Hilton Head Island, October 25, 2025
News Summary
Jaylen Sneed, a standout linebacker from Hilton Head Island, will play for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the College Football Playoff national championship against the Ohio State Buckeyes. Sneed has made a significant impact in the playoff games this season, and his journey from local youth football to national competition highlights his dedication and hard work. With a strong support system including his coaches and family, Sneed looks to lead Notre Dame to victory while representing his community on a grand stage.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Hilton Head Island’s Jaylen Sneed will play for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the College Football Playoff national championship game against the Ohio State Buckeyes. Sneed, who wears jersey number 3 for Notre Dame, has started five games this season, including two playoff games.
The sophomore linebacker made a notable impact during the Sugar Bowl against Georgia, recording a two-yard tackle for loss on the first play. Sneed also played a crucial role in Notre Dame’s victory over Penn State in the Orange Bowl, contributing by hurrying the quarterback, which resulted in an interception with just 33 seconds left in the game.
Early Life and Background
Sneed’s football journey began at the young age of six at Barker Field, where he played as a nose guard for the Hilton Head Gators. He has strong roots in Hilton Head, being born at Hilton Head Hospital and having attended several local schools, including Hilton Head Elementary School and other community institutions.
His athletic talent was recognized early by his high school football coach, B.J. Payne, who noted Sneed’s potential as early as fourth grade. After a significant growth spurt where he grew six inches before his 10th-grade year, Sneed transitioned from playing junior varsity football as a ninth grader to the varsity team, where he shone by playing eight different positions.
Support and Mentorship
Coach Payne emphasizes the importance of hard work and perseverance as essential components of success in both football and life. He maintains a close relationship with Sneed, offering continuous support and mentorship throughout his football career.
Sneed’s mother, Chanta Ellison, has also been a significant influence in his life, prioritizing his academic growth and athletics. She played a crucial role in Sneed’s development by ensuring he stayed focused and out of trouble, often driving him to training camps to save on costs. Sneed’s family is known for their academic achievements, with his sister, Chynna, graduating summa cum laude from the University of South Carolina.
Notre Dame Connection
Sneed’s connection with Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman has been profound, as Freeman offered Sneed a scholarship when he was the defensive coordinator at the University of Cincinnati. This longstanding relationship has undoubtedly influenced Sneed’s decision to join the college football program, allowing him to realize his dream of playing at a high level while representing his community on a national stage.
With the national championship title on the line, Jaylen Sneed’s journey from Hilton Head Island to the national spotlight exemplifies dedication and hard work. As he takes the field, he carries not only his team’s aspirations but also the hopes of his entire community.
FAQ
Who is Jaylen Sneed? Jaylen Sneed is a linebacker for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, preparing to play in the College Football Playoff national championship against the Ohio State Buckeyes.
What number does Sneed wear for Notre Dame? Sneed wears jersey number 3 for Notre Dame.
How many games has Sneed started this season? Sneed has started five games this season.
What impact did Sneed have in the Sugar Bowl? Sneed recorded a two-yard tackle for loss on the first play of the Sugar Bowl against Georgia.
What significant play did Sneed make in the Orange Bowl? He hurried the quarterback, leading to an interception with 33 seconds left in Notre Dame’s victory over Penn State.
Where did Sneed start his football journey? Sneed began playing football at Barker Field for the Hilton Head Gators at the age of six.
Who has been a major influence in Sneed’s life? His mother, Chanta Ellison, has been a significant influence, ensuring he prioritizes academics and stays out of trouble.
What is Sneed’s relationship with Coach Payne? Coach Payne has been a mentor and coach to Sneed, supporting him throughout his football career.
What other academic achievement does Sneed’s family have? Sneed’s sister, Chynna, graduated summa cum laude from the University of South Carolina.
What is Sneed’s relationship with Coach Freeman? Coach Freeman has had a long-standing relationship with Sneed, offering him a scholarship when he was at the University of Cincinnati.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Team | Notre Dame Fighting Irish |
| Opponent | Ohio State Buckeyes |
| Sneed’s Jersey Number | 3 |
| Games Started This Season | 5 |
| Sugar Bowl Impact | Two-yard tackle for loss on first play |
| Orange Bowl Contribution | Hurry led to an interception with 33 seconds left |
| Football Journey Start | Barker Field with Hilton Head Gators at age 6 |
| Mother | Chanta Ellison |
| Sister’s Achievement | Graduated summa cum laude from University of South Carolina |
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Additional Resources
- MaxPreps: Hilton Head Island Falls Short
- Global Golf Post: Rose Confronts Mixed Emotions
- AP News: Justin Thomas at RBC Heritage
- Island Packet: Crestwood’s Comeback Falls Short
- Journal Sentinel: Will Brewers Win World Series?
- Wikipedia: College Football Playoff
- Google Search: Hilton Head Island football
- Google Scholar: Jaylen Sneed
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jaylen Sneed
- Google News: Hilton Head Island
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
