Who’s Notre Dame’s DT Donovan Hinish? Is He Related to Texans’ DT Kurt Hinish?

Donovan Hinish, Notre Dame’s defensive lineman, is a disruptor in the trenches, combining technique with grit to give the Fighting Irish a formidable presence up front. The 6’2”, 274-pound junior #41 has built on a solid foundation laid in his freshman and sophomore years. In 2023, Hinish appeared in nine games, recording 10 tackles, including a tackle for loss and a sack. Fast forward to 2024, and his production has soared with 19 solo tackles and five sacks, showcasing his growth as a playmaker.

Before donning the gold helmet, Hinish was a standout at Central Catholic High School. There, he anchored the defensive line and led his team to two WPIAL Class 6A Championships. Rated as a three-star recruit by 247Sports and Rivals, he was ranked the 44th-best defensive tackle nationally. Hinish’s game is built on a relentless motor and a knack for winning one-on-one matchups—a trait that has become his calling card in South Bend. He is the son of Tawnie, and Kurt Hinish, Sr. Papa Hinish is a construction worker who’s survived colon cancer not once but seven freakin’ times.

Are Kurt And Donovan Hinish Related?

Yes, indeed. Donovan Hinish is related to Kurt Hinish, and the connection runs deep. Kurt the 6 ft 1 296 lb DT and a Notre Dame (class of 2021) captain and current Houston Texans defensive tackle, has been both a role model and an inspiration for Donovan. The younger Hinish has spoken about the pride he feels in following in his brother’s footsteps and carrying his brother’s jersey number #41 with him. “It’s incredible,” Donovan said. “I’m so excited to follow in my brother’s footsteps.” He has one more sibling, Kadin.

Growing up, the Hinish brothers trained under the watchful eye of their father, Kurt Sr., whose intense workouts became legendary in their Pittsburgh neighborhood. These workouts, which included lunges with 100-pound blocks, were less about building muscle and more about instilling resilience. That mental fortitude has translated to the football field, where Donovan’s relentlessness mirrors the same grit his father and brother display.

Where did Donovan Hinish grow up?

Hinish’s Pittsburgh roots are woven into his identity. The Steel City isn’t just where he learned the game but also where he learned to be tough—physically and mentally. Under his father’s demanding yet motivational training regime, Donovan developed the discipline and work ethic that set him apart in high school and now at Notre Dame. The influence of his family and his city’s blue-collar ethos are evident every time he lines up in the trenches.

For Donovan, playing for Notre Dame isn’t just about making a name for himself. It’s about continuing a family legacy and honoring the community that raised him. Whether he’s chasing down quarterbacks or making tackles behind the line of scrimmage, Hinish brings the heart of a Pittsburgh warrior to every snap. And with his upward trajectory, it won’t be long before he’s the next Hinish making waves on Sundays.