The Gold Standard: Notre Dame football recruiting stock report
As the 2025 college football season approaches, Notre Dame’s recruiting class has garnered attention for its strategic approach and high-caliber talent. This comprehensive stock report evaluates the Fighting Irish’s 2025 recruiting class, highlighting key commitments, positional strengths, and areas for future growth.
Quarterback: Deuce Knight
Stock: 🚀 Up
Deuce Knight, a 6’5″, 190-pound dual-threat quarterback from Lucedale, Mississippi, has emerged as a cornerstone of Notre Dame’s 2025 class. Known for his strong arm and ability to make plays both in and out of the pocket, Knight’s commitment adds significant value to the quarterback room. His potential to develop into a dynamic playmaker aligns well with Notre Dame’s offensive philosophy under new offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock. Knight’s presence elevates the class’s overall stock, positioning him as a future leader for the Fighting Irish.
Offensive Line: Will Black
Stock: 📈 Steady
Will Black, a 6’6″, 310-pound offensive tackle from Michigan, is widely regarded as the top prospect in Notre Dame’s 2025 class. His combination of size, athleticism, and technical proficiency makes him a potential early contributor on the offensive line. Black’s commitment strengthens Notre Dame’s trench play, an area the program has historically emphasized. His development will be crucial in maintaining the offensive line’s dominance in the coming years.
Wide Receiver: Elijah Burress
Stock: 📉 Neutral
Elijah Burress, a 6’1″, 180-pound wide receiver from Pennsylvania, brings speed and playmaking ability to the receiving corps. While his commitment adds depth to the position, Burress’s stock remains neutral due to the competitive nature of the wide receiver group and the need for further development to make an immediate impact.
Tight End: James Flanigan
Stock: 📈 Up
James Flanigan, a 6’5″, 240-pound tight end from Illinois, is considered one of the best tight end recruits to join Notre Dame since Michael Mayer. His ability as both a blocker and a pass catcher makes him a versatile asset to the offense. Flanigan’s commitment bolsters Notre Dame’s tight end position, providing a reliable target for the quarterback and enhancing the team’s offensive schemes.
Linebacker: Madden Faraimo
Stock: 🚀 Up
Madden Faraimo, a 6’2″, 225-pound linebacker from California, is one of the nation’s top linebacker prospects. His combination of size, athleticism, and football IQ makes him a potential early contributor to Notre Dame’s defense. Faraimo’s commitment strengthens the linebacker corps, providing a versatile and dynamic presence in the middle of the defense.
Defensive Line: Will Black
Stock: 📈 Steady
Will Black’s commitment to the defensive line adds depth and talent to Notre Dame’s front seven. Known for his strength and ability to disrupt the line of scrimmage, Black’s presence enhances the defensive line’s ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks and stop the run. His development will be key in maintaining the defensive unit’s effectiveness.
Defensive Back: Ivan Taylor
Stock: 📈 Up
Ivan Taylor, a 6’1″, 190-pound safety from Louisiana, brings size and athleticism to the defensive backfield. His ability to cover ground and make plays in the secondary adds versatility to Notre Dame’s defense. Taylor’s commitment strengthens the safety position, providing depth and competition for starting roles.
Stock: 📈 Up
Notre Dame’s 2025 recruiting class is shaping up to be one of the program’s most impressive in recent years. The class boasts a mix of high-caliber talent across key positions, including quarterback, offensive line, linebacker, and defensive back. The strategic approach to recruiting, combined with the commitment of top-tier prospects, positions Notre Dame for success in the upcoming seasons.
Areas for Future Growth
While the 2025 class is strong, there are areas where Notre Dame can continue to build depth and talent:
- Wide Receiver Depth: Adding more playmakers to the receiving corps will provide the quarterback with additional weapons and enhance the passing game.
- Defensive Line Depth: Securing commitments from additional defensive linemen will bolster the front seven and provide rotation options to keep players fresh.
- Special Teams: Investing in special teams recruiting can provide immediate contributors and improve overall team performance.
Notre Dame’s 2025 recruiting class exemplifies the program’s commitment to excellence and strategic development. With key commitments across all positions, the Fighting Irish are poised for success in the upcoming seasons. By continuing to build on this foundation and addressing areas for growth, Notre Dame can maintain its position as a national contender in college football.
