2026 DL Elijah Golden Ready for Return Visit to Notre Dame

2026 IMG Academy (Fla.) defensive lineman Elijah Golden‍ camped at Notre Dame last summer and then returned for the Blue-Gold Game in April, so it’s safe to say the Irish program has made an impression on the 6-foot-4, 240-pounder. 

Notre Dame will have another opportunity to make a statement in his recruitment as Golden will return to campus on June 12th.

Golden is also approaching this visit a little differently. The four-star prospect wants to learn about the football program and get a feel for the academic side of the university. 

“I really have a connection between the coaches and I like the energy up there,” explained Golden. “It feels different. I also want to tour the school more and learn more about Notre Dame.” 

The camp visit last summer could be significant for both sides as it opened Golden’s eyes to Notre Dame in more ways than one. 

It starts with defensive line coach Al Washington, who was able to work with Golden, but also show him his coaching style, which is similar to IMG’s staff. 

“I really wanted to get better and take some of the stuff he told me to use it in real games,” Golden said of why he wanted to camp last year. “IMG is a bit similar to the stuff he said to me. Our relationship is good.”

Golden also credits IMG Academy for helping develop him into the player he has become and preparing him for what it will be like at the college level. 

“It has benefitted me a lot,” stated Golden. “The competition is great, especially in practice every day. It has helped me learn formations and the game better.” 

As for the rest of the summer, Golden plans to stay busy as he looks to earn more offers and develop relationships. 

“I’m going to go to the Ohio State camp, Virginia Tech and then North Carolina,” said Golden. “I might be visiting Florida and Tennessee as well.” 

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