Notre Dame football has secured a major win on the recruiting trail, as one of the nation’s top linebacker commits has reaffirmed his pledge to the Fighting Irish and declared his recruitment officially closed. The news delivers a strong message about the stability and appeal of Marcus Freeman’s program, especially in the ultra-competitive world of college football recruiting.
The linebacker, widely regarded as a top-100 national prospect and among the best at his position, had drawn significant attention from powerhouse programs across the country. Schools in the SEC, Big Ten, and Pac-12 continued to push for late visits and flipped commitments, but the prospect made it clear this week: he’s locked in with Notre Dame.
“I’m 100 percent Irish. I’m not taking any more visits, not talking to other coaches — this is home,” the elite recruit told reporters. “Coach Freeman and the staff have been honest, consistent, and they’ve shown me I’m a priority from the start. That loyalty means everything.”
This development is a significant boost for Notre Dame’s 2025 recruiting class, which has been steadily climbing the national rankings. With Freeman entering his third full recruiting cycle as head coach, the program continues to lean on its identity of strong development, academic prestige, and a commitment to producing NFL-ready talent. Landing and retaining elite defensive prospects is central to that mission.
The linebacker commit fits the mold of what Notre Dame looks for on and off the field. At 6-foot-2 and roughly 225 pounds, he brings a rare blend of physicality, sideline-to-sideline speed, and football intelligence. His junior tape showcases his ability to diagnose plays quickly, shed blocks, and deliver punishing hits. He’s also flashed upside as a coverage linebacker, making him a perfect fit for the modern college game.
Analysts have praised his maturity throughout the process, noting that he’s consistently emphasized fit and long-term development over short-term hype or NIL incentives. His final decision to end his recruitment early reflects a growing trust in the coaching staff and the culture Freeman is building in South Bend.
“I’ve seen how Coach Freeman played linebacker at a high level, and how he coaches us now — it’s different. He connects with us, pushes us, and you know he cares,” the recruit added. “I want to be a part of building something special.”
Notre Dame’s defensive staff, led by coordinator Al Golden and linebackers coach Max Bullough, has been instrumental in the linebacker’s recruitment. Both coaches emphasized player development and the opportunity to contribute early in a competitive yet supportive environment. With several current linebackers likely to leave for the NFL over the next two seasons, the incoming commit could see the field sooner rather than later.
The timing of the announcement also benefits Notre Dame heading into the summer recruiting period, where momentum often plays a huge role. With this linebacker staying solid and off the market, the staff can focus energy and resources on other top targets while using his commitment as a selling point to other elite defenders.
Notre Dame fans have taken to social media to celebrate the news, viewing it as a signal that Freeman and his staff are building something sustainable and authentic — a program that top athletes want to join and stay with. In an era where decommitments and last-minute flips have become common, having a high-profile player shut down his recruitment months before signing day is a rare and welcome development.
As the 2025 cycle moves forward, Notre Dame’s class continues to shape up as one of the strongest in recent years. And with recruits like this elite linebacker leading the way, the Fighting Irish are positioning themselves as not just a historic program, but a future contender built on loyalty, culture, and elite talent.
