**BREAKING: Notre Dame Lands Commitment from Independence (N.C.) Three-Star Safety Nick Reddish, a Longtime Top Target**
In a major recruiting victory, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish have secured a commitment from Independence High School (N.C.) three-star safety Nick Reddish, a player who has long been a priority target for the program. The announcement, made via social media on Monday, marks another key addition to Notre Dame’s 2025 recruiting class as head coach Marcus Freeman and his staff continue to build a defensive backfield loaded with talent and potential.
Reddish, a 6’2”, 185-pound defensive back, chose the Fighting Irish over a host of Power Four programs, including offers from Michigan, Tennessee, Virginia Tech, and North Carolina. His commitment is a testament to Notre Dame’s relentless pursuit of versatile, high-upside defensive backs who fit the program’s physical and intellectual demands.
Though Reddish is currently rated as a three-star prospect by major recruiting services, his offer sheet and on-field production suggest he is vastly underrated. A long, athletic safety with excellent range and ball skills, Reddish has been a standout at Independence High, where he has demonstrated the ability to play both in the box and as a deep-lying centerfielder. His instincts in coverage, combined with his willingness to deliver big hits in run support, make him an ideal fit for Notre Dame’s defensive scheme.
Defensive backs coach Mike Mickens has been the lead recruiter for Reddish, building a strong relationship with the North Carolina native over the past year. Notre Dame’s pitch centered on early playing time, development under Mickens—who has a proven track record of sending DBs to the NFL—and the opportunity to compete for championships on one of college football’s biggest stages.
Reddish’s commitment further solidifies what is shaping up to be one of the strongest defensive back hauls in the country. He joins a secondary class that already includes four-star cornerback Cree Thomas (Arizona) and four-star safety Ivan Taylor (Florida), giving Notre Dame a trio of defensive backs with the potential to develop into multi-year starters.
Notre Dame’s 2025 recruiting class now sits among the top 10 nationally, with Reddish’s pledge adding another high-ceiling prospect to a group that emphasizes length, athleticism, and versatility on defense. His addition also underscores the program’s ability to identify and secure talent ahead of the recruiting rankings, as many evaluators believe Reddish is poised for a senior-year breakout that could push him into four-star territory.
While Reddish’s commitment is a major win for Notre Dame, the work is far from over. The Fighting Irish staff will now focus on ensuring he remains solid in his pledge, especially with other programs likely to continue pursuing him ahead of National Signing Day. However, the strong relationship built between Reddish and the Notre Dame coaching staff, coupled with his multiple visits to South Bend, suggests this commitment has staying power.
Looking ahead, Reddish has the tools to develop into a key contributor in Notre Dame’s secondary. His frame and athleticism project well to the college level, and with proper development, he could follow in the footsteps of recent Irish defensive backs like Kyle Hamilton, Julian Love, and Cam Hart—all of whom became NFL Draft picks.
Notre Dame’s recruitment of Nick Reddish is a perfect example of the program’s ability to identify and secure talent that fits its system, regardless of star ratings. His commitment strengthens an already impressive 2025 class and reinforces the Irish’s reputation as a destination for elite defensive backs.
As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Reddish to see if he can elevate his game even further and solidify himself as one of the top safeties in the nation. For Notre Dame fans, this is another reason to be excited about the future of the program under Marcus Freeman—a future that now includes Nick Reddish in the fold.
*Stay locked into Irish sports coverage for more updates on Notre Dame’s 2025 recruiting class and the latest on Nick Reddish’s journey to South Bend.*
