2025 LB Brett Clatterbaugh Impressed with Notre Dame, Plans to Return

2025 Eastern View (Va.) linebacker Brett Clatterbaugh‍ added an offer from Notre Dame on St. Patrick’s Day and wasted little time getting to South Bend for his first visit. 

The 6-foot-2, 220-pounder was on campus for two days this week and it’s safe to say Clattbaugh left Notre Dame extremely impressed with what he experienced on and off the field. 

“There and many highlights of my trip, but if I had to name a few, No. 1 would be the overall hospitality,” Clatterbaugh told ISD. “The hospitality was out of this world and everyone really made me feel welcome and at home. Another one would have to be the knowledge I gained about the history and culture of Notre Dame.” 

Clatterbaugh wanted to get to Notre Dame to meet the staff face-to-face to begin a relationship, but also to see how he meshed with Al Golden, Max Bullough and Marcus Freeman. 

Mission accomplished. 

“My time with the staff was all that I could ask for,” stated Clatterbaugh. “I got to sit down and meet with everyone that I needed to and everything was super hospitable.” 

The message was an easy one, but it made a positive impression on the Virginia native. 

“Their message was simple and straightforward,” Clatterbaugh said. “It was that I’m a great player and they would love to have me but that it takes a lot of work and drive and its quite different at the University of Notre Dame.” 

Irish head coach Marcus Freeman also made a lasting impression on Clatterbaugh, who is fresh off winning his second 4A State Title on the wrestling mat. Freeman’s son, Vinny, finished in 6th place at the Indiana State Wrestling Meet, so naturally there was plenty to discuss outside of football. 

“I related great with Coach Freeman,” Clatterbaugh stated. “We talked about everything and everything from football to wrestling to just life.” 

Clatterbaugh stayed through Wednesday to be able to get to see the Irish practice in the morning. It was a super competitive practice as the pads were popping during multiple 11-on-11 periods. 

“The style was great,” stated Clatterbaugh. “It was fast pace, high tempo and had lots of energy.” 

As for a return trip, Notre Dame can mark Clatterbaugh down for a game in the fall as he’s already planning on returning to South Bend. 

“Everything here was very new for me and everything here is very unique from anywhere I've ever been,” said Clatterbaugh. “So if you want to say I was surprised you can but I was more so impressed.

“Notre Dame really made their mark on me this short time I was here and I will definitely be back for a game in the fall.” 

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