Clemson’s Latest Staff Shakeup Could Open Door For Notre Dame To Land Priority Target In Fierce 2025 Recruiting Battle
The college football recruiting trail is as volatile and strategic as ever, with every coaching change, commitment flip, or program development creating ripple effects that can shift a prospect’s trajectory. That dynamic appears to be in full effect once again as recent news out of Clemson may have provided Notre Dame football with an unexpected but valuable advantage in the race for one of their top recruiting targets in the 2025 class. While nothing is final yet and recruiting decisions remain fluid, all signs point to Notre Dame gaining renewed momentum in their pursuit of an elite prospect who had long been trending toward Clemson—until now.
That prospect is four-star linebacker Nathaniel “Nate” Thomas, a top-100 national recruit out of Georgia, whose recruitment has been one of the most closely watched among defensive prospects in the 2025 cycle. A rangy, athletic, and instinctive player with sideline-to-sideline speed and the versatility to play inside or outside linebacker in multiple schemes, Thomas has been a high-priority target for both Clemson and Notre Dame for the better part of a year. And up until recently, it appeared that Clemson held a narrow lead, thanks largely to their longstanding relationship with former linebackers coach Wes Goodwin and the staff’s strong presence in the Southeast.
However, with recent staff changes at Clemson—including the reported resignation of Goodwin and a reshuffling of defensive responsibilities—Thomas’ recruitment has entered a new phase. Sources close to his recruitment indicate that the coaching change has led to a pause in communication, a re-evaluation of his options, and, most importantly, a renewed openness to other programs—especially Notre Dame, which has remained in close contact and maintained a consistent message throughout.
For Notre Dame, this shift could not have come at a better time. Defensive coordinator Al Golden and linebackers coach Max Bullough have made Thomas one of their top priorities, viewing him as a centerpiece of their 2025 defensive class. Golden’s NFL pedigree and Bullough’s relatability as a former standout linebacker himself have resonated strongly with Thomas and his family. More importantly, Notre Dame’s reputation for academic excellence and a proven track record of sending defensive players to the NFL have always kept them firmly in the mix—even when it seemed like Clemson was ahead.
Now, with Clemson facing a period of transition and uncertainty on the defensive side of the ball, Notre Dame’s stability and clarity of vision stand out even more. Thomas, who has spoken publicly about the importance of coaching continuity and player development, is said to be increasingly drawn to the consistent messaging and structure offered by the Irish staff. He has also reportedly formed strong bonds with current commits and Notre Dame players, particularly linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, a former elite recruit himself who has embraced a leadership role in the program and serves as an on-campus ambassador during visits.
Thomas has visited South Bend twice already, and a third visit could be in the works ahead of his late-summer decision timeline. His family has also made the trip, and sources say they were impressed not only with the football facilities but with the university’s overall commitment to education, faith, and player development. These factors align with the values Thomas and his inner circle prioritize, giving Notre Dame a unique edge.
Recruiting insiders also note that Notre Dame’s recent defensive performances on the field have not gone unnoticed. The Irish defense under Golden has been one of the most productive units in the nation, consistently ranking in the top ten in points allowed and showing the ability to develop players across all three levels. That level of production—combined with a clear path to early playing time in 2025, when several key starters are expected to graduate or enter the draft—has only made Notre Dame’s pitch stronger.
From a positional fit perspective, Thomas is exactly the type of player the Irish covet. He has the frame and athleticism to play Will or Mike linebacker, and his ability to drop into coverage and diagnose plays gives him value in both base and nickel packages. He’s also a vocal, high-energy leader—a trait that the Notre Dame staff believes will allow him to be an immediate culture fit in their locker room.
While Clemson is not out of the picture by any means—they remain a powerful recruiting brand with national pull—the instability on their coaching staff may have opened a door that Notre Dame is now sprinting through. Other schools, including Georgia Tech, Florida, and Tennessee, have continued to push, but none have matched the persistence and vision that Notre Dame has delivered since day one. The Irish have treated Thomas like a foundational player in the class—not just another name on the board—and that approach is now paying dividends.
Notre Dame’s 2025 recruiting class is already shaping up to be one of the strongest in the Marcus Freeman era, with a strong emphasis on building from the trenches out and maintaining a defensive identity. Landing a player like Thomas would not only add elite talent to that blueprint but also send a clear signal that Notre Dame is capable of winning key recruiting battles against fellow national powers. In the NIL era, where money talks but stability, development, and trust still matter, Notre Dame’s approach has stood out to families who value the full college experience.
This recruitment also holds added weight given Thomas’ location in Georgia—a region Notre Dame has been working hard to establish a firmer footprint in. While the Irish have long recruited nationally, cracking the Southeast pipeline has been an area of focus, and winning a battle like this one could pave the way for future successes in the region. It would be a statement not only to Thomas’ peers but to high school coaches and 7-on-7 circles that Notre Dame is serious about competing in SEC territory.
Looking ahead, the next several weeks will be pivotal. Thomas is expected to narrow his list, take one or two more visits, and potentially announce a commitment before the start of his senior season. Notre Dame is firmly in the mix, and momentum appears to be swinging in their favor. If they can close strong, it would be another major win for Marcus Freeman and his staff—a validation of their recruiting philosophy and their ability to capitalize when opportunity knocks.
It’s often said in recruiting that timing is everything. In this case, Clemson’s staff movement may have opened a crucial window. Notre Dame, to their credit, was already in position. Now, the focus turns to finishing the job, continuing the personal connections, and making sure that when Thomas announces his decision, he’s wearing blue and gold.
This moment could ultimately be remembered as a turning point in Thomas’ recruitment—and possibly in the ongoing recruiting chess match between two national programs. Clemson may regroup and rebound, but for now, it’s Notre Dame with the momentum, the clarity, and perhaps, soon, the commitment.
