BREAKING NEWS: Four-Star EDGE Rusher Ebenezer Ewetade Commits to Notre Dame, Boosting 2026 Recruiting Class
South Bend, IN – April 10, 2025
Notre Dame’s football program scored a major recruiting victory today as four-star EDGE rusher Ebenezer Ewetade officially announced his commitment to the Fighting Irish, giving their 2026 recruiting class a significant boost in both talent and momentum.
Ewetade, a 6-foot-4, 240-pound pass-rushing force out of Lawrenceville, Georgia, is ranked among the top defensive ends in the country by multiple recruiting services. He chose Notre Dame over several national powerhouses, including Georgia, Ohio State, and Alabama, after months of high-profile recruiting attention.
“Notre Dame felt like home from the start,” Ewetade said in a video posted on social media. “The academics, the tradition, and the coaching staff really stood out to me. I want to be a part of something special, and I believe we’re building something championship-worthy in South Bend.”
The announcement was met with celebration from both fans and the coaching staff, who view Ewetade as a cornerstone piece for their future defensive line. Known for his explosive first step, long frame, and relentless motor, Ewetade has been a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks in the high school ranks. His combination of size, speed, and technique makes him a natural fit for the aggressive defensive scheme run by head coach Marcus Freeman and defensive coordinator Al Golden.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Ebenezer to the Notre Dame family,” Freeman said in a statement. “He’s not only a high-level athlete with game-changing ability off the edge, but he’s also a great fit for the culture we’re building here. He understands the value of hard work, academics, and team-first mentality.”
Ewetade’s commitment moves Notre Dame’s 2026 recruiting class into the Top 10 nationally according to 247Sports composite rankings. He becomes the fifth four-star player to commit in the cycle and the first elite defensive lineman, filling a crucial position of need for the Irish.
Recruiting insiders say Notre Dame made a strong impression during Ewetade’s unofficial visit in March, where he toured the campus, met with professors, and attended spring practice. His close relationship with defensive line coach Al Washington also played a key role in sealing the deal.
“Coach Washington has been real with me from day one,” Ewetade said. “He’s coached some of the best, and I trust him to develop me into the player I want to become.”
Notre Dame’s staff hopes Ewetade’s commitment will spark a wave of momentum as they look to land other top defensive prospects in the coming months. The Irish have also been heavily targeting five-star linebacker Justin Holloway and elite cornerback Marcus Towns, both of whom are set to visit campus this summer.
As the 2026 class begins to take shape, Ewetade’s pledge signals that Notre Dame continues to be a force on the recruiting trail—relying on tradition, development, and a renewed focus under Freeman’s leadership.
One thing is clear: the Irish defense of the future just got a whole lot scarier.