Stepherson, McIntosh among 4 dismissed by Notre Dame

Notre Dame dismissed four players Tuesday, including two who were in line for major roles in 2018, a team spokesperson confirmed to Eric Hansen of the South Bend Tribune.

Kevin Stepherson, who led the Fighting Irish with five receiving touchdowns this season, and tailback Deon McIntosh, who rushed for five touchdowns and was the likely heir apparent to Josh Adams at running back, were both kicked out of the program. Running back C.J. Holmes and defensive lineman Brandon Tiassum were also dismissed.

Stepherson and McIntosh were both inactive for the Citrus Bowl due to disciplinary reasons, so their exits don't come as much of a shock.

However, the departures of McIntosh and Holmes, along with that of NFL draft prospect Adams, mean Notre Dame has only three scholarship running backs left on its depth chart.