2025 DE Israel Oladipupo Set to Get Third Look at Notre Dame in March

2025 Noblesville (Ind.) defensive end Israel Oladipupo‍ is familiar with Notre Dame and defensive line coach Al Washington at this point. The two have had the chance to be around each other multiple times and will get another opportunity on March 23rd when the 6-foot-3, 230-pounder returns to South Bend. 

“I’ve been up there two times before and I have a good relationship with Coach Washington,” Oladipupo told ISD. “I’m excited to get back up there and build the relationship.” 

The Indiana native came up for camp last June and it was a priceless experience as he was able to get on the field with Washington to feel him out. 

“I really wanted to see how he was as a coach and learn what he does with his guys,” explained Oladipupo. “It gave me a better experience of how playing at Notre Dame would feel like in practice.” 

And yes, as the summer camps approach, Oladipupo and other players are evaluating the coaches as much as the coaches evaluate them. 

“They all coach different, so it gives me a wide range of how each one coaches,” stated Oladipupo. “I get to find out which one helps me develop as a player and become the best I can.” 

As a player from the Indianapolis area, Oladipupo has heard a great deal about Notre Dame and really connected with the university during his most recent visit. 

“The academics,” said Oladipupo when asked what stands out about Notre Dame. “The last time I was up there, they told me about about how a Notre Dame degree can set you up for years. That’s essential knowing when I’m done with football, I could use a Notre Dame degree to go out and get an actual job and set my family up for life. 

“That’s important for me. I could get a great education and play on the biggest stage in football.” 

Oladipupo will also make the rounds to other schools this spring as he’ll get to Boston College, Bowling Green, Duke, Northern Illinois and Toledo.

The offers from Boston College and Duke are new, so there is excitement to experience both colleges, but Oladipupo also isn’t forgetting about the work this offseason. 

“I train with Coach Eze (Obiora) and we do strength, speed and position work,” said Oladipupo. “My whole offseason is about getting bigger, stronger and faster. I’m also refining my technique, so basically, I can enter next season better than I did last season. It makes it harder for people to try to stop me.” 

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