Notre Dame is set to sign 11 defensive players in the Class of 2026 today; 4 defensive linemen, 2 linebackers, 2 cornerbacks and 3 safeties.
Learn more about each here.
DT TIKI HOLA
VITALS
6’2, 285
Bastrop (Bastrop, Texas)
OFFERS
Arizona, Arizona State, Baylor, Boston College, Georgia, Houston, LSU, Miami, Michigan, Oklahoma State, Oregon, SMU, TCU, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, USC
RANKING
ISD: 91 (4-star)
247: 88 (3-star)
Rivals: 87 (3-star)
ESPN: 82 (4-star)
Composite: 89.5 (3-star)
RECRUITMENT RUNDOWN
This one came down to Notre Dame making Hola feel loved and wanted. There was a strong push from SMU to land the Texas native, but a spring visit from Al Washington and Nick Sebastian secured his commitment. Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa also played a key role here.
ISD EXPERT JAMIE UYEYAMA
I see Hola as a nose tackle and think he has the potential to develop into a stud against the run. I love his punch and his motor. At 285 with his arm length, I see no issues with him getting to 300+ at Notre Dame and carry that well.
I don’t know if he’ll ever become a high impact pass rusher, but his motor and the violence he plays should translate very well. I see a lot of similarities to former Notre Dame DT Kurt Hinish, a multi-year starter and culture-setter for the Irish. Hola can be a bigger version of Hinish, but he’ll play with the same mentality.
DE RODNEY DUNHAM
VITALS
6’4, 230
Myers Park (Charlotte, N.C.)
OFFERS
Auburn, Duke, Florida State, Georgia, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, South Florida, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Wisconsin
RANKING
ISD: 98 (5-star)
247: 98 (5-star)
Rivals: 98 (5-star)
ESPN: 86 (4-star)
Composite: 95.7 (4-star)
RECRUITMENT RUNDOWN
A top-of-the-board type prospect from the start, the Irish made Dunham a priority early and it paid off. He was offered on Pot of Gold Day in 2024 and visited for that year’s spring game a month later. He was back on campus this past March and the Irish surged to the top of the list over schools like Georgia, Tennessee, Duke and South Carolina. He’d planned to take officials to each, but instead set a commitment date in April. He chose the Irish and never looked back.
ISD EXPERT JAMIE UYEYAMA
Dunham has a chance to become one of the top edge defenders in the country and it might not take that long for it to happen. He has the kind of talent that should allow him to step onto campus and immediately place himself in the mix to play as a true freshman. And he hasn’t even turned 18 yet.
The sky's the limit for him as a pass rusher. The combination of twitch, motor, and reactive athleticism is special and though he still has a lot of physical development to do, it’s going to be scary when puts it all together. Dunham has the tools to develop into a first round pick in the NFL Draft.
FAVORITE ISD QUOTE
“From being there, I just thought it was the best place for me. I felt at home when I was there. I just feel like that's the best outcome for me and the people who are there as well.”
DE EBENEZER EWETADE
VITALS
6’4, 230
South Garner (Garner, N.C.)
OFFERS
Alabama, Auburn, Duke, Florida State, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Louisville, Miami, Michigan State, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue, South Carolina, Wake Forest, Virginia Tech
RANKING
ISD: 91 (4-star)
247: 93 (4-star)
Rivals: 97 (4-star)
ESPN: 81 (4-star)
Composite: 90.4 (4-star)
RECRUITMENT RUNDOWN
The four-star prospect had to show patience. Notre Dame didn't offer early like most programs, but it recruited him harder than programs that did. There was a small academic issue that needed to be cleared up, which was out of Ewetade's hands, and it did. Once he got the green light, Ewetade ended his recruitment.
ISD EXPERT JAMIE UYEYAMA
Ewetade has elite tools and those will only stand out more as he physically matures and gets stronger. There’s a reason why a program like Georgia was also in pursuit of him. He has the traits to develop into a certified “dude” and he showed that during his senior season.
There may not be a twitchier edge prospect in the recruiting cycle and his ceiling is just as high as Rodney Dunham in my opinion. It may not happen for him instantly at Notre Dame as he still is relatively inexperienced playing football, but I believe he has first round potential in his future if he puts it all together.
FAVORITE ISD QUOTE
“This is a far place from home. It gives me an opportunity to do stuff for myself. And historically, it's a good school with good academics, where I can get a good degree.”
DE ELIJAH GOLDEN
VITALS
6’4, 275
Cardinal Mooney (Sarasota, Fla.)
OFFERS
Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Colorado, Duke, Florida, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Illinois, Indiana, Louisville, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State, North Carolina, NC State, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Oregon, Penn State, Pitt, South Carolina, Stanford, Syracuse, Texas, Texas A&M, Vanderbilt, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, West Virginia
RANKING
ISD: 92 (4-star)
247: 92 (4-star)
Rivals: 91 (4-star)
ESPN: 83 (4-star)
Composite: 93.8 (4-star)
RECRUITMENT RUNDOWN
The final commitment of the 2026 class came in August and help provide at least some drama to what had been a cycle light on drama leading up to it. It felt like the Irish led for Golden for months, if not over a year. Alabama made a late push and so did Oklahoma, still things seemed to be trending heavily toward Notre Dame leading into his July announcement. And then, he pushed that announcement back a couple of weeks and things seemed precarious. But, in the end, nothing changed and he chose the Irish.
ISD EXPERT JAMIE UYEYAMA
The reason why Golden is such a coveted prospect for Notre Dame and other blue-bloods like Alabama and Oklahoma has everything to do with his ceiling. His length combined with his quickness can help him develop into a disruptive player who can create the kind of havoc that every defense craves.
He has the frame to grow into an absolute beast. I think we’ll likely see a similar trajectory as former Notre Dame defensive tackle Rylie Mills in a lot of ways. Mills had a lot of big time traits as well and added significant weight at Notre Dame, but needed some time to develop his overall game.
Golden has big time potential if he puts in the work to get there. The film and production (double digit sacks) from his senior season are evidence that he is on the right track to get there at Notre Dame.
FAVORITE ISD QUOTE
“I have a great relationship with the whole coach staff. And not just the coaches, but the whole recruiting department and everybody. I feel like it's the best fit for me. Those are the people you're going to be spending your time with when you're there.”
LB JAKOBE CLAPPER
VITALS
6’2, 210
St. Xavier (Cincinnati, Ohio)
OFFERS
Boston College, Cincinnati, Duke, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisville, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, Purdue, Rutgers, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, West Virginia, Wisconsin
RANKING
ISD: 91 (4-star)
247: 89 (3-star)
Rivals: 89 (3-star)
ESPN: 78 (3-star)
Composite: 89.5 (3-star)
RECRUITMENT RUNDOWN
This one was a little dramatic because Clapper didn't really give many interviews and kept to himself. Notre Dame felt it had a large lead for most of the process, but Clapper never officially pulled the trigger on committing. Clapper did come through and committed in May.
ISD EXPERT JAMIE UYEYAMA
Everyone has a tendency to over rely on athletic testing and traits when it comes to evaluating prospects. The film sometimes gets overshadowed in the process, but not for programs like Ohio State, Michigan, and Oregon. Those are three top tier programs who also offered Clapper in addition to Notre Dame.
The film and production against good competition doesn’t lie. Clapper is a heck of a football player who does a lot of things really well. The thing he is elite at is finding the football and there is nothing more important for a linebacker.
I think he’s someone who has the football intelligence to compete early at Notre Dame. It’s always going to be a battle for playing time at linebacker with the way the Irish have recruited the position, but the film and production tell me he’s the kind of kid who can outplay his ranking.
LB THOMAS DAVIS JR.
VITALS
6’2, 220
Weddington (Matthews, N.C.)
OFFERS
Auburn, Boston College, Clemson, Indiana, Georgia, LSU, Miami, Michigan, Mississippi State, Missouri, NC State, North Carolina, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas A&M, UCLA, USC, Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, West Virginia, Wisconsin
RANKING
ISD: 92 (4-star)
247: 90 (4-star)
Rivals: 89 (3-star)
ESPN: 82 (4-star)
Composite: 91.8 (4-star)
RECRUITMENT RUNDOWN
This is another example of Notre Dame pushing early and being rewarded. The Irish staff prioritized Davis while other teams waited on others or slow-played him. Davis was a priority from day one and Davis showed love in return by getting to South Bend often in his recruiting process.
ISD EXPERT JAMIE UYEYAMA
Davis is long, athletic, and can be a violent hitter. In other words, he fits the mold of a Notre Dame linebacker. The coaching staff has had success with the sons of former NFL players and they’ve added another exciting prospect in Davis.
He has scheme versatility and has the tools to develop into a three-down linebacker and high-level starter for the Irish.
FAVORITE ISD QUOTE
“You come to a place like this for a reason, to be the best on and off the field. It's not for everyone, obviously.”
CB KHARY ADAMS
VITALS
6’0, 200
Loyola Blakefield (Baltimore, Md.)
OFFERS
Arizona, Auburn, Georgia Tech, Indiana, Kentucky, LSU, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, NC State, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Penn State, Pitt, Rutgers, South Carolina, Syracuse, Tennessee, USC, Virginia, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Wisconsin
RANKING
ISD: 95 (4-star)
247: 96 (4-star)
Rivals: 97 (4-star)
ESPN: 87 (4-star)
Composite: 93.6 (4-star)
RECRUITMENT RUNDOWN
From the start, it was obvious Notre Dame was going to have a good chance at landing Adams, but just how good wasn’t always clear. As time went on, though, the fit at Notre Dame became more and more obvious and even as programs like Oregon and Penn State made all-in pushes, the Irish remained confident and landed him following his June official visit.
ISD EXPERT JAMIE UYEYAMA
Adams checks just about all of the boxes when it comes to elite traits. The list of players as long as he is who can run like him is very short. He also has two-way ability that is reminiscent of current Notre Dame freshman Dallas Golden, but Adams is simply a bigger version of that.
He has easy speed as an athlete and I really liked his progress on the field as a senior. I think he has the tools and compete level to jump into the mix from the day he steps foot on campus at Notre Dame.
Adams has the potential to develop into an elite man coverage corner for the Irish and is another top tier talent that Mike Mickens will get to work with.
FAVORITE ISD QUOTE
“It was always Notre Dame in the back of my mind. I loved Penn State, but it was just a feeling I got. I would just say it's special.”
CB CHASTON SMITH
VITALS
6’2, 175
Knoxville Catholic (Knoxville, Tenn.)
OFFERS
Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Georgia Tech, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisville, LSU, Michigan, Michigan State, Missouri, Nebraska, Ole Miss, Oregon, Penn State, Purdue, South Florida, Tennessee, Texas A&M, USC, Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Wisconsin
RANKING
ISD: 91 (4-star)
247: 91 (4-star)
Rivals: 94 (4-star)
ESPN: 78 (3-star)
Composite: 90.1 (4-star)
RECRUITMENT RUNDOWN
Smith had one of the more surprising commitments of the cycle as he committed early and after just one visit. There were rumblings hours before he gave his pledge as he was making his commitment video and Notre Dame was the choice. When Mike Mickens wants a recruit, he often gets that recruit and that's no different here.
ISD EXPERT JAMIE UYEYAMA
Smith is another corner with size and length with projectable NFL traits. He has the skill set and physical profile that fits perfectly into Notre Dame’s defense and has the potential to develop into yet another high-level corner for the Irish. They just keep stacking them up.
He’s probably overshadowed because of the quality they have at defensive back in the class, but Smith is a big time prospect and with a super high ceiling.
FAVORITE ISD QUOTE
“They put me in a great position with what it means to have a scholarship from Notre Dame with what that can mean for me after football. It can also set me up for the NFL. They’ve put great guys in The League. Coach Mickens has coached a lot of great DBs in the past, so that’s something I want to be a part of.”
S JOEY O’BRIEN
VITALS
6’0, 200
La Salle College (Philadelphia, Pa.)
OFFERS
Alabama, Boston College, Clemson, Duke, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Michigan State, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Oregon, Penn State, South Florida, Syracuse, Temple, Tennessee, Toledo, UCLA, Virginia Tech, West Virginia
RANKING
ISD: 95 (4-star)
247: 98 (5-star)
Rivals: 97 (4-star)
ESPN: 84 (4-star)
Composite: 94.7 (4-star)
RECRUITMENT RUNDOWN
This one was all over the place for months, but Notre Dame was the one constant. Clemson and Oregon made this one interesting as both had the lead at certain times, but the relationships and 2026 recruiting class proved to be the difference for O'Brien, who admittedly had a hard time telling folks 'no.' When push came to shove, Notre Dame delivered and landed the unicorn of the entire recruiting class.
ISD EXPERT JAMIE UYEYAMA
O’Brien has the skill set to play corner and that’s one thing what makes him an outstanding prospect as a safety. He can do multiple things at a high level and has the tools to become a chess piece for Notre Dame’s defense.
I see a lot of things in his game that could see him flip roles depending on the matchup in a given week and he can become a big time playmaker in subpackages as well.
Kyle Hamilton sets a high bar in terms of what kind of prospect he was in high school and the player he became at Notre Dame. O’Brien’s stature and talent are enough to warrant a comparison, though. I think Hamilton was a slightly better prospect at this same stage as a recruit, but O’Brien can be the same kind of versatile playmaker and potentially play at an All-American level.
S AYDEN POUNCEY
VITALS
6’3, 175
Winter Park (Winter Park, Fla.)
OFFERS
Arkansas, Boston College, Cincinnati, Duke, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Illinois, Louisville, Miami, Missouri, NC State, Ole Miss, Oregon, Penn State, Pitt, Purdue, South Carolina, South Florida, Syracuse, Tennessee, Texas A&M, West Virginia, Wisconsin
RANKING
ISD: 91 (4-star)
247: 96 (4-star)
Rivals: 94 (4-star)
ESPN: 82 (4-star)
Composite: 91.1 (4-star)
RECRUITMENT RUNDOWN
Notre Dame finally landed a Pouncey. The Irish offered his two older brothers, but the third time's the charm. Pouncey took two unofficial visit sin the spring and it became very apparent the Irish were the team to beat. A few days after his second trip, Pouncey gave his pledge the Irish and never backed away from it.
ISD EXPERT JAMIE UYEYAMA
Pouncey was already an outstanding prospect when he committed to Notre Dame, but he took his game to another level as a senior. He’s absolutely one of the best safety prospects in the country.
His ability to diagnose plays in coverage, the violence he brings, and exceptional athleticism and ball skills make him someone who could play multiple roles in Notre Dame’s secondary. I think he is a special talent who could develop into a havoc machine for the Irish.
S NICHOLAS REDDISH
VITALS
5’11, 180
Independence (Charlotte, N.C.)
OFFERS
Cincinnati, Duke, Louisville, Missouri, NC State, North Carolina, Ole Miss, Tennessee, USC, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, Wisconsin
RANKING
ISD: 89 (3-star)
247: 88 (3-star)
Rivals: 87 (3-star)
ESPN: 77 (3-star)
Composite: 88.3 (3-star)
RECRUITMENT RUNDOWN
Notre Dame was always in a good spot for Reddish because the Irish stuck by him after a devastating injury his junior year. There were times when it seemed the Irish were locks to land him, but in the end, schools like Virginia Tech, Wisconsin and Indiana made strong bids as well. The Hokies were always seen as the biggest threat, partially because his brothers played in the program, but in the end, we were told their overall experience with college football and players and coaches only helped Reddish choose the Irish.
ISD EXPERT JAMIE UYEYAMA
Reddish has the toughness, intelligence, and overall ability to develop into a good nickel defender in addition to playing safety.
I see a lot of Matthias Farley in Reddish’s game. Farley was one of the more underappreciated Notre Dame defenders in recent memory and a multi-year starter at safety and nickel. He had double digit havoc plays as a nickel in 2014 and though he never wowed anyone with his physical traits, he had a much better college career than some other flashier defensive backs that were his teammates. He also played eight years in the NFL after Notre Dame.
FAVORITE ISD QUOTE
“It was definitely the legacy. That's definitely probably the biggest part of the school, the history behind it. I'm beyond blessed to have this whole journey unfold and see where it takes me.”
