Elite 2028 DE Jackson Vaughn Excited For Notre Dame Return

Notre Dame got one of the truly elite prospects in the Class of 2028 over the summer and he’ll be coming back this weekend.

2028 New Jersey edge defender Jackson Vaughn‍ camped at Notre Dame back in June and will return to campus for this weekend’s home opener against Texas A&M.

“I would say I'm most excited to see the game atmosphere,” the 6-foot-3, 225-pounder told Irish Sports Daily. 

“I wasn't able to go for a game. I was there for camp, so I got to see the facilities and all. But I would say I'm most excited to see what it's like for a gameday.”

The Bergen Catholic star says his interest in the Irish goes beyond football. 

“I would definitely say that academics play a huge part,” he said. “Just being to put top academics with top football, not many schools have that and can offer that. 

“Even from a networking standpoint, Notre Dame has a great network for after football stuff along with great football.”

Vaughn already has a lengthy and impressive list of scholarship offers that includes Notre Dame, Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State, Florida, Florida State, Miami, LSU, Texas, Texas A&M, USC, Oregon and Washington among several others. 

Vaughn’s first trip to South Bend was extremely positive.

“I loved it, honestly,” he said. “I thought it was pretty cool. I got to learn a lot about the culture and the history of Notre Dame and things like that.”

He also enjoyed the opportunity to work with Irish defensive line coach Al Washington and defensive line assistant Nick Sebastian.

“I liked their coaching styles,” said Vaughn. “They're high-energy guys. Coach Washington is always following us around. He's very into his practice. That's how I like to be coached.”

This weekend’s trip will be Vaughn’s first of the fall, but not his last. 

“I have a couple lined up. I'm not sure what order. I know I'm going to the All-White game at Penn State. There are a few more games I’m going to, but I'm just not sure.”