The Notre Dame 2026 defensive line recruiting class has a lot of pressure on it. Al Washington has done some good things as a recruiter, but he still needs to show more consistency in that department. There is some early positive feedback but we are still waiting for the first commit to pull the trigger.

You should expect five defensive line commits in the end, including the Vyper, big end, and inside at defensive tackle together. Here are my early predictions for what the class could look like. It has a chance to be special. 

EDGE Rodney Dunham – Charlotte (N.C.) Myers Park

The Fighting Irish staff got in on Dunham very early, and that relationship could pay off big time in the end. At 6-4 and 227 pounds, Dunham is a really talented athlete that also excels in baseball as well. If developed properly, Dunham has the frame, and overall athleticism to become a difference maker. Tennessee and South Carolina are a couple of schools that are also in a good spot with Dunham.

EDGE Simote Katoanga – San Juan Capistrano (Calif.) JSerra Catholic

The teammate of 2025 Notre Dame signee Madden Faraimo, Katoanga has become a huge priority for the Irish in the class. Katoanga brings a massive frame at 6-5 and 240 pounds. He has the type of profile that could allow him to eventually move inside down the road. This is a big, explosive, and powerful athlete.

EDGE McHale Blade – Chicago (Ill.) Simeon

Blade is a player that Notre Dame has been on for some time now. They continue to be in a good spot and need to close on the Chicagoland standout. At 6-4 and 240 pounds, Blade looks like a future big end right now. He does, however, have the frame to eventually develop into a three technique as well.

DL Elijah Golden – Sarasota (Fla.) Cardinal Mooney

From a physical perspective, there aren’t many more impressive defensive linemen in the class than Golden. At 6-4 and 265 pounds, Golden has a clean frame that should be able to put on a substantial amount of weight. He could end up being the most disruptive defensive tackle in the class. Notre Dame is battling with Alabama, Michigan, and Florida for Golden.

DL Tiki Hola – Bastrop (Texas) High School

Hola would be a true nose tackle in the Notre Dame system. He will be over 300 pounds very shortly, and Hola is incredibly powerful as well. There isn’t a ton of pass rush upside, but he should be a big asset in the run game. The Irish are battling amongst an impressive group of programs, including Georgia, Texas, Oregon, and USC. 

Predicting the final 2026 Notre Dame wide receiver recruiting class with the Irish in position for a few stellar pass catchers

Predicting the final 2026 wide receiver class.