Top 2025 LB Madden Faraimo Goes In-Depth on Notre Dame Visit

2025 J Serra Catholic (Calif.) linebacker Madden Faraimo‍ quietly made a trip to the Midwest last week to visit Notre Dame and Ohio State. 

The 6-foot-3, 215-pounder might not have been sure what to expect on the trip, but in the hours after leaving South Bend, it’s clear Notre Dame left a significant impression.  

“I was glad I was able to get there,” Faraimo told ISD. “It’s a little further trip, so I had to plan it out. Off the jump, I don’t think you can compare that campus to any other I have ever seen. It’s very beautiful, unique and the history speaks for itself. I really enjoyed the tour of the school itself.” 

Faraimo wanted to take the trip to get a feel for two programs off the West Coast, but perhaps more importantly, the four-star prospect wanted to build relationships face-to-face. 

The NCAA only allows 2025 prospects to call coaches at this point in the recruiting calendar, so the opportunity to chop it up with coaches in-person is crucial to growing a true rapport. 

“Coach Max Bullough is who I met with first and then Coach (Al) Golden and Coach (Marcus) Freeman,” explained Faraimo. “I had a good meeting with all of them and had a little coaching talk with them. I saw what it would be like to get coached by them and how our relationship would be.

“I really do like it. I think I would bond well with all the coaches. I’ve been in contact with Coach Golden for the longest, so I know he and I are pretty tight.” 

Faraimo’s time with Bullough won’t soon be forgotten as the Notre Dame graduate assistant had him doing drills in the film room.  

“We did some drills for sure,” laughed Faraimo. “It was fun. I don’t think I’ve had a coach do that in the office like that. It was definitely a unique experience and it was enjoyable. It was fun.” 

The California native also noticed the message from each person he spoke to was very similar and it started from the top with Freeman. 

“With Coach Freeman, I think he’s a really good guy,” Faraimo explained. “I think we would bond player to coach really well. The biggest message was don’t come to Notre Dame for football or the narrow mindset of just that, but to come for the 40 years after football. I think that was a big part of their message to me. 

“They’ll get me going in football and the 40 years after I’ll be ahead of a lot of other people because I went to Notre Dame and have that degree.” 

Outside of the staff, Faraimo connected with linebacker Marist Liufau. The two didn’t have a relationship heading into the visit, but it certainly seems like both will be keeping in touch moving forward. 

“It was funny,” said Faraimo. “That was my first time meeting him. I’ve seen him play on the field and I was a fan of his, but I didn’t really know who he was. I kind of knew his name and what he looked like, but man, he’s super cool. He and I would connect for sure and be good friends. 

“He’s a great role model. He’s a really good person and a baller on the field.” 

Faraimo also gave his time in Columbus high remarks and it was equally as important to get to Ohio State. 

“It was a good trip as well,” Faraimo stated. “I don’t think I did as much as I did at Notre Dame as far as academics and the campus part of it. I still was able to talk to all the coaches and meet those people to build relationships there as well.” 

Overall, Faraimo felt he needed to make the Midwest swing to see something different and to know if Notre Dame and Ohio State were true options moving forward in his recruitment. 

“I wanted to make it a priority to get to those schools and probably a couple more schools in time on that side,” Faraimo said. “The schools on the West Coast are easier to get to and I didn’t want that to impact my decision if Notre Dame or Ohio State can offer me something better. I was definitely glad I was able to get there and now I can start planning to get out there again.” 

And will Faraimo return to Notre Dame? 

“I do definitely want to come back to Notre Dame,” said Faraimo. “I’m not sure when because I just want to keep my recruitment even and I want to see all the schools. As far as Notre Dame, I definitely want to get back.” 

Offers: Alabama, Arizona, Auburn, Cal, Colorado, Miami, Michigan State, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oregon, Oregon State, Penn State, San Diego State, Stanford, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, UCLA, USC, Utah and Washington

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