South Bend bound? It could be the case for one of the top defensive playmakers in the 2026 class. With over 30 offers on the table and official visits lined up, the 5-star EDGE rusher has no shortage of options. But as April 10 approaches, there’s a growing buzz that Notre Dame might just have the inside track.
The Fighting Irish have been on a mission under Marcus Freeman. After a 14-2 campaign that ended in a national championship loss to Ohio State, they’re showing no plans of slowing down. Their recruiting and NIL strategy is clear. And the goal is to build a powerhouse with high school talents, maintain a strong culture and make South Bend the place where elite prospects want to be. And this top-ranked pass rusher is buying in.
In a new Wiltfong Whiparound episode on On3 Recruits on March 29, Steve Wiltfong dropped positive recruiting intel on Rodney Dunham Jr. The 5-star EDGE out of North Carolina had an “amazing” trip to South Bend. And it might have been the turning point in his recruitment. “I love where Notre Dame stands coming into this announcement,” the On3 recruiting expert said. “He visited Notre Dame last weekend and I talked to him after the visit. He said no school compares with Notre Dame, the level of football you get plus the degree you earn plus the connections you get, the people you’re around. There’s nobody else in the country that has that.” If that’s not one of the strongest endorsements, then what is?
Jan 20, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Pat Coogan (78), head coach Marcus Freeman, and offensive lineman Rocco Spindler (50) react after losing against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the CFP National Championship college football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
This isn’t just talk. Rodney Dunham Jr. spent time with ND’s DL coach Al Washington and Marcus Freeman. Besides, the Irish have been trending in the right direction ranking No. 11 in the 2026 recruiting class. Their star lineup consists of 4-star talents like QB Noah Grubbs, OL Tyler Merrill, LB Thomas Davis Jr., and CB Chaston Smith. Adding Dunham to that mix would be another step towards securing a top-10 class.
Rodney Dunham Jr. is the No. 3 EDGE, No. 7 overall prospect, and the top player in the state of North Carolina. Landing him would be a statement win for Notre Dame, especially considering the competition. Powerhouses like Georgia, Ohio State, Michigan, and Alabama are all in the mix. But the Irish have something the other programs don’t — Marcus Freeman’s vision.
Marcus Freeman’s NIL stance — Earn what you’re worth
Marcus Freeman isn’t just chasing stars in the transfer portal. As he tells Adam Breneman, “We’ve always said we’re going to major in high school recruiting… that will be the foundation of our program.” And then there’s NIL. The HC has embraced the reality of modern recruiting while keeping his core values intact. “The reality is that the players will be getting paid,” he said. “And they should. What I don’t want to see is players making decisions based off on how much money they’re going to get. But if you focus on being a great player, you should be paid according to your value.”
Marcus Freeman added, “Like you guys are going to have that conversation and get paid accordingly to your works but at the end of the day, we need you to commit to be the best version of yourself, to be the best teammate you can be and that’s where your focus should be.” That balance between development, culture, and the new era of NIL. That is what’s making Notre Dame a serious destination for elite talent. Just ask those nearly 100 prospects of the 2027 class who received scholarships on Notre Dame’s annual “Pot of Gold” Day.
Rodney Dunham Jr.’s visit to South Bend could be the moment that tipped the scales. If Marcus Freeman can close the deal, it’ll be a game changer. Notre Dame is already a title contender. Now, with recruits like Dunham potentially on the board, the next step is clear — finish the job.
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