Notre Dame in Final Six for Elite Georgia EDGE Recruit
Notre Dame’s recruiting momentum continues to build as the Fighting Irish remain firmly in contention for one of the most coveted defensive prospects in the 2025 recruiting cycle. An elite EDGE rusher from the state of Georgia has trimmed his list of potential college destinations down to six programs, and Notre Dame is among the finalists. This development signals not only Notre Dame’s aggressive push in the Southeast but also the mutual interest between one of college football’s most historic brands and one of the Peach State’s top high school defenders.
The recruit in question, whose explosive first step and relentless motor have made him a household name among college football scouts, has been a high-priority target for dozens of Power Five programs. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing around 240 pounds, the Georgia native has the kind of frame, athleticism, and production that project well at the college level and beyond. His blend of size and speed allows him to dominate both as a pass-rusher and a run defender, often overwhelming offensive tackles with his quickness off the edge and refined hand technique.
His junior season was one for the books. Racking up over 70 tackles, more than 20 of which were for loss, and double-digit sacks, the EDGE prospect wreaked havoc on opposing offenses every Friday night. Coaches across the country have taken notice, and his recruitment has mirrored that of a five-star prospect: loaded with offers, filled with campus visits, and closely monitored by fans and media alike.
Notre Dame’s inclusion in the final six represents more than a casual interest—it is a sign of how seriously the Irish are being taken in a recruitment loaded with bluebloods and Southeastern powerhouses. While the full list of contenders includes several schools closer to home, Notre Dame’s tradition, elite academic reputation, and ascending defensive scheme under head coach Marcus Freeman have clearly resonated with the standout recruit and his family.
Sources close to the recruitment indicate that Notre Dame has impressed the EDGE defender with its personalized approach, led by defensive line coach Al Washington and defensive coordinator Al Golden. The Irish have emphasized not only the football aspect of the decision but also the holistic development the university offers, including life after football and access to a prestigious alumni network. The player’s family is said to value education highly, and Notre Dame’s academic pedigree is believed to be a factor working in the school’s favor.
The Georgia recruit has already made an unofficial visit to South Bend earlier this year and is expected to return for an official visit this summer. His first trip to campus reportedly exceeded expectations. He toured the facilities, met with the coaching staff and players, and had a chance to see firsthand what the university is all about. According to multiple recruiting analysts, that visit helped solidify Notre Dame’s place among the finalists and gave the Irish a legitimate chance to land his commitment.
Notre Dame’s recent success on the recruiting trail, particularly on defense, has played a role in shaping the perception of the program among top-tier prospects. In the last few cycles, the Irish have landed multiple blue-chip defenders, including elite pass rushers and athletic linebackers who fit seamlessly into the team’s 3-3-5 base scheme. Freeman’s defensive acumen, coupled with a reputation for putting players in the NFL, has helped Notre Dame become a more attractive destination for high-end defensive talent.
The EDGE recruit’s top six also includes other heavyweights such as Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Ohio State, and Florida State. All of these programs have strong recruiting ties in the Southeast, and each has a compelling case to make. Georgia offers proximity to home and the allure of playing for a perennial College Football Playoff contender in the SEC. Alabama presents a legacy of defensive development under Nick Saban and a pipeline to the NFL that few can rival. Tennessee is pushing hard with its rising program under Josh Heupel and a pitch built around immediate impact and SEC exposure. Ohio State and Florida State offer powerful combinations of tradition, recent defensive improvement, and NFL-caliber coaching.
Despite those compelling options, Notre Dame remains confident in its standing. While pulling a top-tier defensive lineman out of SEC country is no small feat, the Irish have proven in recent years that they can compete nationally. The staff is focused on building strong relationships and emphasizing the distinct advantages Notre Dame offers—chief among them, a chance to make an impact early, develop in a pro-style defense, and earn a world-class education.
From a football standpoint, the Irish believe the Georgia EDGE recruit fits perfectly into their system. Notre Dame utilizes multiple fronts, with an emphasis on hybrid defenders who can rush the passer, drop into coverage, and anchor the edge. The staff views the Georgia product as someone who can make an immediate impact on the field, possibly contributing as a freshman depending on development and need. His versatility allows him to be used in a number of ways, including as a stand-up edge rusher or a down lineman in a four-man front.
The broader context of this recruitment speaks to the national footprint Notre Dame continues to maintain. With NIL becoming a greater factor in recruiting, Notre Dame has opted for a more values-driven approach—focusing on the total package rather than chasing short-term financial gains. That message is resonating with prospects and families who see the program as a place for long-term development and personal growth.
For the Georgia EDGE recruit, a commitment decision is expected to come sometime after the summer visit period. He has expressed a desire to take all of his official visits and evaluate each program thoroughly. While the timeline could shift depending on how the visits go, Notre Dame is aiming to close strong and position itself as the clear leader by the time fall camps open.
The Irish fan base has taken notice as well. On social media and recruiting forums, speculation has been rampant about how Notre Dame stacks up against the SEC competition and whether the Irish can land a marquee defensive player from Georgia. While such battles are always difficult, there’s a growing belief that Notre Dame has a real shot—not just to be in the conversation, but to win this recruitment.
Landing this prospect would send a strong signal to the rest of college football. It would demonstrate that Notre Dame can go into the South and compete for elite talent, not just on the basis of tradition, but because of an evolving identity under Marcus Freeman. It would also bolster the 2025 recruiting class significantly, potentially serving as a domino effect for other elite defenders considering Notre Dame.
As the spring evaluation period continues, Notre Dame’s staff will stay active in Georgia, maintaining their presence and relationships with both the prospect and his support system. Meanwhile, back in South Bend, the message remains clear: the Irish believe in their pitch, their plan, and their potential to add a game-changing EDGE to the future of their defense.
There is still much to unfold in the coming weeks and months, and the Irish will have to fight off fierce competition to secure a commitment. But make no mistake—Notre Dame is in it for real. For a player who could one day become a cornerstone of an elite college defense and a first-round NFL Draft pick, the Irish are hoping South Bend becomes his next home. And if all goes according to plan, Marcus Freeman and his staff could soon celebrate a major recruiting win deep in SEC territory.
