2025 DL Jalen Wiggins Looking Forward To Checking Notre Dame Out

Jalen Wiggins‍ has been committed to Florida since January, but that hasn’t stopped other national programs from continuing to pursue the 2025 Florida defensive lineman.

For the most part, Wiggins has brushed off other suitors, but Notre Dame is one of the few that has kept his interest.

“It's been pretty high,” the 6-foot-5, 250-pounder says. 

“I've been talking to them pretty recently; with Coach (Marcus) Freeman, with Coach (Al) Washington and most of the main defensive staff as well. I've been talking to them pretty up to date.”

The message from the Irish to the Rickards High School standout has been a simple one.

“Mainly just being able to have both the education and be able to play a high level of football,” Wiggins says of what the Notre Dame coaches have been telling him.

“I know one of the big things is pushing towards the education factor because a Notre Dame offer is special. You have so many different connections that you can get from it, so that's been the main message.”

He’s been impressed with the staff in South Bend.

“They're really good people,” he says. “I got a chance to meet them in person. I'll get a chance to meet Coach Freeman in person as well, but from what I've heard from on the phone and everything, they do seem like good people.”

Wiggins will get that chance to meet Freeman in person when he travels to Notre Dame for the Irish’s game against Florida State next week.

“Honestly, just being able to see some of the guys, some of the players and even the coaching staff; just the way they handle situations whatever may be,” he says of what he’s looking forward to most about the visit.

“Whether it be playing during the season or during the game or even off the field, how they carry themselves. Just taking notes.”

Florida State is another school that has interest beyond the Gators and he’s considering a trip to Tallahassee this fall, but hasn’t locked one in yet. 

Still, Wiggins remains committed to Florida.

“I guess just me being there for so long, being able to see everything with the players and even with the coaching staff, how they carry themselves on and off the field and just how they go about teaching the kids what it is to be more than just a football player and to be a man,” he says of why he still feels comfortable with the Gators. 

He tries not to pay too much attention to the talk surrounding Billy Napier’s job status as Florida head coach.

“People outside of the program, like many fans and many analysts will say many different things, but I try to look more into the program,” he says. “I try to get the facts that I know and what I can see from other coaches and even from Coach Napier himself, so I just kind of take it in that direction.”

One thing the Irish have in their favor is being able to make a strong case for what he values most. 

“Mainly just those two big factors of education and a high level of football,” he says of what will matter most when he’s making a final decision.

“I know the expectation for Notre Dame is always at the highest level when it comes to playing football, but then you also have to remember that education aspect too is a big part of it and being able to work for that degree there is something great.”

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