Notre Dame’s next three commits likely include top linebackers and defensive backs, continuing momentum after landing LB Ellis McGaskin.

The University of Notre Dame football program has long thrived on tradition, toughness, and elite-level defense. With Marcus Freeman at the helm and a staff that’s been relentless on the recruiting trail, the Fighting Irish are poised to take their 2025 class to the next level. Their latest commitment, four-star linebacker Ellis McGaskin from Tampa Catholic, sent a strong signal that Notre Dame is once again a serious contender for top defensive talent.

McGaskin, the No. 18 linebacker in the 2025 class according to 247Sports Composite, chose Notre Dame over Florida, Alabama, and USC. His decision wasn’t just a win on the field — it was a symbolic victory that could have a ripple effect across the remainder of the cycle. Notre Dame’s defensive staff — particularly Al Golden, Max Bullough, and Mike Mickens — have built strong relationships with several elite prospects, and all signs point to the Irish reeling in at least three more blue-chip defensive commits over the coming weeks.

Let’s break down the top three likely additions to Notre Dame’s 2025 class, focusing on the linebacker and defensive back groups that are expected to lead the charge.

1. Justin Hill, LB, Winton Woods (Cincinnati, OH)

Perhaps no name looms larger right now in Notre Dame’s linebacker recruiting board than Justin Hill. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound linebacker from Winton Woods High School has Notre Dame very high on his list and is nearing a decision. Hill has taken official visits to Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Alabama — all three have made strong impressions — but the Irish have positioned themselves well.

Hill is a prototype in Freeman’s scheme: long, rangy, physical, and versatile. He can rush off the edge, drop into coverage, and diagnose plays quickly. His film is a highlight reel of sideline-to-sideline speed and tenacious tackling. Sources close to Hill’s recruitment say the connection he has with Freeman and linebackers coach Max Bullough stands out above the rest.

Notre Dame’s pitch to Hill has centered on both development and opportunity. With Jaylen Sneed and Drayk Bowen rising up the depth chart, the Irish are looking for the next wave of impact linebackers. Hill fits the mold and could be the next to jump in.

While Ohio State has long been a threat, the momentum swing after landing McGaskin and the family atmosphere in South Bend are significant. A commitment could come before the end of July.

2. Ivan Taylor, S, West Orange (Winter Garden, FL)

Notre Dame’s safety board features several high-end talents, but the crown jewel might be Ivan Taylor — a legacy prospect and the son of former NFL All-Pro Ike Taylor. Ivan, a consensus top-100 player nationally, decommitted from Notre Dame in January 2024, but the Irish never stopped recruiting him. That persistence could soon pay off.

Taylor’s recruitment has included visits to Michigan, Florida State, Alabama, and LSU, but Notre Dame continues to be in the thick of the race. Taylor has developed a strong relationship with Irish safeties coach Chris O’Leary, who has made it clear that Taylor would be a future centerpiece of the secondary.

At 6-foot-0, 175 pounds, Taylor is an elite athlete with natural instincts. He has elite closing speed, an aggressive tackling style, and the flexibility to play either safety position. His football IQ — likely inherited from his father — is evident in the way he diagnoses plays and anticipates routes. Taylor is the kind of plug-and-play safety that can elevate Notre Dame’s defense from good to elite.

Reestablishing the bond that led to his initial commitment has been key. With the Irish still holding his family’s trust and the defensive identity under Freeman intact, Notre Dame has a real shot at flipping Taylor back before the fall.

3. CJ Jimcoily, DB, Montgomery Bell Academy (Nashville, TN)

Another major target in the secondary is versatile defensive back CJ Jimcoily, a 6-foot-1, 195-pound athlete from Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville. Jimcoily is a physical, instinctive safety/nickel hybrid who brings the kind of toughness and football intelligence Notre Dame covets. He has visited South Bend multiple times and included the Irish in his top schools list alongside Tennessee, Georgia, and Michigan.

Jimcoily plays with a chip on his shoulder and a linebacker’s mentality. He excels in run support, tracks receivers in space, and brings a physical edge to the back end of a defense. His versatility is particularly valuable in modern college football, where offenses frequently utilize spread concepts and demand defensive backs who can cover in space while still tackling in the box.

Notre Dame sees Jimcoily as a perfect fit for its Rover position or in a hybrid safety role. His ability to play multiple positions has made him a priority target, and according to sources close to his recruitment, the Irish are trending.

The timing of Jimcoily’s decision is fluid, but there’s growing belief that he could commit by the end of the summer. Notre Dame’s momentum on the defensive side, especially in the secondary, may be too strong for other schools to overcome.

Building a Defensive Identity

Adding McGaskin was important — not just for optics, but for establishing defensive identity early in the 2025 class. Notre Dame’s 2024 defensive haul, which included elite talents like safety Brauntae Johnson and cornerback Leonard Moore, showed that Freeman and his staff could close on top-tier defenders. Now, in 2025, they’re building on that momentum — with McGaskin as the first domino.

What stands out about Notre Dame’s current defensive board is its balance. The Irish are not just chasing five-star names; they’re identifying system fits and culture fits — players who are versatile, high-character, and mentally tough. That’s been a hallmark of Freeman’s philosophy since he took over.

In addition to Hill, Taylor, and Jimcoily, the Irish are also pursuing other notable defenders:

• Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng, the younger brother of former Notre Dame linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, has been closely monitored and remains in regular communication with the staff. He’s a top-100 prospect and could emerge as a serious target.

• Cameron Miller, a high-upside cornerback from Texas, has begun trending toward Notre Dame following a strong official visit.

• Deylen Evans, a rangy cornerback out of Texas who recently decommitted from Texas A&M, is also on the radar.

There’s also growing optimism that Notre Dame could add another edge rusher before the season kicks off, although those targets are a little further down the road.

The Marcus Freeman Effect

Freeman’s background as a defensive coordinator is paying dividends. Prospects trust him to develop their skills, maximize their potential, and prepare them for the next level. But more importantly, Freeman has created a culture where recruits feel both challenged and supported — a crucial combination in today’s NIL and transfer portal era.

Defensive recruits aren’t just committing to Notre Dame because of tradition. They’re committing because of the relationships. Freeman, Golden, Bullough, Mickens, and O’Leary have all been commended by recruits for their honesty, energy, and consistency. That’s why Notre Dame continues to be in the mix — even when battling bluebloods like Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State.

With Ellis McGaskin already in the fold, Notre Dame is laying the groundwork for a top-10 defensive class in 2025. The likely additions of Justin Hill, Ivan Taylor, and CJ Jimcoily would solidify the Irish’s reputation as one of the premier destinations for defensive talent in the country.

Recruiting is never over until the papers are signed, but the momentum is undeniable. Notre Dame is building something real — and defenders across the country are noticing. If Freeman and company can close on these next three targets, the Irish defense of the future will be faster, stronger, and more dynamic than it’s been in years.