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BREAKING NEWS: Marcus Freeman Leads Notre Dame to the Top of the 2025 Recruiting Class Rankings
South Bend, IN – April 18, 2025 — In a seismic shift that is sending shockwaves through the college football landscape, Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman has vaulted the Fighting Irish to the No. 1 spot in the 2025 recruiting class rankings. It marks the first time since the early 2010s that Notre Dame has topped national recruiting charts, edging out perennial powerhouses such as Ohio State, Clemson, and Georgia.
The Irish, under Freeman’s leadership, have built a class that blends elite athleticism, positional balance, and off-the-charts character — the kind of group that could change the course of the program for years to come. With 22 commitments, including five 5-star prospects and a host of blue-chip talent across both sides of the ball, the message is clear: Notre Dame is back in the national title conversation, and it’s not just about tradition anymore — it’s about talent.
A Recruiting Surge Led by a Relentless Staff
Marcus Freeman, a former Ohio State linebacker and longtime defensive coordinator, has established a fierce recruiting culture in South Bend since taking the reins in 2021. But 2025 represents a quantum leap — not just in volume, but in impact.
“This class is about more than stars,” Freeman said in a statement. “It’s about building a foundation for championships, and we believe this group can do that — on the field, in the classroom, and in the locker room.”
The jewel of the class is 5-star quarterback DeShawn Ricks from California — a dual-threat phenom who chose Notre Dame over Alabama and USC. Ricks, ranked the No. 2 overall prospect in the nation, cited Freeman’s honesty and the university’s mix of athletics and academics as key factors.
“I felt at home,” Ricks said. “Coach Freeman is building something real. He’s not selling a dream — he’s living it.”
Joining Ricks is 5-star linebacker Troy Montgomery out of Georgia, who many analysts compare to former Irish great Manti Te’o for his instincts and leadership. On the offensive line, Notre Dame landed a trio of top-100 players, led by 5-star tackle Grant Heller from Ohio — a major win over Big Ten rivals.
Ohio State Holds Strong at No. 2
While Freeman’s Irish hold the top spot for now, Ohio State is not far behind. The Buckeyes, led by head coach Ryan Day and ace recruiters Brian Hartline and Tim Walton, have assembled a fearsome class of their own. With 20 commitments — including four 5-stars — Ohio State remains a juggernaut on the trail.
Wide receiver dominance continues to be the Buckeyes’ calling card, as they landed the nation’s top-ranked pass catcher, Jaylen Thompson out of Texas. Quarterback Carter Bailey, a 4-star out of Michigan, adds a dual-threat wrinkle to the Buckeyes’ future plans.
Defensively, Ohio State landed 5-star cornerback Malik Drummond, a lockdown specialist from Florida who flipped from Miami in a stunning late-cycle decision. The Buckeyes also shored up the trenches with several top-100 linemen, continuing their emphasis on physicality and depth.
Clemson, Georgia, and the Rest of the Top 10
Clemson sits comfortably at No. 3, making a resounding statement after a couple of quieter recruiting cycles. Head coach Dabo Swinney focused on the defensive side of the ball, securing three top-50 defenders, including edge rusher Bryson King — one of the fastest risers in the class. Offensive consistency has plagued the Tigers in recent years, but the commitment of 4-star quarterback Colton Reaves out of Tennessee could stabilize things.
Georgia lands at No. 4 with a class that, while slightly smaller in numbers, boasts the highest average player rating among the top 10. The Bulldogs leaned heavily into the Southeast, continuing their dominance in-state and fending off Alabama for several top targets.
Rounding out the top five is Alabama, who despite missing out on a few marquee names, still reeled in another blue-chip laden class under new head coach Kalen DeBoer. His transition from Washington appears to be gaining momentum as recruits warm up to his more aggressive offensive scheme.
Notre Dame’s Blueprint for the Future
Notre Dame’s surge isn’t just a blip on the radar — it’s the culmination of three years of strategic recruiting, culture-building, and a relentless pitch built around development and legacy.
Freeman’s staff — including standout recruiters Mike Mickens (DBs), Al Washington (DL), and Chansi Stuckey (WRs) — has been instrumental in building strong regional pipelines and expanding Notre Dame’s reach nationally. The Irish have landed key players from California, Texas, Florida, and even flipped a top Canadian defensive lineman.
Perhaps more importantly, the program has modernized. Freeman has embraced NIL, media branding, and social outreach in ways his predecessors hadn’t, making South Bend feel more accessible — and appealing — to the nation’s best high school talent.
The Road Ahead
With National Signing Day still months away, there’s time for the rankings to shift. Ohio State and Georgia are still in play for several uncommitted 5-stars, and any late flips could swing the standings. But as it stands, Marcus Freeman has made a statement that will echo throughout college football.
Recruits are buying in. Coaches are taking notice. And fans in South Bend — long hungry for a return to glory — have reason to believe again.
“Notre Dame has always had the tradition,” said national recruiting analyst Josh Simmons. “Now, under Freeman, they’ve got the firepower.”
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