Notre Dame Recruiting Rolls as Freeman’s Class Explodes with Commitments and Crystal Balls in Best Cycle Yet for Irish

Notre Dame football fans have seen some exciting recruiting classes come together in years past, but what’s developing right now under head coach Marcus Freeman and his staff could very well be the most promising cycle in modern Irish history. A wave of momentum is sweeping through South Bend—and it doesn’t look like it’s slowing down any time soon.

The commitment of Jonaz Walton was already enough to raise eyebrows across the college football landscape. The four-star offensive lineman out of Georgia made it clear earlier this week that he’s shutting down his recruitment. His message was simple and confident: “I’m locked in.”

That phrase has now become the rallying cry of Notre Dame’s 2025 recruiting cycle.

Only hours after Walton’s declaration, another major piece fell into place. Thomas Davis Jr., a highly touted safety out of Virginia, echoed the same words: “I’m locked in.” Davis, known for his elite speed, natural instincts, and versatility in the secondary, made his commitment public and shut the door on all other offers.

Freeman’s staff, already praised for its relentless recruiting work, is putting together a masterpiece—and recruits are responding in kind. The energy surrounding the program is palpable. And what’s perhaps even more exciting for Irish fans is that this may only be the beginning.

In just the past 24 hours, crystal balls and expert predictions have come flooding in favor of Notre Dame for a handful of major targets. Joey O’Brien, a rangy linebacker with tremendous upside; Khary Adams, a defensive end with elite motor; Devin Fitzgerald, a ball-hawking corner; Nick Reddish, a dynamic wide receiver out of Texas; and Grayson McKeogh, a bruising offensive tackle who’s been climbing up the national boards—all of them have been forecasted to land in South Bend.

This kind of momentum is rare. Even among the bluebloods, assembling a class this early with this kind of traction is almost unheard of. It speaks volumes not only about the vision Freeman has sold to these young men but also about the unity of the coaching staff and the aggressive groundwork being laid far in advance of National Signing Day.

Take Walton, for example. The 6-foot-3, 295-pound interior lineman was heavily pursued by SEC programs and had multiple Big Ten offers. But Notre Dame stood out—not just because of its legacy or academics, but because Freeman and offensive line coach Joe Rudolph built a real relationship. Walton said it best when he remarked, “It’s more than football at Notre Dame. They care about me as a man.”

That sentiment was echoed by Davis Jr. as well. Known for his maturity and high football IQ, Davis told reporters that it wasn’t a difficult decision once he saw what Notre Dame offered. “They believe in development—in life and in football. I felt that every time I talked to Coach Freeman and Coach O’Leary.”

But what makes this class even more thrilling is the balance. It’s not just stacking stars for headline value—it’s building depth at key positions. Joey O’Brien projects as a game-changing inside linebacker. Khary Adams brings a relentless edge presence that can change momentum in a game. Fitzgerald and Reddish fill major needs in the secondary and at wideout, two spots Notre Dame must continue to stockpile talent if it wants to compete with the Georgias and Alabamas of the world.

And then there’s McKeogh. The offensive tackle has that rare blend of length, strength, and agility. The fact that Notre Dame leads for his services is a testament to the O-line tradition and the message the staff continues to preach: We build pros here.

The 2025 class is already showing signs of top-5 national potential. But even more importantly, it’s beginning to take shape as a brotherhood. These early commitments aren’t just names on paper—they’re vocal, driven young men recruiting other elite prospects to join them in South Bend.

Notre Dame has always had the brand, the academics, and the historic prestige. What’s changed in the Freeman era is the recruiting strategy: aggressive early evaluations, meaningful relationship-building, and an all-in culture that resonates with recruits. The energy feels different now. It’s faster, it’s more confident, and it’s producing real results.

There’s also a noticeable shift in public perception. Analysts who once viewed Notre Dame as a solid—but not elite—recruiting program are now putting the Irish in the same sentence as Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State. That matters. Recruits care about competing at the highest level, and when they see others choosing Notre Dame over traditional powers, it becomes a signal: This is where you can build something special.

Credit has to be given across the staff. Recruiting coordinator Chad Bowden has worked tirelessly behind the scenes, setting up visits, building relationships, and connecting dots across the country. Position coaches are not just waiting until official visits to make an impact—they’re traveling, calling, texting, and following through with intentionality.

And Coach Freeman? He’s the face of it all. Recruits trust him. Parents respect him. High school coaches admire his honesty and approach. There’s a quiet strength in the way Freeman carries the message of Notre Dame football—it’s not flashy, it’s not based on NIL headlines, but it’s grounded, visionary, and values-driven.

If this wave of commitments and predictions continues to roll in, the Irish are poised to sign one of the best classes in program history. And with that, the foundation for a true national title run in the next few years could be cemented.

It’s a statement being made in real-time—and it’s loud.

From Walton and Davis Jr. locking in, to the predictions for O’Brien, Adams, Fitzgerald, Reddish, and McKeogh, this cycle is fast becoming unforgettable. Freeman and his staff aren’t just recruiting—they’re building a future. And for Notre Dame fans everywhere, that future looks incredibly bright.

With more decisions expected in the coming weeks, don’t be surprised if this group goes down as the one that truly shifted the trajectory of Notre Dame football. This isn’t just a good class—it might be the one that changes everything.