Notre Dame football predicted to land elite defensive back that could set a new standard for secondary coach Mike Mickens

On the heels of hiring Chris Ash as defensive coordinator in January 2025, Notre Dame’s football program has set its sights on securing what many believe will be a cornerstone signing: an elite defensive back prospect whose arrival could both cement and elevate the already remarkable work of secondary coach Mike Mickens .

Since joining Notre Dame’s staff in 2020 as cornerbacks coach—and elevated in 2024 to lead the entire defensive back unit—Mike Mickens has revolutionized the Irish secondary . In just five seasons under his watch, Notre Dame has transformed its pass defense from below average to elite:

• In 2024, the Irish secondary led FBS in pass efficiency defense (104.4) and ranked top‑five in interceptions (19), turnovers gained (33), and defensive touchdowns (6) .
• Mickens’ unit in 2023 allowed only 157.3 yards per game (3rd nationally) and gave up just 8 passing TDs—lowest in the nation—while forcing 16 interceptions .

He has not only recruited outstanding talent—like Benjamin Morrison, Leonard Moore, Adon Shuler, Christian Gray—but also shaped them into high-impact performers .

Noted as a FootballScoop Defensive Backs Coach of the Year finalist  and described by On3 as “crucial” to the Irish secondary’s rise, Mickens has engineered back-to-back class-leading recruiting cycles .

One fan on Reddit put it aptly:

“Mickens has transformed ND secondary into a national power… Now has one of the best DB classes in modern ND history” .

It’s clear that Mickens has built a foundation of elite talent—and analysts believe he’s now recruiting at a level capable of sustaining that standard for years.

Notre Dame’s 2025 defensive back recruiting class is already being hailed as a watershed moment, featuring three four-star or above Rivals250 defenders: Dallas Golden, Mark Zackery, and JaDon Blair . Several secondary analysts have called it “one of the program’s best secondary classes in decades” .

• Dallas Golden is projected as a top‑75 talent with elite upside; a former running back turned CB, he’s considered a “specimen”—his flip from Florida to Notre Dame has been praised as a coup .
• Mark Zackery, Indiana’s Mr. Football, won’t be outmatched in athleticism and has strong football instincts .
• JaDon Blair, a 6‑4 safety, has drawn comparisons to elite playmakers like Kyle Hamilton for his size and field vision .

This incoming wave arrives on the back of already elite young starters:

• Benjamin Morrison, true freshman All-American with six picks (two pick-sixes), was a semifinalist for the Thorpe, Bednarik, and Walter Camp awards in 2023–2024 .
• Leonard Moore, a freshman All-American in 2024, has earned status as an “earned 5-star” and is expected to ascend to All-American status in 2025 .
• Christian Gray delivered a 99-yard pick-six in the Orange Bowl, cementing his role as a rising star in 2024 .
• Adon Shuler, starting safety, recorded multiple interceptions—including a pick-six vs. Georgia Tech—and was named a Freshman All-American .

Under Mickens, these backfield standouts have flourished—and recruiting is catching up.

Notre Dame’s accelerated momentum in recruiting comes directly from Mickens’ combined abilities as a talent identifier and developer:

• He has consistently focused on length, athleticism, and field savviness—similar to traits found in top NFL DBs—attracted to players like Ahmad Gardner in Cincinnati and now mirrored in ND’s classes .
• Mickens has effectively tapped both high school pipelines and the transfer portal—landing impactful nickel corners like Thomas Harper, Jordan Clark, and Bama transfer DeVonta Smith for 2025 .
• Notre Dame’s secondary has consistently produced NFL‑caliber talent—Cam Hart and Benjamin Morrison were first-team All-Americans under Mickens’ coaching .

Athlon’s review confirms that Mickens’ latest recruiting cycle:

“… ties the 2025 class with the 2018 and 2019 classes for most DBs in Rivals250 over the last decade … The on-field is even better than the rankings.”

With this foundation established, Notre Dame’s next major move centers on locking in the final piece of their elite secondary: a true blue-chip defensive back for 2025 (or 2026 early enrollee). Landing this player would likely be a generational commitment—catapulting expectations and reinforcing Notre Dame as a premier DB factory.

Recruiting analysts say Notre Dame is in “great shape” with Golden, Zackery, and Blair, and they’re pushing hard . The timing is vital: with pass-heavy offenses dominating college football, high school DBs are in premium demand—but ND offers Mickens’ track record of immediate elevation through coaching and opportunity to compete early.

One visionary sees potential in next year’s class too:

“Over the weekend… Notre Dame secured commitment from 2026… Chaston Smith… considered a four-star… No. 7 CB in the 2026 class… whatever it takes, Notre Dame needs to make sure Coach Mickens sticks around” .

New DC Chris Ash will oversee the broader defense, while Mickens leads the secondary’s on-field execution . Ash, known for his defensive schemes at Ohio State (2014 national champs), Arkansas, Wisconsin, and Texas, emphasizes layered coverage, zone-man versatility, and turnover creation—all aligned with Mickens’ unit strengths .

Notre Dame has invested heavily in Mickens, granting him increased responsibility and a raise to retain his talents . As Ash builds the defense, Mickens will serve as the standard-bearer at cornerback and safety—anchoring recruitment, development, and on-field identity.

Securing an elite DB recruit—and keeping momentum through 2026—has cascading importance:

1. Competitive edge: Elite secondary talent allows ND to better defend high-flying offenses in the ACC and playoff-level competition.
2. Recruiting breed: Landing one blue-chip DB heightens ND’s pitch to other top defensive backs: “We already have proven success under Coach Mickens.”
3. Program reputation: Notre Dame—once criticized for underperforming pass defense—has turned a corner visibly. Maintaining the trajectory keeps them nationally relevant, defensively and holistically.

When you bolster an already stellar class with a true blue-chip talent, it sends ripples across college football. It says ND is no longer content with being “good” in the secondary—they aim to be undisputed elite.

This model has precedent. Under Mickens:

• Benjamin Morrison, initially an under-the-radar recruit, burst onto the scene as a freshman with six interceptions and national attention .
• Leonard Moore, a three-star high school recruit, evolved into a freshman All-American and emerging future star .
• Adon Shuler and Christian Gray, both 4-star picks, seized starting roles as sophomores and produced game-altering plays in the College Football Playoff run .

Mickens turned mid-tier recruits into star performers. The natural next step: bring in top-tier talent to continue the cascade.

Notre Dame’s rise:

• 2023: held opponents to an average of 15.5 PPG and pass-efficiency rank of 4th .
• 2024: topped national rankings in turnovers, blocked kicks, and pass defense—corner credit goes to Mickens’ unit .

With Chris Ash focused on defensive play-calling and front-seven schemes, the secondary’s performance under Mickens could be the bedrock for a championship-level defense.

Notre Dame has rebuilt its secondary from vulnerability to power under Mike Mickens. Yet, what lies ahead is even more critical: landing that definitive blue-chip defensive back. Such a recruit would:

• Validate ND as a trailblazer in recruiting and developing secondary talent;
• Provide immediate on-field impact in tight, high-stakes games;
• And set a new bar for defensive back standards under Mickens’ leadership.

Bellevue, South Bend—eyes are watching. If Notre Dame lands an elite secondary prospect for 2025 (or 2026’s early commits), it won’t just add to the defensive depth chart—it will issue a statement. Coach Mickens will have outdone himself and laid another marker: at Notre Dame, the secondary doesn’t just defend—it dominates. And they’re aiming to recruit the next player who can epitomize that legacy.