Counting Down The Irish – DE Christopher Burgess Jr., a consensus top-5 prospect in Illinois, brings a bright future to the Irish edge.
In the competitive world of college football recruiting, few commitments have generated as much excitement for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish as that of defensive end Christopher Burgess Jr. A consensus top-5 prospect in Illinois, Burgess’s decision to join the Irish ranks has been hailed as a significant coup for head coach Marcus Freeman and his staff.
Christopher Burgess Jr., hailing from Chicago’s Simeon Career Academy, emerged as a standout defensive talent early in his high school career. His combination of size, athleticism, and football IQ quickly caught the attention of college scouts. By his junior year, Burgess had already amassed a list of scholarship offers from some of the nation’s premier programs, including Alabama, Michigan, and Ohio State.
Despite the allure of these powerhouse programs, Burgess’s recruitment took a pivotal turn when Notre Dame extended an offer during their annual “Pot of Gold” event on St. Patrick’s Day. This gesture signaled the Irish’s serious interest and marked the beginning of a sustained and personal recruitment effort. Defensive line coach Al Washington played a crucial role in building a strong relationship with Burgess, frequently communicating and making him feel like a priority. Burgess appreciated this consistent attention, noting, “They know me, they know my family, and the communication has always been there. They check up on me, they always reach out and they make me feel important and like a priority from the beginning” .
The Irish’s commitment to Burgess was further demonstrated through multiple campus visits, including appearances at the Blue-Gold Game and the Irish Invasion event. These visits allowed Burgess to experience firsthand the culture and environment at Notre Dame, solidifying his growing affinity for the program. He was particularly impressed by the team’s intensity during spring practices, stating, “I liked how aggressive they were and they kept going. They were just relentless” .
Ultimately, Burgess announced his commitment to Notre Dame during the All-American Bowl, choosing the Irish over his other finalists. He cited the value of a Notre Dame degree and the sense of belonging he felt with the coaching staff as decisive factors in his decision .
Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 245 pounds, Burgess possesses the physical attributes that make him a prototypical edge rusher. His frame allows him to overpower offensive linemen, while his agility enables him to maneuver around them effectively. His performance at the All-American Bowl showcased his versatility, as he excelled both as a defensive end and as an interior rusher, demonstrating his ability to adapt to various defensive schemes .
Burgess’s accolades further underscore his talent and potential. He was named to the 2025 Polynesian Bowl and the West roster for the 2025 All-American Bowl, and earned All-State First Team honors, along with being a two-time All-Conference First Team selection . These recognitions reflect his dominance on the field and his standing among the elite defensive prospects in the nation.
Defensive coordinator Al Golden envisions Burgess as a key component of Notre Dame’s defensive line rotation. His ability to play both the field and power end positions provides the coaching staff with flexibility in defensive scheming. Burgess’s length and power make him effective at setting the edge against the run, while his quickness and burst off the line enhance his pass-rushing capabilities .
While Burgess’s raw talent is evident, there is room for development in his technique. Areas such as pad level, hand usage, and pass-rush moves are aspects he will refine under the tutelage of Coach Washington. Given his work ethic and the resources available at Notre Dame, Burgess has the potential to evolve into a dominant force on the defensive line.
Burgess’s commitment significantly strengthens Notre Dame’s 2025 recruiting class. His decision to join the Irish not only adds a high-caliber player to the roster but also sends a message about the program’s growing national appeal. Burgess’s presence in the class is expected to attract other top-tier recruits, particularly along the defensive line, as they recognize the opportunity to play alongside a talent of his caliber.
The coaching staff’s success in securing Burgess’s commitment reflects their effective recruiting strategy and ability to connect with prospects on a personal level. As the 2025 season approaches, the addition of Burgess to the defensive line is anticipated to have a significant impact on Notre Dame’s defensive prowess.
As Burgess prepares to join the Notre Dame program, expectations are high. With his blend of size, athleticism, and work ethic, he is poised to make an immediate impact on the field. His development under Coach Washington’s guidance will be closely monitored, as he has the potential to become a cornerstone of Notre Dame’s defense for years to come.
Christopher Burgess Jr.’s commitment to Notre Dame marks a significant milestone in the program’s recruiting efforts. His talent, character, and fit within the team’s defensive scheme position him to be a key contributor to the Fighting Irish’s success in the coming seasons.
