Something big is brewing in South Bend—and it’s not your usual slow build. Marcus Freeman has Notre Dame’s recruiting game blazing hot, outpacing even the usual Big Ten powerhouses like Michigan and Penn State. It’s not even signing day yet, but the Fighting Irish are scooping up top-tier talent like it’s nothing. Freeman isn’t just getting noticed—he’s shaking up the whole recruiting scene.
The first major move? Ebenezer Ewetade, a 6’4”, 240-pound edge rusher out of South Garner, North Carolina, chose Notre Dame over heavyweights like Alabama and Georgia. That’s a bold statement, stealing an elite pass rusher right out of SEC territory. And the momentum didn’t stop there—top targets Evan Jacobson (tight end) and Bubba Frazier (wide receiver) are now trending toward Notre Dame as well. That’s three big names across key positions in a short span.
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And the Irish are far from done. Five-star edge rusher Rodney Dunham Jr., ranked third at his position nationally, is close to announcing his decision—and all signs point to Notre Dame. Competing programs like Tennessee, Georgia, and South Carolina are still in the running, but Dunham’s visit to South Bend may have sealed the deal. If he joins Ewetade on the defensive line, opposing offenses are going to have major problems.
Freeman’s not just pulling talent from the South. Notre Dame is also leading the charge for safety Joey O’Brien, with Penn State, Oregon, and Michigan still lurking. O’Brien stood out at the OT7 showcase and has become a must-have target. Then there’s Javian Osborne, a four-star running back from Texas. Michigan had hopes, but Notre Dame has surged into the lead.
The wide receiver room is also getting a speed injection. Names like Bubba Frazier, Kaydon Finley, and Brayden Robinson are all seriously considering Notre Dame. If the Irish secure all three, they could end up with one of the fastest receiving groups in the country. On the defensive side, 6’3” lineman Tiki Hola is down to SMU and Notre Dame, and with another campus visit coming soon, the odds look good for the Irish.
Looking at the bigger picture, Notre Dame’s 2026 recruiting class is shaping up to be a powerhouse. Ranked No. 8 by On3 with 8 commitments and 91.14 points, it’s a balanced mix of size, speed, and potential.
At the center of it all is quarterback Noah Grubbs from Florida. Committed since June, he’s become a leader and recruiter for the Irish. With strong mechanics, confidence, and leadership, he’s the type of quarterback that can change a program.
The offensive line is also shaping up nicely. Four-star linemen Tyler Merrill and Ben Nichols bring power and physicality, with Merrill tipping the scales at 338 pounds. Sullivan Garvin, another lineman from Michigan, adds toughness to the group. This trio could form an elite wall of protection.
Linebacker Thomas Davis Jr., son of former NFL star Thomas Davis, has also committed. He’s already emerging as a defensive leader. Ewetade brings speed and edge presence, and if Dunham joins him, it’ll be a nightmare for opponents on third down.
The secondary is benefiting too. Cornerback Chaston Smith from Tennessee brings a physical edge and high football IQ, while receiver Dylan Faison from Florida offers elite speed and route-running ability—an explosive threat in space.
Even with Chad Bowden’s departure to USC, Freeman’s recruiting machine hasn’t slowed. Notre Dame’s 2026 class isn’t a fluke—it’s the result of focused, strategic recruiting. Freeman’s not trying to catch up to Michigan and Penn State—he’s aiming to pass them by completely.
So while others circle signing day on the calendar, Notre Dame’s already stacking wins.