In a significant development that underscores the evolving landscape of college football recruiting, recent national projections from a Top Expert Outlet, widely regarded for its meticulous analysis, have indicated that Notre Dame has officially surpassed USC for the top spot in the 2026 recruiting rankings. This shift marks a notable achievement for Marcus Freeman and the Fighting Irish, signaling a potent combination of on-field success and a relentless, modernized recruiting approach that is reshaping the traditional power dynamics of college football.
For years, the battle for recruiting supremacy has often been dominated by SEC powerhouses like Alabama and Georgia, alongside Big Ten stalwarts such as Ohio State, and more recently, USC with Lincoln Riley’s offensive prowess. Notre Dame, while consistently attracting high-quality talent, has historically faced unique challenges in consistently landing consensus top-tier classes due to its stringent academic requirements, geographical location, and a perceived traditionalist identity that some felt didn’t fully resonate with modern recruits. However, under Marcus Freeman’s leadership, that narrative is being aggressively challenged and, as evidenced by these new rankings, rewritten.
The “Top Expert Outlet,” identified in recent reports, highlighted that Notre Dame’s ascendance is not merely a statistical anomaly but a reflection of a growing consensus among recruiting analysts about the quality and potential impact of the Irish’s 2026 class. While other outlets may still have USC or other programs narrowly ahead, this particular projection from a highly reputable source carries significant weight.
According to the analysis, Notre Dame’s 2026 class now boasts an impressive collection of talent, with a higher average player rating compared to USC, despite having fewer total commitments. The specifics outlined include Notre Dame having 21 commitments with one five-star, 12 four-star, and eight three-star players, resulting in an average player rating of 90.48. This narrowly edged out USC’s class, which, despite having more commitments at 30, featured zero five-stars, 16 four-stars, and 14 three-stars, for an average player rating of 89.77. This “blue-chip ratio”—the proportion of four- and five-star recruits—is a critical factor in these rankings, and Notre Dame’s class currently demonstrates a higher concentration of elite talent per commit.
Marcus Freeman’s impact on Notre Dame’s recruiting efforts cannot be overstated. Since taking over as head coach in December 2021, he has made it his personal mission to elevate Notre Dame’s recruiting to an elite, national level. His philosophy is characterized by several key pillars:
- Authentic Connection: Freeman is known for his genuine and relatable approach. He connects with recruits and their families not just as a football coach, but as a mentor who genuinely cares about their holistic development. He emphasizes the “4 for 40” message – four years at Notre Dame preparing them for the next 40 years of their lives, highlighting the unparalleled academic opportunities and alumni network.
- Relentless Effort: Freeman embodies the “relentless recruiter” mantra. He’s actively involved in the recruitment of every prospect, demonstrating a hands-on approach that differentiates Notre Dame from some programs where head coaches might delegate more of the initial groundwork. This personal touch resonates deeply with recruits.
- Embracing the “Hard”: Freeman has reframed Notre Dame’s traditional challenges (academics, weather) into strengths. His “Choose Hard” philosophy appeals to highly motivated athletes who seek a demanding environment that will push them to excel in all facets of life. He sells the rigor as a pathway to greater rewards, both on and off the field.
- National Footprint: While historically having regional strongholds, Freeman’s staff has expanded Notre Dame’s recruiting reach significantly. They are successfully pulling top talent from across the country, including critical areas traditionally dominated by SEC and West Coast programs. Recent commitments from blue-chip defensive backs from states like Pennsylvania and Maryland exemplify this national strategy.
- Leveraging On-Field Success: While recruiting efforts for 2026 began long ago, the team’s strong performance in the recent 2024 season, including a 14-win season and a national title appearance (as mentioned in some related discussions), provides compelling evidence of the program’s trajectory. Recruits can see that Notre Dame is not just selling potential but delivering on promises of elite competition.
Notre Dame’s current class boasts several high-profile commitments that are contributing to its top ranking:
- Noah Grubbs (QB): An early commitment from a highly-rated quarterback serves as a cornerstone for any class, often attracting other offensive skill players. Grubbs’s commitment anchors the offensive side.
- Elite Defensive Back Duo: The recent additions of Joey O’Brien (DB) from Pennsylvania and Khary Adams (DB) from Maryland were pivotal. Both are considered among the nation’s top defensive back prospects and signify Notre Dame’s ability to win key recruiting battles against top programs.
- Offensive Line Haul: True to Notre Dame’s tradition of developing offensive linemen, the 2026 class is expected to be loaded in the trenches, with multiple high-quality offensive line commitments already in the fold. This consistent pipeline ensures foundational strength.
- Recent Momentum: The program has been on a hot streak with commitments over recent weeks, including tight end Preston Fryzel and offensive tackle Charlie Thom, who bring significant upside.
Sources also indicate that Notre Dame is poised to make a “near flawless ending” to the 2026 class, with a focused approach on a handful of remaining elite targets. Names like wide receiver Kaydon Finley (a highly sought-after talent who is reportedly leaning Irish), tight end Evan Jacobson, and defensive lineman Elijah Golden are reportedly high priorities, and securing these final pieces could solidify their claim to the No. 1 or No. 2 spot.
The back-and-forth at the top of the rankings between Notre Dame and USC underscores that even with conference realignments (USC’s impending move to the Big Ten and the uncertain future of the annual Notre Dame-USC rivalry game), the recruiting rivalry remains fierce. Both programs recruit nationally, and both are under dynamic head coaches in Marcus Freeman and Lincoln Riley who are committed to acquiring elite talent.
While USC often relies on its West Coast proximity and offensive firepower, Notre Dame is leveraging its unique blend of academic prestige, national brand, and a renewed cultural intensity. This latest ranking suggests that Freeman’s holistic approach is currently winning out in the high-stakes battle for the nation’s top prospects.
This top ranking, if maintained, is more than just a recruiting accolade; it’s a profound statement about the direction of the Notre Dame football program. It signifies a tangible closing of the talent gap with the traditional national championship contenders and lays a robust foundation for sustained success under Marcus Freeman. For the loyal Notre Dame faithful, it’s a strong indication that the “Return to Glory” is not just a slogan, but a strategic reality being meticulously built, one elite recruit at a time. The 2026 class has the potential to be a defining one in the modern era of Notre Dame football.
