Notre Dame Makes Big Jump in Rivals Recruiting Rankings Following Major Update, Signaling Strong Momentum in 2025 Recruiting Class
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish received a major boost on the recruiting front following a substantial update to the Rivals Industry Team Recruiting Rankings. After months of tireless work by head coach Marcus Freeman and his staff, Notre Dame saw a significant jump in the rankings, moving up several spots to position themselves firmly among the top contenders nationally for the 2025 class. This upward momentum not only reflects the quality of the recruits Notre Dame has landed but also highlights the effectiveness of the program’s recruiting strategy under Freeman’s leadership.
The updated Rivals rankings, which integrate data and evaluations from multiple sources to produce a composite industry standard, now place Notre Dame in a position that aligns more closely with the perception of their recruiting efforts among national analysts. While Notre Dame has traditionally recruited at a high level, this most recent update cements the fact that the Irish are trending in a direction that could potentially lead to one of their best classes in the modern recruiting era.
At the heart of this surge is a collection of blue-chip commitments that have given Notre Dame one of the deepest and most balanced classes in the country. The Irish have addressed key positional needs while also securing talent capable of making an early impact. Positions such as offensive line, wide receiver, defensive back, and edge rusher have all been strengthened in recent weeks, contributing to the rankings jump.
One of the key names driving this momentum is five-star linebacker Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng, whose commitment sent shockwaves through the recruiting world. Owusu-Boateng, the younger brother of former Notre Dame star Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, is a dynamic athlete with elite closing speed, high football IQ, and sideline-to-sideline range. His pledge not only adds a potential defensive centerpiece to the 2025 class but also reinforces Notre Dame’s ability to land top-tier national talent.
In addition to Owusu-Boateng, the Irish have secured commitments from several other high-profile prospects who received ratings boosts in the most recent Rivals update. Offensive tackle Carter Lowe and wide receiver Shaun Terry, both four-star recruits, saw significant jumps in their individual rankings, which in turn elevated Notre Dame’s overall class score. Terry, in particular, has been on a tear in summer camps and 7-on-7 tournaments, showcasing explosive athleticism and refined route-running that has impressed scouts across the country.
Another player whose rise contributed to Notre Dame’s team ranking is quarterback Deuce Knight. Already considered one of the most exciting quarterback prospects in the 2025 cycle, Knight’s continued development has only solidified his status as a cornerstone of the class. His strong arm, ability to extend plays, and leadership qualities have made him a fan favorite and a crucial recruiter in his own right — with Knight actively helping to attract other top talents to South Bend.
What’s perhaps most impressive about this rankings climb is how Notre Dame has done it without compromising their standards. The Irish have long been known for targeting prospects who fit the school’s academic profile and cultural values, and under Freeman, that hasn’t changed. If anything, the program has doubled down on its identity while expanding its national footprint. The staff has worked tirelessly to recruit coast-to-coast, and the results speak for themselves.
Notre Dame’s current class features top prospects from football-rich states such as Texas, Georgia, Florida, and California, as well as key regional targets from the Midwest and East Coast. This geographic diversity has allowed the staff to build depth at every position and hedge against regional recruiting volatility. It also reflects the national appeal of the Notre Dame brand — a factor that Freeman and his staff have been able to leverage with increasing success.
Another area where Notre Dame has made noticeable strides is in its NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) strategy. While the Irish haven’t jumped into the ultra-aggressive collective-driven model seen at some SEC schools, they have built a stable and transparent system that resonates with both players and families. The emphasis is on long-term value, development, and providing athletes with the tools to monetize their brand while maintaining focus on academics and performance. This balanced approach has earned praise from recruits and parents alike and is becoming a real differentiator in the modern recruiting landscape.
The recent rankings update from Rivals also underscores the level of developmental upside in Notre Dame’s 2025 class. Many of the Irish commits are viewed as high-ceiling prospects who could rise even further in the rankings with strong senior seasons. Players such as safety Ivan Taylor, defensive lineman Davion Dixon, and linebacker Kennedy Urlacher — the son of NFL Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher — all possess physical traits and intangibles that suggest significant room for growth.
The addition of these high-potential players also speaks to the strength of Notre Dame’s evaluation process. The staff has consistently shown a willingness to trust their own assessments rather than chase stars. That approach has paid off with multiple early commitments who later received national recognition as their high school careers progressed. It’s a sign that the coaching staff is not only recruiting well but also identifying future stars before their stock explodes.
Moreover, Notre Dame’s recruiting success isn’t just about rankings — it’s about building a championship-caliber roster. The 2025 class is shaping up to provide much-needed depth and versatility, with players who can contribute on both sides of the ball and in multiple schemes. With the College Football Playoff expanding to 12 teams, depth is more important than ever, and the Irish are building a foundation that will allow them to compete deep into December and beyond.
The reaction from the fan base has been predictably enthusiastic. Notre Dame supporters have always followed recruiting closely, and the recent surge in the rankings has only heightened excitement for the future. Social media has been buzzing with highlights, commitment announcements, and speculation about who might be the next big target to join the fold.
And the class may not be finished. Notre Dame remains in contention for several elite uncommitted prospects, including five-star edge rusher Zion Grady, four-star cornerback Dorian Brew, and top running back Jordon Davison. If the Irish can close on even one or two of those names, it could push the 2025 class into top-five territory — a remarkable achievement for a program that has always had to recruit with unique academic and cultural constraints.
Behind the scenes, Marcus Freeman and recruiting director Chad Bowden have been relentless in building relationships and presenting a clear, consistent vision for Notre Dame football. They’ve emphasized player development, NFL preparation, and the unique combination of elite academics and elite athletics. That message has resonated, and the rankings now reflect the fruits of that labor.
As of this most recent Rivals update, Notre Dame is not only trending up — they’re establishing themselves as one of the premier recruiting programs in the nation. The leap in the rankings is a validation of their process, but it’s also a challenge to sustain and elevate it further. With several months remaining before the early signing period, the Irish are in an enviable position: they have a strong class, a respected head coach, and real momentum heading into the fall.
The rankings jump also sends a message to the rest of college football — Notre Dame is not content to merely contend. They are aiming to win it all, and they are building the kind of roster that can do just that.
The path to a national championship starts with recruiting. With the latest Rivals Industry Team Recruiting Rankings update, it’s clear that Notre Dame is on that path — and accelerating.
