certa’s late-season surge was no fluke. After barely playing in the first three months, he burst onto the scene in a home win against Pittsburgh, scoring 12 points (including three threes) in just 12 minutes. His knack for taking—and making—clutch shots in the final seven games showcased why he was such a highly touted recruit. Now, the question is: Can he build on that momentum and become a consistent contributor?
Shrewsberry on Certa: "Cole never loses confidence. That’s the one thing I’ll say about him. He’s the most confident guy we’ve got. He’s stronger, he’s moving better, and he’s shooting the ball great. He’s ready to take another step in his game."
Controversial Question: Is Cole Certa the next breakout star for Notre Dame, or will his limited playing time last season hold him back? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
For more insights, follow South Bend Tribune and NDInsider columnist Tom Noie on X (formerly Twitter): @tnoieNDI. You can also reach Noie at tnoie@sbtinfo.com. Let’s get the conversation started—is Certa the player to watch this season?
