Cincere Johnson

We dive into 2026 recruiting and take a look at some of Notre Dame top targets on the defensive side of the ball.

The message from the Irish to Cincere Johnson is a challenge to the top 2026 Ohio linebacker to be different.

- If Notre Dame doesn't lead for 2025 linebacker Madden Faraimo coming out of Saturday's visit, I'd be shocked. The California native has made four trips to South Bend, so at this point, it comes down to him wanting to be at Notre Dame as he has all the information needed to make a decision. I do believe USC has given him plenty to think about over the last 4-5 months, but the Trojans appear to be content with him going elsewhere too. I'm unsure how much they connected, but Marist Liufau was on campus this weekend and Faraimo thought extremely highly of the Cowboys linebacker when they connected last summer during an unofficial visit. Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa's mother and family also did their part as they singled Faraimo out during the player walk. - It would appear Notre Dame made a significant move with 2025 WR Isaiah Mizell following his official visit this weekend. Does Notre Dame lead, I would lean yes, but he's been in contact with Arizona's staff since the visit as he's still committed to the Cats. I don't get the feeling Mizell is in a rush to make a final decision at this point as he saw his brother go through a complicated recruitment. That said, Notre Dame is his best offer and being around several commits from Florida all weekend was likely a positive. - I'm putting in a prediction for Notre Dame to land 2026 offensive lineman Sullivan Garvin after I hit post. Notre Dame is was his dream offer and he's 90 minutes away. Lot to like here. - As for the two 2026 linebackers from Ohio in Cincere Johnson and Jakobe Clapper, Notre Dame remains a top option for both. I don't get the vibe either are close to decision mode, and both recruitments could come down to Ohio State Notre Dame, especially in Clapper's case. Johnson wants to play linebacker in college, while several colleges project him as a defensive end. Notre Dame Fighting Irish Interlocking Team Logo 9FIFTY Snapback Hat