The Notre Dame Football Recruiting Class: An In-Depth Look

Notre Dame football remains one of the most storied programs in college football history. With a rich tradition, national championships, and a fan base that spans the globe, the Fighting Irish consistently attract top-tier talent. As college football evolves, recruiting has become the lifeblood of program success. For Notre Dame, building a recruiting class that blends elite athletes with the program’s unique culture is essential to maintaining competitiveness on the national stage.

In this article, we will take a deep dive into Notre Dame’s latest recruiting class. We’ll examine the key signees, positional strengths and weaknesses, coaching influence, and how this class fits into the broader strategy of the program moving forward.

Notre Dame occupies a unique position in college football recruiting. Unlike many top programs tied to powerhouse conferences, Notre Dame is an independent in football. This means their recruiting footprint is broad — they cast a wide net across the country, from the traditional hotbeds of Texas and Florida to the Midwest and California.

Their strategy often emphasizes versatility, character, and intelligence, alongside athleticism. Notre Dame coaches look for recruits who can excel academically and fit the cultural mold of the university, which values not only football success but integrity and leadership.

The coaching staff, led by head coach Marcus Freeman (as of the 2024 season), is crucial in recruiting. Freeman’s energy and connections, especially in the Midwest, have helped Notre Dame secure some blue-chip recruits. The staff’s ability to develop players and prepare them for the NFL is a major selling point.

The 2024 class represents a blend of high-profile athletes and developmental prospects. Let’s explore the class in terms of position groups, star ratings, and how they address team needs.

Notre Dame’s class for 2024 generally ranks in the top 15 nationally, depending on the recruiting service. Most signees fall between 3-star and 4-star ratings, with a handful of 5-star prospects.

While Notre Dame occasionally lands 5-star prospects, their emphasis is often on players with high developmental ceilings and strong intangibles rather than pure ranking prestige. This philosophy tends to yield players who fit well into the team system and often exceed expectations.

Notre Dame has secured a notable quarterback in this class who projects to be a potential future starter. Quarterback remains a priority for Notre Dame given the demands of their offense and the need for a leader on the field.

Key Recruit:

• Name: (Example) Jake Thompson
• Rating: 4-star
• Profile: Jake is a dual-threat quarterback with a strong arm and above-average mobility. He has experience running a pro-style offense in high school and is praised for his leadership and poise under pressure.

Jake fits the mold of Notre Dame’s quarterback tradition—smart, accurate, and capable of making plays with his feet when necessary. While he may not be a guaranteed immediate starter, the coaching staff views him as a project with first-team potential by his sophomore or junior year.

Notre Dame’s running backs tend to be versatile backs who can run between the tackles, catch out of the backfield, and block in pass protection. This year’s class features several running backs with speed and vision.

Key Recruit:

• Name: Malik Edwards
• Rating: 4-star
• Profile: Malik is a shifty, explosive runner who averaged over 1,500 rushing yards in his senior season. He also excels as a pass catcher, giving Notre Dame multiple options in their offense.

The running back room is deepening, with a mix of power and finesse backs coming in. The depth will help Notre Dame maintain a balanced offensive attack.

Wide receiver recruiting is critical as Notre Dame looks to upgrade its passing game. This class delivers a mix of size, speed, and route-running prowess.

Key Recruit:

• Name: Devin Marshall
• Rating: 4-star
• Profile: Devin stands 6’3” with excellent hands and release moves. His ability to stretch the field vertically adds a new dimension to Notre Dame’s offense.

In addition to Devin, several other receivers in this class provide competition and depth, particularly with slot receivers who can run crisp routes and gain yards after the catch

The offensive line has been a focus area for Notre Dame, as developing a strong front is essential to both protecting the quarterback and establishing the run game.

Key Recruit:

• Name: Samuel Johnson
• Rating: 4-star
• Profile: Samuel is a physically imposing guard who excels in run blocking and has the agility to pull on outside runs. His size and strength are ideal for the physical style Notre Dame prefers on the offensive line.

Several offensive linemen in this class possess the traits to compete early, potentially filling gaps left by graduating seniors.

Defensive line recruits bring athleticism and versatility, critical in Notre Dame’s defensive scheme which often employs multiple fronts.

Key Recruit:

• Name: Cameron Green
• Rating: 4-star
• Profile: Cameron is a quick, powerful defensive end known for his pass rush and run-stopping ability. His relentless motor fits well with Notre Dame’s defensive identity.

This group looks poised to bolster Notre Dame’s ability to pressure quarterbacks and stop the run.

Linebackers are the backbone of Notre Dame’s defense. The program emphasizes speed, tackling, and football IQ.

Key Recruit:

• Name: Elijah Brown
• Rating: 4-star
• Profile: Elijah is a well-rounded linebacker who excels in coverage and tackling. He projects as an immediate contributor on special teams and has starter potential.

Notre Dame continues to find versatile linebackers who can defend the run and drop into coverage seamlessly.

Defensive back recruiting this cycle is solid, with players who have good size and ball skills, an area that Notre Dame continually prioritizes.

Key Recruit:

• Name: Isaiah Carter
• Rating: 4-star
• Profile: Isaiah is a tall cornerback with long arms and excellent instincts. His ability to mirror receivers and make plays on the ball will be valuable in the secondary.

Depth and competition in the defensive backfield remain key for Notre Dame’s defensive success.

Notre Dame’s recruiting class also includes specialists — kickers, punters, and returners — who bring reliability and explosiveness in special teams.

Notre Dame’s class addresses key areas where the program needed reinforcements:

• Quarterback: Adding depth and future starter potential.
• Offensive Line: Increasing size and experience to protect the quarterback and establish a physical run game.
• Wide Receiver: Enhancing speed and size to improve the passing game.
• Defense: Bolstering pass rush and secondary depth to maintain a strong defensive front.

The balance of this class shows the staff’s commitment to building a well-rounded roster with immediate contributors and long-term prospects

The coaching staff’s role in recruiting cannot be overstated. Marcus Freeman and his coordinators have actively engaged with recruits, building relationships early. Freeman’s charismatic leadership and success as a recruiter in the Midwest have helped Notre Dame secure commitments from key regional talents.

Additionally, position coaches bring credibility based on their experience and NFL connections, helping recruits envision their path to the professional level.

Notre Dame’s strong academic reputation and emphasis on character continue to be selling points, attracting recruits who want more than just football.

When compared to recent Notre Dame classes, the 2024 group appears more balanced and deep at multiple positions. Previous classes sometimes skewed towards either offensive skill players or defensive specialists. This year’s class is notable for its overall depth and attention to line play on both sides of the ball.

The addition of higher-rated recruits at quarterback and wide receiver signals an intention to modernize the offense, moving toward a more dynamic and explosive attack.

This recruiting class could shape Notre Dame’s success over the next several years. With several players projected as early contributors and others with high ceilings, the foundation is set for sustained competitiveness.

Quarterback depth will be especially critical, as will the ability of the offensive line to develop quickly. On defense, the infusion of pass-rush talent and secondary depth will help maintain the program’s tradition of stout defense.

If the coaching staff can continue to develop these players and integrate them effectively into the system, Notre Dame will remain a force in college football.

While this recruiting class is promising, challenges remain:

• Player Development: Notre Dame must continue to develop players physically and mentally to reach their potential.
• Retention: Keeping players in the program amid the transfer portal activity in college football is crucial.
• Immediate Needs: Injuries or depth concerns might force freshmen into starting roles before they’re ready.

Monitoring these factors will help determine the ultimate success of the class.

Notre Dame’s 2024 recruiting class reflects a thoughtful, strategic approach to building a championship-caliber roster. With a blend of talent, character, and fit, these recruits embody what the Fighting Irish program represents.

The coaching staff’s vision and the players’ potential set the stage for Notre Dame to compete at the highest level in the coming years. While recruiting is only one piece of the puzzle, it remains the foundation upon which Notre Dame’s football future will be built.