Notre Dame Commit Roundup | Defense
Notre Dame’s 2025 and 2026 recruiting classes have expanded and contracted over the past few months, but they’ve always been packed with talented high school players with high ceilings as prospects for the next level.
Those talents have been on display across the country throughout the fall; here’s a look at exactly how the future Irish defensive players have performed during their high school seasons so far.
2025 Edge Chris Burgess, Chicago Simeon (IL)
Burgess has helped lead perennial power Simeon to a 7-1 record by being a force up front. On the season, Burgess has 86 tackles, including eight for a loss and five sacks. He has recorded eight quarterback hurries, forced a fumble, recovered another and knocked down a pass.
2025 DT Davion Dixon, Miami Palmetto (FL)
Likewise, Dixon has been a force all season for Palmetto, registering 55 tackles, including an eye-popping 19 behind the line of scrimmage. He’s also gotten after the quarterback, recording 7.5 sacks to go with five QB hurries. , 7.5 sacks, 5 QB pressures, 1 pass breakup, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery.
2025 DE Joseph Reiff, York (IL)
The Illinois native has recorded 33 tackles, including three for a loss. He only has one sack on the season, but has pressured the opposing quarterback 22 times.
2025 LB Dom Hulak, Immacule Conception (IL)
In just six games this season, Hulak has notched 26 tackles, including three for a loss and four sacks. He’s made an impact on offense as well with 11 catches for 132 yards and two touchdowns and special teams as kicker and punter.
2025 LB Ko'o Kia, Punahou (HI)
Kia’s Punahou squad is 4-4 through eight games and the future Irish linebacker has notched 73 tackles, including 13 for a loss with five pass breakups, a pair of QB hurries and a fumble recovery.
2025 LB Anthony Sacca, St. Joseph’s Prep (PA)
The talented future linebacker has helped lead his Philly prep school to a 6-2 record. On the season, Sacca has 41 tackles, including nine behind the line of scrimmage, 3.5 sacks, a forced fumble and five pass breakups.
2025 S JaDon Blair, Mount Tabor (NC)
Mount Tabor has won seven of its nine games this season with Blair making major impacts on both sides of the ball. The future Irish safety has 56 tackles thus far along with a pair of interceptions and three pass breakups. We were told he’d make an impact at receiver this season as well and he has done just that, catching 18 passes for 391 yards and six touchdowns.
2025 CB Dallas Golden, Berkeley Prep (FL)
Golden has made a larger impact on the offensive side of the ball than the defensive side of the ball this season, which isn’t a huge shock. The future Irish cornerback has rushed for 585 yards and three touchdowns on 86 carries along with 24 catches for 338 yards and two more scores.
2025 CB Mark Zackery IV, Ben Davis (IN)
Not surprisingly, Zackery has been a star for Ben Davis on offense and defense this season. The future Irish cornerback has 50 tackles, including five behind the line of scrimmage and six interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns. Offensively, Zackery has ualed in 46 passes for 730 yards and six more scores.
2025 CB Cree Thomas, Brophy Prep (AZ)
Thomas has helped lead Brophy to a 7-1 record this season, recording 19 tackles, two pass breakups, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and a sack.
2025 S Brandon Logan, Snider (IN)
One of the newest members of the class, Logan has been showcasing exactly why he became such a high priority for the Irish all fall. Through seven games, Logan has made 49 tackles and picked off four passes, including one he returned for a touchdown. He’s also recovered a fumble and returned a punt for a touchdown.
2025 S Ethan Long, Brunswick School (CT)
Long isn’t tested much on the backend of Brunswick’s defense, but has proven to be a force when the opportunities have presented themselves. A smooth, glider, Long has also been a weapon in special teams as a returner.
Columbia Navy/Green Notre Dame Fighting Irish Flanker III Fleece Team Full-Zip Jacket
