Notre Dame Football Expected To Land Electric Edge Rusher From Indiana After Elite Quarterback Teddy Jarrard Commits To Irish

Notre Dame football just made a monumental leap toward solidifying its 2026 recruiting class—and it might be far from done. On the heels of securing a commitment from five-star quarterback Teddy Jarrard, widely regarded as one of the best high school signal callers in the nation, momentum is shifting dramatically in favor of the Fighting Irish on the recruiting trail. Now, the program is reportedly on the verge of adding another elite piece to its growing puzzle: a dynamic edge rusher who’s blossomed just a few hours down the road from South Bend.

Multiple recruiting insiders have pointed to the likelihood that four-star defensive end DeShawn “DJ” Mitchell—an explosive pass rusher out of Warren Central High School in Indianapolis—is leaning heavily toward Notre Dame, with a commitment potentially imminent. Mitchell, ranked as the No. 5 edge rusher in the country and a top-50 overall prospect in the 2026 class, has long been viewed as a national recruit with offers from Georgia, Ohio State, Michigan, and Alabama.

However, the Irish have surged to the front of the pack in recent weeks. What changed? Quite a lot—and fast.

Mitchell was one of the many top defensive targets in attendance at the Irish’s “Grill & Chill” recruiting event earlier this month. According to several on-site observers, he left campus energized and increasingly comfortable with the direction of Notre Dame’s defense under coordinator Al Golden. But the real turning point may have been the commitment of Teddy Jarrard, who announced his pledge to Notre Dame just days after his visit.

Jarrard, a five-star phenom out of Buford High School in Georgia, is seen as the crown jewel of the 2026 class so far. With his rocket arm, dual-threat capabilities, and quiet confidence, he’s been compared by some scouts to a young Josh Allen. But perhaps more importantly for Notre Dame’s recruiting outlook, Jarrard’s commitment appears to have ignited a domino effect—and DJ Mitchell might be next.

“Teddy’s decision sends a message,” said recruiting analyst Steve Wiltfong. “It tells the top talent across the country that Notre Dame is serious about winning at the highest level. And for guys like DJ Mitchell, who were already high on the Irish, it gives them one more reason to believe this is the right place to build something special.”

Mitchell and Jarrard have developed a close friendship on the camp circuit, and sources indicate the two have spoken several times in recent weeks about playing together at the next level. That bond could be the final nudge Mitchell needs to stay close to home and help anchor a class that is rapidly becoming one of the best in recent Notre Dame history.

The 6-foot-4, 240-pound Mitchell has the rare blend of twitch, power, and finishing ability that defensive line coaches crave. As a junior, he posted 18 sacks, 26 tackles for loss, and four forced fumbles against elite Indiana competition. His high motor and relentless pursuit have drawn comparisons to former Notre Dame greats like Isaiah Foskey and Justin Tuck.

But it’s not just production that has Irish coaches excited—it’s personality. Mitchell is known for his leadership, discipline, and passion for the game. According to his high school coach, he’s “the kind of guy who sets the tone in the weight room, in the film room, and in the locker room.”

That culture fit could prove just as valuable as his edge-bending explosiveness.

“Notre Dame doesn’t just recruit athletes—they recruit character,” said former Irish linebacker and current NBC Sports analyst Mike Goolsby. “DJ Mitchell fits that mold. He’s a difference-maker on and off the field. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s the next big commitment.”

Currently, Notre Dame’s 2026 class is ranked third nationally in the 247Sports composite team rankings, trailing only Georgia and Ohio State. The commitment of Mitchell could catapult the Irish even higher, especially given how positionally important elite edge rushers have become in modern college football.

The timing also aligns with Notre Dame’s recent push to develop more pressure off the edge after finishing in the middle of the pack in sack production last season. With Al Golden continuing to scheme aggressive fronts and defensive line coach Al Washington building strong relationships on the trail, Mitchell represents a plug-and-play solution to an urgent need.

If Notre Dame does land Mitchell in the coming weeks—as predicted by multiple recruiting services—it would mark the first time since 2013 that the Irish have secured both a five-star quarterback and a top-five pass rusher in the same class. That pairing could signal a return to national championship contention.

While nothing is official just yet, the signs are increasingly pointing toward South Bend.

“I think DJ’s heart has always been in the Midwest,” said Brian Smith, a recruiting insider with Irish Breakdown. “He loves his community in Indy, but Notre Dame gives him that chance to represent home on the biggest stage. When you combine that with Jarrard’s commitment and the relationships he’s built with the staff, it’s hard to see him going anywhere else.”

Mitchell has not set a public commitment date, but insiders believe a decision could come before the start of his senior season in early September. He is expected to return to campus for one more unofficial visit in mid-August, where Notre Dame hopes to lock things down for good.

For now, all eyes remain on DJ Mitchell—but thanks to Teddy Jarrard, the future in South Bend is already shining bright.

And if Notre Dame lands the ferocious pass rusher next, the Irish will have made yet another bold—and very local—statement in their quest for elite talent.