Notre Dame Fighting Irish under Marcus Freeman has been a recruiting powerhouse, with Freeman consistently delivering top-10 classes. The result of these classes was apparent with the Irish making it to the final of the national championship. And now? To continue with that momentum in the future, the head coach has reeled in 22 commits already with his class sitting 3rd nationally, and is now predicted to get his coveted 4-star defensive lineman in a major revelation.

So far, Marcus Freeman has landed commitments from some of the most talented prospects in the country. These include 5-star edge rusher Rodney Dunham and 5th-ranked safety Joey O’Brien. Moreover, the addition of 4th-ranked tight end Ian Premer and 6th-ranked cornerback Khary Adams is a coup. That being said, in terms of the defensive line, the class seemed to be lacking in depth with just one commitment, and that’s why Notre Dame expected to land the 4-star coveted DL is big in that sense.

According to Rivals’ John Garcia, 4-star highly talented Elijah Golden is expected to land in South Bend in the future. “After connecting with various sources mid-week, we’ve seen enough to forecast the Irish as the landing spot for the versatile defensive lineman come July 26…the dream scenario playing out for Golden would of course be spending his collegiate years in South Bend,” reported Rivals’ John Garcia. Now, talking about Golden’s talent? He comes with a massive upside.

Initially, an IMG Academy player, Golden, transferred to Sarasota Cardinal Mooney and started climbing the stats charts. Standing at 6’4″ and 275 lbs, Golden is a native of Sarasota, Florida, and recently participated in the Navy All-American Bowl game. Moreover, in 2024, Golden helped his high school team make Florida’s 2A playoffs and registered 61 tackles, 10 sacks, and 8 QBHs in the season. Now, about his technical skills? The guy already seems like a starter.

Golden is largely a frontline defensive man and has the ingredients to eventually dominate at the point of attack. His physicality is quite strong for his age, and he uses his hands diligently to create advantages in snap anticipation. But here’s still a lot to learn for Golden in areas like precision running and knockback power. All in all, with the help of Marcus Freeman and Al Washington’s guidance at Notre Dame, Golden will surely emerge as a starter within a year. However, apart from Golden, Marcus Freeman is also closing another top defensive talent.

Marcus Freeman is after another talented defensive lineman

The defensive line recruiting for Marcus Freeman has been a strong aspect in recent years for Marcus Freeman. For instance, in the 2023 class, the head coach landed four-star Armel Mukam, Boubacar Traore, and Joshua Burnham. The result was then natural, too, as the defense in 2023 ranked eighth in total defense and a whopping fourth nationally in passing yards allowed. This recruiting magic has now led to Marcus Freeman chasing after a 1st-ranked DL in the country for the long term.

Yes, we are talking about Jalen Brewster, who is the 7th-ranked lineman in the 2027 class and has already received offers from Alabama, Florida, and FSU, among others. And now? Marcus Freeman also extended him an offer. The player took to X and seemed elated with the offer and wrote, “I am blessed to receive an offer from @NDFootball.”

Of course, the offer means nothing as of now since the player is a 2027 recruit and will probably not make his commitment for at least a year. Still, this is a great start from Freeman, who would look to continue his recruitment heroics. Standing at 6’3″ and 302 lbs already, if Notre Dame gets Brewster’s commitment, it will surely be a massive coup by the head coach.