Notre Dame’s recruiting under Marcus Freeman has taken on a different energy—one that suggests the Fighting Irish are no longer just aiming for consistency but for dominance. Freeman has systematically elevated the program into a legitimate national contender, and with the 2025 cycle in full swing, he’s looking to cap off an already impressive recruiting class with a major statement. National Signing Day is approaching fast, and Notre Dame is still in play for a few remaining targets who could push this class from great to elite. Among those, one prospect stands out—not just for his talent, but for his pedigree.

This year’s Notre Dame recruiting class has already amassed 32 commitments, ranking 12th nationally per On3. The Irish have been meticulous in their approach, balancing high-character, high-IQ players with legitimate game-breaking ability. That combination is exactly what has allowed Freeman’s staff to not only land premier talent but also put themselves in the mix for the kind of recruits that used to feel out of reach. Heading into Signing Day, the Irish are competing with powerhouse programs for a select few remaining pieces. With 4 big names on campus per On3 Recruits Steve Wiltfong. A high-profile visit over the weekend made it clear who the primary target is.

Notre Dame has made 4-star Kaydon Finley a top priority, and the feeling might be mutual. According to recruiting insider, Finley has visited South Bend multiple times and has built a strong connection with both Marcus Freeman and wide receivers coach Mike Brown. The Irish see him as an instant-impact player, a versatile weapon who can stretch the field but also be a reliable target in the short and intermediate game. “Electric Texas receiver Finley, he’s an NFL legacy recruit… a high academic kid, a playmaker, a guy that could be an instant impact player in Notre Dame’s offense,” Wiltfong noted. Notre Dame is setting the tone in his recruitment, and while other schools are still in play, the Irish are making their final push to secure what could be a program-changing addition.

Kaydon Finley, a four-star wide receiver from Aledo, Texas, is the biggest name left on the board for Notre Dame. The 6-foot, 200-pound wideout is more than just an elite prospect—he carries an NFL bloodline as the son of former Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley. The younger Finley has emerged as one of the most intriguing receivers in the 2026 class, already securing 33 scholarship offers and climbing the national rankings.

Currently slotted as the No. 84 overall prospect in the industry-generated 247Sports Composite, Finley is regarded as the No. 13 wide receiver and the No. 11 player in Texas—a state known for churning out blue-chip talent at an absurd rate. His junior season was a breakout campaign, solidifying his status as one of the best in the country. As a junior, Finley put together a tremendous season. In 14 games, Finley hauled in 81 receptions for 1,432 yards and 21 touchdowns. That’s an average of 17.7 yards per catch, showcasing the big play ability that Finley brings to the table. Finley had nine games where he went for over 100 yards this season.

It’s not just Finley that Notre Dame is chasing. 4-star LB and No. 24 recruit Kobe Clapper and 4-star and No. 32 recruit DL Tika Hola might be on campus too, and the Irish are in the mix for both. However, Finley is the headliner of this group.

Notre Dame and Marcus Freeman are on hunt for another 4-star DE

Marcus Freeman has undeniably elevated Notre Dame into serious contender territory, and that momentum could pay off in a big way ahead of National Signing Day. With just days to go before February 5, the Fighting Irish are making a strong push for one of the most talented defensive recruits still on the board—Zahir Mathis.

Mathis, a 4-star defensive end out of Philadelphia, is one of the most sought-after pass rushers in the country. Standing at a towering 6-foot-6 and weighing in at 225 pounds, he possesses the kind of raw talent and athleticism that makes college scouts drool. According to the 247Sports Composite Rankings, Mathis is the No. 5 defensive end in the nation and ranks 37th overall.

While he’s still weighing his options—with Ohio State firmly in the mix—Notre Dame is hoping to make its case as the perfect fit. Mathis already has an elite frame that will allow him to add muscle without losing his speed, and his natural strength makes him a nightmare for offensive linemen even at this stage of his development.

If Freeman and his staff can land Mathis, it would be another major recruiting win for the Irish and a huge boost to their defensive front.