Notre Dame Football Recruiting: The Irish Making Big Moves on the Trail

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish football program is experiencing a surge in recruiting momentum, showing clear signs that Marcus Freeman and his staff are transforming South Bend into one of the hottest destinations for elite talent in college football. The 2025 and 2026 recruiting classes are taking shape with remarkable pace and precision, with commitments from multiple high-profile prospects across both sides of the ball.

This article dives deep into the players, strategies, and impact of Notre Dame’s recent recruiting wins—and what it means for the program’s short- and long-term future.

A New Era Under Marcus Freeman

Marcus Freeman took over as head coach with a strong background in defense and an equally strong reputation as a top-tier recruiter. Since day one, he’s emphasized building Notre Dame through high school recruiting—not just the transfer portal—and it’s paying dividends.

Freeman’s youth, energy, and authenticity resonate with recruits and their families. While previous coaches often leaned heavily on the prestige and tradition of Notre Dame, Freeman has brought a modern approach that blends those values with an understanding of today’s recruiting landscape.

2026 Class Headlined by Five-Star EDGE Rodney Dunham

Perhaps the biggest recent splash came when Rodney Dunham, a 5-star edge rusher from Myers Park High School in Charlotte, North Carolina, committed to Notre Dame. Dunham is a game-changing talent—standing 6’4”, weighing around 230 pounds, and showcasing elite speed and explosiveness off the edge.

Ebenezer Ewetade: Another Dominant EDGE

Soon after landing Dunham, the Irish also secured a commitment from Ebenezer Ewetade, another high-upside EDGE defender from South Garner High School in North Carolina. At 6’4” and 240 pounds, Ewetade brings size, versatility, and strength to the line of scrimmage.

Like Dunham, Ewetade had offers from blue-bloods like Georgia, Penn State, and Alabama. The fact that Notre Dame landed both edge rushers within days of each other signals a clear intent: dominate in the trenches with elite athletes who can disrupt opposing quarterbacks.

Quarterback of the Future: Deuce Knight

No recruiting conversation is complete without discussing quarterbacks, and Notre Dame has its guy. Deuce Knight, a dynamic, dual-threat quarterback out of Mississippi, committed to the Irish early in the 2025 cycle and has remained solid despite overtures from several SEC programs.

Knight brings the kind of athletic profile Notre Dame has rarely had at quarterback—he’s a legitimate running threat with a strong, developing arm and high football IQ. More importantly, he’s proven to be a vocal recruiter himself, actively helping the Irish staff bring in top-tier talent to surround him in the class.

Defensive Depth: Joseph Reiff, Cree Thomas, and Others

Alongside Knight, Notre Dame has built a well-rounded 2025 class with balance at every level.

• Joseph Reiff, a four-star defensive lineman, brings toughness and technique to the defensive front.
• Cree Thomas, a long, athletic cornerback, has the traits to become a shutdown presence in the secondary.
• Ivan Taylor, the son of former NFL Pro Bowler Ike Taylor, committed earlier in the cycle as one of the top safeties in the country.

Freeman’s defensive expertise is clearly resonating, and it’s resulting in a class filled with future stars on that side of the ball.

Building the Offensive Line Legacy: Will Black

Notre Dame’s tradition of elite offensive line play remains intact with the commitment of Will Black, a 6’7”, 292-pound offensive tackle from Connecticut. Black is one of the top-ranked tackles in the nation and had offers from Michigan, Penn State, and others.

The Irish have always prided themselves on physical play up front, and Black fits the mold of recent greats like Zack Martin and Quenton Nelson. With other blue-chip linemen showing interest, the 2025 class could rival some of Notre Dame’s best in the trenches.

Transfer Portal Success: Kris Mitchell and Jalen Stroman

While Freeman emphasizes high school recruiting, the staff has also shown savvy use of the transfer portal.

• Kris Mitchell, a wide receiver from FIU, transferred in after a record-setting season with over 1,100 receiving yards. His speed and production will be critical to replacing outgoing talent.
• Jalen Stroman, a transfer safety from Virginia Tech, brings experience and versatility to the back end of the defense. He’s expected to compete for a starting role immediately.

These additions fill important gaps and ensure Notre Dame stays competitive while developing younger talent.

Recruiting Strategy: National Reach, Regional Focus

Notre Dame has always recruited nationally due to its brand and academic profile. Freeman, however, has implemented a hybrid model that emphasizes building strong pipelines in key regions—particularly in the South, where the talent is deep and competitive.

By landing players like Dunham and Ewetade out of North Carolina, Notre Dame is proving it can win battles in SEC territory. Simultaneously, it continues to pull from traditional strongholds like the Midwest, California, and the Northeast.

This national reach, combined with an aggressive on-the-ground approach by Freeman’s staff, is creating real momentum.

Commitment Culture: Character + Talent

Another critical component of Notre Dame’s recruiting success is the focus on fit—not just on the field but in the locker room and classroom. Freeman and his staff are targeting players who embrace the unique academic and cultural expectations of Notre Dame.

This “right fit” strategy helps minimize transfers and builds cohesion. Recruits know what they’re signing up for—and that honesty is paying off in long-term retention and performance.

Recruiting the Right Way

While NIL and the transfer portal have dramatically reshaped college football recruiting, Notre Dame has taken a thoughtful, principle-based approach to these changes.

The program has embraced NIL opportunities through collective efforts but without compromising its values or overspending. Freeman has been transparent about the school’s NIL stance, and surprisingly, recruits respect it. The result? Talented players who want to be at Notre Dame for more than just a paycheck.

What’s Next?

Notre Dame’s staff is not slowing down. With several key targets still on the board, expect the Irish to push for more top-100 recruits in both 2025 and 2026. Positions of focus will likely include wide receiver, cornerback, and offensive tackle.

Summer visits and official visits will play a major role in locking down the class and potentially flipping a few high-profile targets still leaning elsewhere.