Notre Dame Star CJ Singleton One Step Away From Glory in NCAA Steeplechase Finals After Stunning Semifinal Run

The moment has arrived for Notre Dame’s rising star CJ Singleton, and it’s one that’s been years in the making. After a dazzling performance in the semifinal heat, the Fighting Irish distance runner is finals bound in the men’s 3,000-meter steeplechase at the NCAA Track and Field Championships, scheduled to take place tomorrow. Singleton’s emergence as a national contender in this grueling and technical event is not just a testament to his raw athleticism, but a reflection of his discipline, resilience, and hunger to make his mark on one of the grandest stages in collegiate athletics.

CJ Singleton’s name has been buzzing around the Notre Dame track community since his arrival, but his breakout season in 2025 has catapulted him into a different echelon entirely. Known for his smooth stride, stamina, and precise hurdling technique, Singleton has mastered the nuances of the steeplechase—a race that demands not only speed but also strength, timing, and mental toughness. With 28 barriers and seven water jumps spread over 3,000 meters, it’s a true test of an athlete’s willpower, and Singleton has passed every test with flying colors this season.

At the semifinal round earlier this week, Singleton entered the track at Hayward Field with a quiet confidence. Seeded among the middle of the pack, he was not the presumptive favorite—yet he ran like one. Clocking in a time of 8:32.15, a personal best and one of the top five marks of the semis, Singleton surged over the final water jump with a burst of speed that electrified the Notre Dame faithful in the stands and watching from home. His composed yet aggressive approach allowed him to gradually reel in the leaders before separating himself in the final 400 meters. The result: a trip to the NCAA Finals.

What makes Singleton’s journey to this point even more compelling is the path he’s taken. A former Pennsylvania state champion at Butler High School, Singleton arrived in South Bend with plenty of promise but had to work his way up the ladder. Injuries, depth on Notre Dame’s distance squad, and the demands of collegiate life tested him early on, but he never lost focus. Now a junior, he has transformed into one of the most consistent and technically sound steeplechasers in the country. His development has been methodical, marked by hours of training on the track, weight room sessions, and film study of world-class steeplechase athletes.

Notre Dame distance coach Matt Sparks, who has guided some of the best runners in program history, saw this moment coming. “CJ has always been a worker,” Sparks said after the semifinal. “He’s got this quiet intensity about him, and that shows in the way he approaches the steeple. It’s not just about running fast—it’s about being smart, staying composed, and attacking the barriers at the right times. He’s earned this shot at the final.”

The steeplechase is often considered a race of attrition, and Singleton’s strategic mind gives him a significant edge. In his semifinal heat, he avoided the early race congestion that often leads to missteps or falls. Instead of pushing the pace in the opening kilometer, he settled into rhythm, saving his energy for the final push. His final lap—an explosive 64 seconds—was a thing of beauty, as he seamlessly navigated the water barrier and accelerated past competitors with ease.

With the final looming, Singleton faces a field loaded with talent. Defending champion Kenneth Rooks of BYU is back in top form, and a host of other elite athletes from Oregon, Arkansas, and Stanford have also advanced. But Singleton, now armed with the confidence of a career-defining performance, enters the race with nothing to lose—and everything to gain. A top-eight finish would earn him All-American honors. A podium spot would be historic. And a national title? That would elevate him into Notre Dame track and field lore forever.

Though Singleton is laser-focused on the task ahead, the significance of this opportunity isn’t lost on him. “It’s a dream come true,” Singleton said following his semifinal race. “To be at nationals and make the final, wearing the Notre Dame jersey—that’s something I’ve worked for every single day. I’m excited to go out there tomorrow and give it everything I’ve got.”

Beyond the individual glory, Singleton’s success is also a boost for Notre Dame’s overall performance at the NCAA Championships. In a sport often dominated by southern and western schools with year-round training conditions, Notre Dame’s distance crew has become a national force under the radar. Singleton’s run to the final is symbolic of the Fighting Irish’s rise in track and field, a program that continues to develop elite talent across all disciplines.

Tomorrow’s final will demand every ounce of Singleton’s strength and focus. Tactically, he’ll need to once again stay clear of traffic in the early laps, monitor the surges from other contenders, and time his moves with precision. The weather at Hayward Field is expected to be favorable—cool, dry, and perfect for distance racing—offering ideal conditions for a tactical, fast-paced battle. As the runners line up, every eye in the Notre Dame track family will be watching.

What happens next is uncertain, but what’s clear is that CJ Singleton has already achieved something remarkable. From a promising high school standout to a national finalist in one of track’s most demanding events, he’s written his own story—and it’s far from over. Whether he climbs the podium or simply finishes strong, Singleton has cemented his place as one of the premier steeplechase runners in the nation. And for Notre Dame, he’s a shining example of what hard work, patience, and belief can deliver.

One race remains. Seven and a half laps, 28 hurdles, seven water jumps. For CJ Singleton, it all comes down to tomorrow—a chance to make history, one barrier at a time.