Notre Dame Defensive Line Target Elijah Golden Reveals Finalists And Sets Commitment Date As Recruitment Nears Crucial Conclusion

The recruitment of one of the nation’s most coveted defensive linemen is entering its final, decisive chapter. Elijah Golden, a dominant four-star defensive line prospect out of Texas, has not only narrowed his list of finalists but has also set a commitment date that could significantly impact the trajectory of Notre Dame’s 2025 recruiting class.

For Marcus Freeman and the Irish, Golden has been a priority target for months—and for good reason. Standing at 6-foot-4, 275 pounds with an explosive first step, Golden embodies the kind of versatile, disruptive defensive lineman that has fueled the resurgence of elite defenses across college football. Now, Notre Dame fans are holding their breath as Golden prepares to make his future official.

Golden announced late Monday night via social media that his final list consists of Notre Dame, Texas, Alabama, Oklahoma, and LSU. He plans to reveal his commitment decision on July 28, just days before the start of his senior season at Cedar Hill High School. The announcement will be made during a live stream from his high school auditorium, where friends, family, coaches, and media are expected to be present.

For Notre Dame, making the final five is a testament to the relationships Freeman’s staff has built with Golden over the past year. Defensive line coach Al Washington and defensive coordinator Al Golden (no relation) have both been heavily involved in the recruitment, making multiple trips to Texas during the spring evaluation period and hosting Golden in South Bend for an official visit earlier this month.

That visit to Notre Dame appears to have significantly boosted the Irish’s standing in Golden’s recruitment. Sources close to Golden indicate that he came away impressed by the combination of elite academics, tradition, player development, and the family atmosphere Freeman has cultivated within the program. The trip included meetings with position coaches, film sessions analyzing how Golden would fit into Notre Dame’s defensive scheme, and ample time with current players.

Golden’s official visit reportedly left him with a favorable impression, particularly regarding the opportunity for early playing time and the development pipeline Notre Dame has established for defensive linemen heading to the NFL. With former Irish standouts like Isaiah Foskey and Jerry Tillery carving out NFL careers, Notre Dame’s recent track record speaks volumes to recruits like Golden seeking both short-term impact and long-term professional opportunities.

However, Notre Dame faces stiff competition from blue-blood programs entrenched in Golden’s final list. Texas, in particular, presents a formidable in-state option for Golden, with the Longhorns pushing hard to keep him close to home. Steve Sarkisian’s staff has made Golden one of its top defensive priorities, selling the vision of returning Texas to national prominence in the SEC. Golden has visited Austin multiple times, and proximity to family remains a factor.

Alabama, with its championship pedigree and reputation for developing defensive linemen, cannot be discounted either. Despite the coaching transition from Nick Saban to Kalen DeBoer, the Crimson Tide remain firmly in contention. DeBoer and his defensive staff have emphasized Golden’s fit in Alabama’s evolving defensive front, where his versatility to play multiple techniques is highly valued.

LSU and Oklahoma round out the finalists, each with their unique selling points. The Tigers boast a legacy of producing elite defensive linemen, and Brian Kelly’s familiarity with Notre Dame could play an intriguing role. Meanwhile, Oklahoma’s move to the SEC has added juice to Brent Venables’ recruiting efforts, with Golden seen as a potential cornerstone for the Sooners’ defensive rebuild.

As July 28 approaches, industry experts suggest Notre Dame and Texas appear to be the frontrunners, though Alabama lurks as a significant wildcard. Several recruiting analysts have noted that Golden is playing his cards close to the vest, making any firm predictions premature. The next few weeks will be critical as staffs from all five programs make their final pitches.

Golden’s recruitment has been closely followed not only because of his talent but also due to his potential to anchor a defensive line class that could elevate Notre Dame’s overall defensive ceiling. The Irish are already building one of the nation’s top defensive hauls, with commitments from blue-chip linebacker Nathaniel Taylor and rising defensive end Carter Sims. Adding Golden would represent a marquee addition and further solidify Notre Dame’s presence in Texas—a state Freeman’s staff has aggressively targeted.

From a football standpoint, Golden projects as an immediate-impact player with the ability to line up across the defensive front. His blend of size, quickness, and power makes him a matchup nightmare for offensive linemen. Evaluators have praised his hand technique, motor, and football IQ, noting that he plays with a relentless edge that fits the DNA of an elite defense.

Golden’s versatility also provides schematic flexibility. At Notre Dame, he could line up as a three-technique defensive tackle in passing situations, kick outside as a strongside defensive end, or even operate as a hybrid interior disruptor, depending on the formation. His skill set aligns with the multiple fronts Freeman and Al Golden prefer, making him an ideal fit.

The next three weeks leading to his decision will be a frenzy of final evaluations, conversations with family, and, inevitably, mounting pressure from fanbases eager to land a game-changing prospect. For Notre Dame, securing Golden’s commitment would be a statement of intent—not only reinforcing their defensive line depth but also reaffirming their ability to compete head-to-head with SEC powers and regional heavyweights for elite talent.

Regardless of his decision, Golden’s recruitment underscores the competitive nature of high-level college football recruiting in 2025. As defensive linemen capable of disrupting offenses become increasingly valuable, programs like Notre Dame must continue stacking talent capable of winning battles in the trenches. Elijah Golden represents more than just another highly-rated recruit—he’s the kind of player who can help define the future of a defense.

With July 28 circled on the calendar, Notre Dame’s coaching staff, fans, and fellow commits will be watching closely, hopeful that Golden’s journey leads to South Bend. Whether the Irish ultimately secure his pledge remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Elijah Golden’s upcoming decision has the potential to shake up the recruiting landscape and provide Notre Dame with yet another critical building block in its quest for championship contention.