Notre Dame recruiting receives an early lump of coal for Christmas with news that they just didn’t want to hear
For several months, Notre Dame football felt like the front runner for elite 2025 San Juan Capistrano (Calif.) JSerra Catholic linebacker Madden Faraimo. The Irish had seemingly separated themselves from the likes of USC and Texas, with several thinking he could pop this past offseason. That feeling of optimism for the Irish stood until very […]
For several months, Notre Dame football felt like the front runner for elite 2025 San Juan Capistrano (Calif.) JSerra Catholic linebacker Madden Faraimo. The Irish had seemingly separated themselves from the likes of USC and Texas, with several thinking he could pop this past offseason.
That feeling of optimism for the Irish stood until very recently, but now it appears that the Trojans have supplanted them as the favorite. Over the last couple of days, several prominent recruiting analysts have put in their picks for Faraimo to stay home with USC. Barring something unforeseen, it appears that Notre Dame missed on Faraimo.
The Irish recruiting staff has also been working tirelessly to attempt to flip 2025 defensive lineman Jalen Wiggins, who has been committed to the Florida Gators for several months. Notre Dame appeared to be building some momentum a couple
of weeks ago, but it has died over the last few days, with the late-season surge from Florida seemingly being the difference. It appears he will stick with the Gators.
It was once believed that the Irish had a chance for a late surge, but disappointment is now starting to settle in. With the misses of Faraimo and Wiggins, on top of the dropping of wide receiver Derek Meadows, it has left a lot to question the staff's abilities as finishers this cycle. It is still a solid class, but it could have been a lot better.
This now puts the pressure on Notre Dame to put together a tremendous 2026 recruiting class, and hit in the portal this offseason. The former is off to a great start, already holding four commitments in the 2026 class. We will see if the staff can learn from some past mistakes.
