A look back at the 2023 Notre Dame recruiting class, the program’s biggest hits, and some of their worst misses
If you follow the Notre Dame football program closely, you know that the vibes around head coach Marcus Freeman and the Fighting Irish. Coach Freeman proved a ton during the 2024 college football season, ending the year with 14 victories and a national championship appearance. The talent on the roster is as high as it […]
If you follow the Notre Dame football program closely, you know that the vibes around head coach Marcus Freeman and the Fighting Irish. Coach Freeman proved a ton during the 2024 college football season, ending the year with 14 victories and a national championship appearance. The talent on the roster is as high as it has been in a very long time, and the recruiting impact of this coaching and recruiting staff is a big reason why.
When you think back to the 2023 recruiting class, the first official one under Coach Freeman, the success makes a lot of sense. That class was considered a tremendous one at the time, and has certainly lived up to the hype. Like every recruiting class, there are a lot of positives, and some big misses as well. Here are the main takeaways looking back at that class.
Biggest Hits
Many believe that Love is the best running back in college football returning in 2025. He led the Fighting Irish team with 1,125 yards and 17 touchdowns on the ground. Love is also a dynamic pass game weapon who is a tremendous pass protector. Enjoy the 6-0, 214-pound weapon while you can, Irish fans.
EDGE Boubacar Traore
If not for the torn ACL last season, Traore may have ascended to become one of the top pass rushers in college football. In five games, Traore was able to record 11 total tackles, five tackles for loss, three sacks, and an interception. When healthy, Traore looks like a future first round draft pick. His combination of length and twitch is impressive for the 6-4, 238-pound pass rusher.
LB Drayk Bowen
Bowen was able to lock down the starting spot at middle linebacker this past season, and ended the year with 78 total tackles, four tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, one sack, and two pass breakups. The 6-2, 238-pound linebacker is a missile on the second level who has high upside as a run defender.
LB Jaiden Ausberry
Like Bowen, Ausberry was able to earn a significant role last season. The 6-2, 222-pound athlete can play many different roles on the second level. He ended the 2024 season with 58 total tackles, and 6.5 tackles for loss. His playmaking upside is tremendous. Expect Ausberry to take a massive step forward this fall.
When Greathouse received consistent opportunities last season, he managed to make a ton of plays. That included in his final two games against Penn State and Ohio State where he hauled in 13 receptions for 233 yards and three touchdowns. The 6-1, 210-pound playmaker will be battling with Virginia transfer Malachi Fields to be the top pass catcher on the team in 2025.
Biggest Misses
WR Braylon James
After barely playing in 2023, James opted to transfer to TCU last offseason. That decision was led by issues surrounding former wide receivers coach Chansi Stuckey, but regardless, James didn’t develop. That continued in year one with the Horned Frogs, where he had just three receptions for 11 yards. The talent is there for the 6-3 pass catcher, but a lot of development is needed.
WR Rico Flores Jr.
Take a look at the James breakdown, and repeat with Flores. He was much more productive with the Irish than James, but his tenure still did not work out like many hoped. Flores now plays for the UCLA Bruins, but was plagued with injury in 2025. They will need him to remain healthy this fall.
To be determined
When Jagusah has played, he has shown a lot of talent. Unfortunately, we just haven’t seen enough of the Illinois native, having only two starts under his belt. If the 6-7, 325-pound behemoth is able to stay on the field, Jagusah has a chance to become one of the very best offensive linemen in all of college football in 2025. He will quickly move to the hit list the minute he stays on the field.
Minchey is battling with CJ Carr for the starting quarterback position. If Minchey ends up winning the job, it feels like a pretty good chance that he ends up inserted into the hits column. If Carr wins out, it also doesn’t mean that Minchey is necessarily a miss, but it’s not a great sign. His combination of arm talent and athleticism brings a lot of potential to the table.
EDGE Brenan Vernon
If Vernon’s career ended today, he would be a massive recruiting miss. He is, however, just a redshirt sophomore this season so there is still time. Vernon made the move inside to defensive tackle, and is now up to 293 pounds. The story is far from unfinished on Vernon, but the first couple of chapters obviously haven’t been ideal.
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