Notre Dame football continues to push forward on the recruiting trail as April winds down, with Marcus Freeman and his staff putting in work to build on what’s already shaping up to be one of the nation’s most complete classes. With a renewed emphasis on elite defensive backs, game-changing pass rushers, and high-upside offensive skill players, the Irish are positioning themselves well heading into the critical summer stretch. Momentum has been swinging in Notre Dame’s favor thanks to several spring visits, strong on-campus impressions, and key national events that have reshaped the landscape.
One of the biggest developments of the month came with five-star cornerback and top-10 overall prospect Dorian Brew naming Notre Dame in his final group. Brew, a shutdown specialist out of Texas, has been on the Irish radar for months, but his recent visit to South Bend solidified Notre Dame as a serious contender. Sources close to his recruitment suggest that Brew’s bond with cornerbacks coach Mike Mickens and defensive coordinator Al Golden has grown deeper, and the academic prestige of the university continues to play a major role for his family. Ohio State and LSU remain strong in the mix, but the Irish are quietly gaining steam and could become the frontrunner if Brew returns for an official visit this summer.
Notre Dame’s efforts at linebacker also received a boost when top-100 talent Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng, the younger brother of former Notre Dame star Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, visited South Bend in mid-April. The Irish are very much in the thick of this recruitment, and the family’s comfort with the program is a significant advantage. Owusu-Boateng has the speed, physicality, and instincts to play multiple linebacker spots in Golden’s system, and he’s made it clear that Notre Dame’s defensive development track record is appealing. Georgia, Michigan, and USC are all looming, but if Notre Dame can secure a summer official visit, they’ll have a real shot at sealing the deal.
On the offensive side of the ball, quarterback recruiting remains stable for now. Four-star signal-caller Deuce Knight is locked in, reaffirming his commitment publicly on multiple occasions. Knight, one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the class, has taken on a vocal leadership role among his peers, actively recruiting other top talents to join him in South Bend. He’s been particularly influential in Notre Dame’s pursuit of receivers, working hard behind the scenes to bring elite pass catchers with him. Knight’s physical tools are undeniable, but it’s his charisma and presence that have truly elevated Notre Dame’s class in recent months.
That leads directly to wide receiver recruiting, where Notre Dame is aiming high. Five-star Jeremiah Smith, a current Ohio State commit, continues to be monitored by the Irish staff. While a flip remains unlikely, especially after Smith reaffirmed his pledge to the Buckeyes following a visit earlier this month, Notre Dame’s persistence shouldn’t be overlooked. The Irish have focused more attention on landing top-50 national prospect Talyn Taylor, who recently released a top five that includes Notre Dame alongside Michigan, Georgia, Alabama, and USC. Taylor, a smooth route runner with excellent ball skills, has spoken positively about his connection with receivers coach Chansi Stuckey and how Notre Dame’s academic reputation aligns with his long-term goals.
Notre Dame is also trending in the right direction for Florida standout Dallas Wilson. A former Oregon commit, Wilson has started taking a broader look at his options and was impressed by his visit to South Bend in mid-April. Though he still has ties out west, Wilson’s physicality, explosiveness, and polished game make him an ideal fit for Notre Dame’s offense, and the Irish believe they have a strong chance of landing him if they can get him back for an official visit in June.
Tight end remains a position of strength and emphasis for the Irish, who continue to prioritize Carter Lowe and James Flanigan. Flanigan, whose father played in the NFL and has deep ties to the Midwest, has become a top target. The Irish like his blend of athleticism, blocking prowess, and red-zone ability. Flanigan has visited multiple times and Notre Dame is widely viewed as the team to beat, though Wisconsin and Michigan are making things interesting. Meanwhile, Lowe’s recruitment could drag into the fall, but Notre Dame remains firmly in the top tier of contenders.
On the offensive line, Notre Dame is assembling a group that could once again rank among the nation’s best. The crown jewel remains five-star offensive tackle Ty Haywood, who recently trimmed his list and kept the Irish in contention. Haywood has been in close contact with offensive line coach Joe Rudolph, and the Irish are cautiously optimistic about their standing. Haywood is being pursued hard by Texas, Oklahoma, and Alabama, but Notre Dame’s tradition of O-line success and player development continues to resonate. Four-star lineman Owen Strebig, a top priority out of Wisconsin, also continues to favor Notre Dame. Strebig is slated for a summer commitment, and the Irish are in the driver’s seat following multiple positive visits.
Along the defensive line, Notre Dame is casting a wide net with a focus on both interior disruptors and edge rushers. The Irish recently hosted top-100 edge rusher Bryce Davis, who came away impressed by the culture, coaching staff, and facilities. Davis, out of North Carolina, is a pass-rushing technician with great bend and closing speed. While North Carolina, Clemson, and Georgia remain strong competitors, Notre Dame made a significant impression, and Davis’ family reportedly enjoyed their time in South Bend. The staff is hoping to build off that visit with a return trip this summer.
Interior line prospect Jaylen Williams has also emerged as a key target. The 6-foot-3, 290-pound lineman has a high motor and flashes dominance at the point of attack. He’s been in contact with defensive line coach Al Washington and remains intrigued by the idea of playing in a pro-style defense that emphasizes physicality. Auburn, Florida State, and Penn State are also heavily involved, but Notre Dame’s pitch is gaining traction. Look for this recruitment to take shape over the summer.
Notre Dame’s recent safety commits—Ivan Taylor and Davis Andrews—continue to draw praise and remain solid in their pledges. Taylor, the son of former NFL defensive back Ike Taylor, is a playmaker who fits perfectly into Notre Dame’s defensive scheme. Andrews, who recently returned from a two-year LDS mission, brings maturity, size, and experience to the room. Their early commitments have given the Irish some breathing room, but the staff isn’t done addressing the position. They are still pursuing four-star safety Trey McNutt, who has Notre Dame in his final four. McNutt, a rangy athlete with elite ball skills, is expected to visit again in June.
Another name worth monitoring is cornerback Dallas Golden. Golden, who plays at the powerhouse Berkeley Prep in Tampa, has elite measurables and has skyrocketed up recruiting boards. He’s close friends with several Notre Dame targets and has expressed interest in the university’s culture and development model. Though Florida and Miami are both major players, the Irish are trying to get him on campus this summer to push themselves deeper into the race.
In the special teams realm, Notre Dame recently offered kicker Caleb Cunningham, one of the top prospects at his position. While it’s too early to predict how that recruitment will unfold, the Irish are clearly doing their due diligence to ensure roster balance across all units. Notre Dame continues to emphasize character, coachability, and cultural fit across all its evaluations, and this attention to detail has paid dividends in recent classes.
As the 2025 cycle progresses, the Irish currently sit inside the top 10 nationally in most recruiting rankings, with a strong foundation built around a blend of blue-chip talents and developmental high-upside prospects. With official visits around the corner and camp season rapidly approaching, Notre Dame is well-positioned to add several more key pieces to its already impressive haul. Marcus Freeman’s vision for the program is resonating with recruits and families alike, and the Irish are pushing for a finish that would elevate them into the elite tier of college football recruiting once again.
What sets Notre Dame apart in this cycle is the consistency of messaging and the relationships being built over time. Recruits routinely mention how genuine the staff is, how intentional the visit experiences are, and how Notre Dame delivers a combination of elite football and top-tier academics that few programs can match. The Irish coaching staff is also winning praise for its transparency during the recruiting process, something families value in today’s climate of transfer portal uncertainty and NIL-driven chaos.
If Notre Dame can hold serve with its current class and close on a handful of key targets, it will once again boast one of the most complete rosters in college football—stacked with athletes who not only elevate the on-field product, but also fit the unique demands and traditions of the university. April has been good to the Irish, but the real fireworks may come in June and July, when official visits and decisions start to accelerate. For now, the arrow is pointing up in South Bend.