Marcus Freeman delivered a statement season—an 11-1 record and a ticket to the CFP. Undoubtedly, that kind of success comes with rewards, and for Freeman, it’s a 5-year contract extension that cements him among the highest-paid coaches in the game. But the wins aren’t just on the field; Freeman is stacking recruiting victories, too.

Well, Notre Dame’s transfer class is already making an impact. Six of the eight newcomers are on campus for spring practice, with TE Ty Washington and WR Malachi Fields set to arrive this summer. So, the roster is shaping up to be a powerhouse. Remember, last year, offensive transfers like Riley Leonard, Beaux Collins, and Jayden Harrison kept the Irish rolling. And now, it’s the defense’s turn. Under first-year DC Chris Ash, these six new faces could make—or break—the Fighting Irish’s season.

However, the momentum doesn’t stop there. With April 10 lurking nearby, Notre Dame is already in the thick of the race for one of the top names on their board—Rodney Dunham Jr., a top-10 national talent.  Then, according to Steve Wiltfong’s April 4 update, the Irish are in a strong spot for another coveted pass rusher.

Well, the On3 RPM now favors Notre Dame for Ebenezer Ewetade, the explosive DE out of South Garner. Looks like a trusted source close to the recruitment sees the Irish trending up—and fast. However, this weekend, Ewetade makes his return to South Bend—a visit that could carry serious weight. To be honest, with Notre Dame, Georgia, and Alabama among his top contenders, the Irish are firmly in the mix. And with his official visit to Notre Dame set for June 20, momentum is clearly building in South Bend.

You know, the 6-foot-4, 230-pound edge rusher is one of the hottest names in the 2026 class. Ranked No. 7 among edge rushers and No. 36 overall by On3, he’s a game-changer. And thanks to defensive line coach Al Washington—who’s crushing it on the trail—Notre Dame is in a prime spot. As of now, no matter the position, Ewetade could be one of their crown jewels in the 2026 class.

However, 2 more big names could be trending toward South Bend. RB Javian Osborne and WR Kaydon Finley just picked up crystal ball predictions for Notre Dame from ND recruiting reporter Kyle Kelly. While Osborne’s visit made a strong impact, giving the Irish real momentum, Finley’s recruitment is shaping up to be a showdown with Texas—but ND is holding its ground.

Let’s be real; the recruiting wave in South Bend is picking up speed. Right now, Notre Dame sits with 7 commits and the No. 13 recruiting class in the country, per On3. But don’t blink—a Top 10 class is well within reach. Yes, coming off a national title game appearance, the Irish are gaining serious ground. And while the momentum’s building, South Bend’s heating up.

We all know Notre Dame has a strong track record with legacy recruits, and the Irish usually seal the deal. But this time, Emmett Mosley slipped through their fingers. So, not every legacy is a layup.

The gateway explosion at Notre Dame

After wrapping up a standout high school career in California, Emmett Mosley was tagged as a 3-star prospect via 247Sports. Although Notre Dame came calling, he stayed West, signing with Stanford. However, that decision paid off early. As a freshman, Mosley hauled in 48 catches for 525 yards. But now, the 6-foot-2, 190-pound playmaker is back in the spotlight. With Stanford naming Frank Reich as interim HC, Mosley is one of several key names entering the portal and exploring fresh opportunities.

And here’s the twist—Mosley’s blood runs blue and gold. You can say his roots trace straight to South Bend. Look, his mom, Cindy, was a soccer star for Notre Dame and even took home the prestigious Hermann Trophy in 1996. In addition, his dad, Emmett Sr., suited up for the Irish squad from 1993 to 1996. So, the family legacy is strong—and now, the door to Notre Dame could be swinging open once again.

Sometimes, a wrong turn leads you right where you need to be. For Emmett Mosley, that might just be the case. As of now in the portal, the question is—will the Irish come calling again? Because there’s history, there’s talent, and there might still be unfinished business. However, if there’s mutual interest, a reunion could be on the horizon.