Notre Dame Commit Chaston Smith Reflects On Official Visit Experience, Expresses His Belief That South Bend Truly Felt Like Home

Notre Dame football continues to build one of the nation’s most promising recruiting classes, and one of its most vocal future stars, Chaston Smith, is already embracing everything about his next chapter in South Bend. The four-star linebacker from Conyers, Georgia, recently wrapped up his official visit to Notre Dame and couldn’t hide his excitement afterward, describing the experience with one simple but powerful phrase: “It felt like home.”

For Smith, who committed to Marcus Freeman and the Fighting Irish earlier this year, the visit wasn’t about being persuaded — his mind was already made up. Instead, it was about confirmation. And according to the hard-hitting Georgia native, every detail of the visit reaffirmed what he already believed: Notre Dame is the perfect place for him to develop as a football player, a student, and most importantly, a person.

“It felt like home the second I got there,” Smith shared in an interview following his visit. “The energy, the people, the coaches — everything lined up with what I was looking for. I knew I made the right decision, but being on campus made it even clearer.”

Smith’s commitment sent a strong message to the rest of college football when he announced it. Ranked among the top linebackers in the 2025 recruiting class, the 6-foot-2, 215-pound defender chose Notre Dame over heavyweights like Georgia, Alabama, and Florida. His combination of athleticism, physicality, and sideline-to-sideline range made him one of the most sought-after prospects in the South. But for Smith, the decision wasn’t just about football.

“It’s bigger than just the game for me,” he explained. “Notre Dame has always been a school that stands for something. The education, the tradition, the brotherhood — I’ve always respected that.”

During his official visit, Smith and his family had the opportunity to tour the academic facilities, meet with professors, and hear from current players about life as a student-athlete at Notre Dame. That exposure left a lasting impression, especially for someone who values life beyond the gridiron.

“My mom was big on making sure we asked questions about academics,” Smith said with a laugh. “She wanted to know everything — graduation rates, job placement, internships. Notre Dame checked every box for her, and honestly, that made me feel even better about my decision.”

But it wasn’t just the academic side that stood out. Smith had the chance to connect with members of Notre Dame’s 2025 recruiting class — a group that’s quickly building chemistry and establishing itself as one of the nation’s most unified groups of future Irish. Among the notable names Smith bonded with were elite safety Joey O’Brien, defensive lineman Caleb Williams, and wide receiver Malachi Jackson, all highly-rated players committed to the same vision of excellence in South Bend.

“We already have a group chat, and we’ve been building that brotherhood for months,” Smith revealed. “But getting to hang out with the guys in person, walk around campus, and imagine the future — it made it real. We want to win national championships together, but more than that, we want to grow together.”

Head coach Marcus Freeman has played a central role in Smith’s recruitment and overall comfort level with Notre Dame. Freeman, known for his energy, player-first mentality, and ability to connect with recruits on a personal level, made an immediate impression on Smith during the recruiting process. That relationship only deepened during the visit.

“Coach Freeman is real,” Smith stated bluntly. “He doesn’t sugarcoat anything. He tells you exactly what the expectations are, but he also makes sure you know he cares about you beyond football. That stood out to me from the first conversation.”

Freeman’s background as a former linebacker himself resonates deeply with Smith. The Notre Dame head coach understands the intricacies of the position — from the mental preparation to the physical demands — and that expertise is one of the key reasons Smith believes South Bend is the ideal place for his development.

“Having a head coach who played your position? That’s rare,” Smith emphasized. “He knows exactly what it takes to succeed, and he’s building a defense that plays fast, physical, and smart. That’s how I play, so it’s the perfect fit.”

Smith’s style of play has garnered praise from scouts and coaches across the country. His film is filled with explosive tackles, impressive pursuit angles, and an innate ability to diagnose plays before they unfold. Whether lining up inside or on the edge, Smith brings versatility to the linebacker position — a trait Notre Dame values highly in its evolving defensive scheme.

During his visit, Smith spent significant time with defensive coordinator Al Golden, who outlined the vision for Notre Dame’s defense in the coming years. For Smith, those conversations only heightened his excitement about his future role.

“Coach Golden broke it down for me — how they see me fitting in, the packages they want to use, the way I can impact games,” Smith explained. “It’s not just talk; they have a real plan, and I’m ready to be part of it.”

Another key moment from Smith’s official visit was walking through Notre Dame Stadium — an iconic venue steeped in tradition and history. For a kid from Georgia, the chance to stand on that field, envisioning future Saturdays filled with roaring crowds and high-stakes battles, made a lasting impact.

“When I stood on that field, I got chills,” Smith admitted. “You grow up watching games on TV, hearing about the legends, but when you’re there in person, it hits different. I imagined running out of that tunnel, wearing the gold helmet, representing my family and the university — that moment made everything feel real.”

As the recruiting process winds down for the 2025 class, Smith is now focused on finishing his high school career strong and preparing for the next level. But make no mistake — his commitment to Notre Dame is rock solid, and he’s actively working to help the Irish close out the class with even more elite talent.

“We’re building something special, and I want to help bring the right guys with me,” Smith said confidently. “This class is going to set the tone for the future, and I believe we can do big things together.”

Chaston Smith’s reflections on his official visit reveal more than just excitement; they reveal a young man grounded in his values, motivated by opportunity, and committed to making the most of his future in South Bend. For Notre Dame fans, his words provide a glimpse into the type of player and person joining the program — one driven by tradition, development, and the belief that Notre Dame truly feels like home.