Recruiting Success: 4-Star EDGE Ebenezer Ewetade Commits to Notre Dame Football
In a major victory for Notre Dame football, the Fighting Irish have secured a commitment from four-star EDGE rusher Ebenezer Ewetade for their 2026 recruiting class. Ewetade, a highly coveted defensive prospect from the state of Texas, is expected to make an immediate impact on Notre Dame’s defense, further bolstering their reputation as a powerhouse in both recruiting and player development.
Standing at 6’4” and weighing 240 pounds, Ewetade has impressed scouts with his rare combination of size, speed, and explosiveness. Known for his ability to wreak havoc in the backfield, Ewetade has been a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks throughout his high school career. His senior season saw him rack up 12 sacks, 15 tackles for loss, and multiple forced fumbles, putting him among the top EDGE prospects in the country.
Ewetade’s commitment is especially significant for Notre Dame, which has made a concerted effort to enhance its pass-rushing capabilities. After a strong 2024 season that saw the Irish defense rank among the top in college football, head coach Marcus Freeman and his staff have turned their attention to bringing in the next wave of elite defenders, with Ewetade being a prime target. His addition to the 2026 class is a clear sign that Freeman’s efforts to build a national championship contender are beginning to pay off.
“This is a huge win for our program,” Freeman said following the announcement. “Ebenezer is a dynamic player who has the tools to make an immediate impact on our defense. His work ethic, leadership, and passion for the game are exactly what we look for in our recruits. We’re excited to see what he can accomplish here at Notre Dame.”
Ewetade’s decision to choose Notre Dame over a number of other top programs, including Ohio State, Georgia, Alabama, and Penn State, speaks volumes about the direction of the Fighting Irish program. Despite the competition from some of college football’s elite programs, Ewetade ultimately felt that Notre Dame offered the best environment for his growth both as a player and as an individual. He expressed excitement about joining a defense that has consistently produced NFL-caliber talent under Freeman’s leadership.
“I’ve always admired Notre Dame’s tradition of developing great defensive players, and after visiting the campus and meeting the coaching staff, I knew this was the place for me,” Ewetade said. “I’m excited to be a part of something special and help continue the legacy of Notre Dame football.”
For Notre Dame, this commitment not only strengthens their defensive line but also marks a critical step in bolstering their recruiting efforts under Freeman. The Irish have consistently landed top-tier prospects in recent years, and the addition of Ewetade helps to continue that trend. The commitment is expected to give Notre Dame a major boost in the defensive trenches, providing them with a versatile and explosive player capable of pressuring the quarterback from day one.
As the 2025 and 2026 recruiting cycles continue, Notre Dame will look to build on this momentum and bring in even more elite talent. With Freeman at the helm and a strong recruiting class already taking shape, the Fighting Irish appear poised for continued success both on the field and in the recruiting wars.
Ewetade’s commitment is a major win for Notre Dame football, and as his high school career comes to a close, all eyes will be on the young EDGE rusher as he prepares to make his mark at one of college football’s most storied programs.