According to the 2025 recruiting class rankings, Marcus Freeman leads Notre Dame to the top spot, followed by Ohio State, Clemson, and Alabama. Notre Dame’s recruiting prowess and top development are reflected in its momentum.

The landscape of college football recruiting has evolved over the years, becoming a cornerstone for the success of any program. In 2025, the recruiting class rankings are a testament to the growing prowess of several elite football programs, but none stand out more than the remarkable success of Marcus Freeman’s Notre Dame Fighting Irish. As the 2025 recruiting class rankings have placed Notre Dame at the top, ahead of traditional powerhouses like Ohio State, Clemson, and Alabama, it’s clear that Freeman’s leadership has shifted the paradigm for the Fighting Irish.

The Rise of Marcus Freeman and Notre Dame’s Recruiting Dominance

Marcus Freeman, who took over as head coach of Notre Dame in 2021, has already begun to etch his legacy into the program’s history. Coming off the success of Brian Kelly’s tenure, which included regular playoff appearances and a consistent top-10 recruiting class, Freeman faced the enormous task of building on that foundation while also creating his own identity. What Freeman has achieved in a short time is nothing short of extraordinary.

In a landscape where recruiting is often driven by tradition, prestige, and historical success, Freeman has taken Notre Dame to the top of the rankings, showing that the Fighting Irish can stand toe-to-toe with the likes of Ohio State, Alabama, and Clemson. His ability to attract top-tier talent speaks volumes not just about his coaching abilities but also about his vision for the program and its future.

Freeman’s impact on recruiting goes beyond simply bringing in high-profile players. He has cultivated a culture of trust, development, and opportunity that resonates deeply with recruits. Notre Dame, a school traditionally known for its academic rigor, has often found itself in a tug-of-war with schools offering more appealing on-campus facilities or closer proximity to top recruiting hotbeds. However, Freeman has made it clear that Notre Dame offers something unique: a balance between elite athletics and academics, with the added promise of development into both an outstanding football player and an individual capable of thriving in life after football.

A New Era of Recruiting for Notre Dame

Notre Dame’s recruitment strategy has evolved significantly since Freeman’s arrival. For years, Notre Dame has had the challenge of convincing top recruits to commit to a program located in South Bend, Indiana—far from the recruiting epicenters in Florida, Texas, and California. Under Freeman, however, the Irish have managed to counter this geographical disadvantage by leaning into the strengths that make Notre Dame unique: its academic prestige, rich football tradition, and proximity to NFL scouts who are drawn to the program’s ability to develop players.

Recruiting rankings reflect these shifts. The 2025 recruiting class features an impressive mix of elite prospects across all positions, including top-five players in the country. Freeman’s ability to land these recruits is not just a testament to his recruiting acumen but also to the system he is building. A system where players know they will be developed not just to play for Notre Dame but to succeed in the NFL and beyond.

Notre Dame has also redefined the idea of “development” in a way that aligns with Freeman’s emphasis on a holistic approach to player growth. While many programs focus heavily on short-term goals and immediate success, Freeman’s recruiting pitch to prospects often includes the promise of preparing them for both the gridiron and life outside of football. This resonates with the growing number of recruits who value both athletic success and life after football, making Notre Dame an attractive destination for both on-field success and academic achievement.

The Key Ingredients Behind Notre Dame’s 2025 Recruiting Success

Several factors have contributed to Notre Dame’s top recruiting class in 2025, with Freeman’s leadership at the forefront. These include:

1. Recruiting Strategy and Staff Stability Freeman has assembled a strong coaching staff that has remained relatively stable since his arrival, creating a sense of continuity and trust within the program. Stability in coaching staff is crucial in maintaining a high level of success in recruiting, and Freeman’s staff has been excellent at building relationships with high school coaches and recruits.

   Freeman’s background as a former player and defensive coordinator has allowed him to connect with recruits on a deeper level. His understanding of what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of college football and his ability to communicate that vision to prospective players has been integral to Notre Dame’s rise to the top.

2. Player Development and NFL Pipeline Notre Dame has long been known as a program that develops players well and sends them to the NFL. Under Freeman, this reputation has only strengthened. Recruits understand that they will not only have an opportunity to compete for championships but will also be groomed for successful careers in the NFL.

   Notre Dame’s NFL pipeline has been one of the key factors in attracting recruits. The Fighting Irish have been sending a consistent stream of talent to the pros, and Freeman’s emphasis on development—especially on the defensive side of the ball—has been a huge selling point for top prospects.

3. Academic Prestige Notre Dame has long had one of the most respected academic institutions in the country, and Freeman has embraced the school’s commitment to balancing athletics with academics. Recruits who choose Notre Dame know they will be receiving an elite education while also playing at the highest level of college football. This combination of academics and athletics is a major draw for high-caliber student-athletes looking to prepare for life after football.

   Freeman’s success in selling this combination has enabled Notre Dame to maintain its elite recruiting rankings while other schools may rely more heavily on football-centric offers. Freeman has ensured that this balance between academics and athletics continues to be a focal point for the program.

4. Cultural and Programmatic Changes Freeman’s leadership has brought about a cultural shift within the program. His energy and enthusiasm have resonated with both players and recruits alike. This shift goes beyond football and into the broader culture of Notre Dame, where Freeman has emphasized the importance of unity, discipline, and mental toughness.

   Freeman’s personal values align with what many recruits and their families are looking for: a program that develops young men both on and off the field. Recruits who may have previously been unsure about Notre Dame’s fit are now seeing the program’s commitment to developing them as complete individuals, not just football players.

Competition from Ohio State, Clemson, and Alabama

While Notre Dame has taken the top spot in the 2025 recruiting class rankings, it has done so in the face of fierce competition from some of the most successful programs in college football: Ohio State, Clemson, and Alabama. These programs have long been recruiting powerhouses, and their ability to consistently land elite classes speaks to their pedigree and appeal.

• Ohio State: Led by Ryan Day, Ohio State has been a perennial powerhouse on the recruiting trail. The Buckeyes’ ability to attract talent has been unmatched in recent years, with the team often boasting top-five recruiting classes. Ohio State’s presence in the Midwest also gives them a geographical advantage when it comes to recruiting players from the region, and Freeman and his staff will have to continue to out-recruit the Buckeyes to maintain their spot at the top.
• Clemson: Clemson, under Dabo Swinney, has been another recruiting juggernaut, particularly in the Southeast region. The Tigers’ recent national championship successes and their ability to develop talent have made them a top destination for elite recruits. Clemson’s impressive facilities, combined with Swinney’s leadership, continue to make them one of the top competitors for Notre Dame.
• Alabama: Led by Nick Saban, Alabama has long been the gold standard of college football recruiting. The Crimson Tide’s ability to land top talent year after year is unmatched, and their pedigree for winning championships is a major selling point for recruits. Alabama’s dominance in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and its ability to develop top NFL talent makes them one of the biggest hurdles for Notre Dame.

While these schools continue to be formidable competitors in recruiting, Notre Dame’s success in the 2025 class demonstrates that Freeman has managed to carve out a new niche for the Fighting Irish. His ability to balance the academic and athletic components of the program, along with his recruiting strategy, has positioned Notre Dame as a top contender, not just in the rankings but in the national spotlight.

Looking Ahead: Notre Dame’s Momentum and Future Success

The 2025 recruiting class is a crucial milestone for Marcus Freeman and Notre Dame, but it is only the beginning. The momentum generated by this class provides a strong foundation for the future of the program. As Freeman continues to build upon this success, the Fighting Irish are well-positioned to compete for national championships in the coming years.

Freeman’s approach to recruiting and program development has reshaped Notre Dame’s trajectory in the world of college football. The top-ranking 2025 class is a testament to his ability to build relationships, foster a culture of excellence, and attract top talent to South Bend. As long as Freeman remains at the helm, Notre Dame’s recruiting prowess and success will likely continue to grow, making the Fighting Irish one of the premier programs in college football for years to come.

In a recruiting battle that includes heavyweights like Ohio State, Clemson, and Alabama, Notre Dame’s ascension to the top reflects not only Marcus Freeman’s outstanding leadership but also the bright future that lies ahead for the Fighting Irish.