BREAKING: Four-star pass rusher Ebenezer Ewetade has announced his commitment to Notre Dame over Alabama, Georgia and others

In a major recruiting win for Marcus Freeman and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, four-star edge rusher Ebenezer Ewetade has announced his commitment to Notre Dame, choosing the Irish over national powerhouses such as Alabama, Georgia, Texas, and USC.

Ewetade, a 6-foot-5, 235-pound edge rusher from Cedar Hill, Texas, made his announcement on social media Friday afternoon, sending shockwaves through the college football world. Ranked as one of the top defensive prospects in the class of 2025, Ewetade is widely regarded for his elite combination of speed, strength, and technique off the edge, making him a high-priority target for blue-blood programs across the country.

“I’m beyond blessed to announce my commitment to the University of Notre Dame,” Ewetade wrote in his announcement. “From day one, they made me feel like more than just a football player. It was about the fit, the family, the development on and off the field. I believe in what Coach Freeman and Coach Washington are building. I’m all in.”

A Massive Win for Marcus Freeman

For head coach Marcus Freeman, landing a talent like Ewetade is more than just a recruiting victory — it’s a statement. In an era where SEC programs routinely dominate in landing top-tier defensive linemen, Notre Dame went head-to-head with the likes of Nick Saban and Kirby Smart, and came out on top.

Defensive coordinator Al Golden and defensive line coach Al Washington were instrumental in the process, building a strong relationship with Ewetade and his family throughout his recruitment. Notre Dame emphasized not only his fit in their aggressive defensive scheme, but also the holistic approach the university takes toward developing young men.

“They just kept it real with me,” Ewetade said. “It wasn’t about flashy stuff. It was about how they’re going to help me become the best version of myself — as a player, a student, and a person.”

What Ewetade Brings to South Bend

Ewetade’s film speaks for itself. His first step off the line is electric, often blowing past offensive tackles before they can even get set. He possesses elite bend and explosiveness — traits that are rare to find at the high school level. His 2024 junior season saw him rack up 17.5 sacks, 29 tackles for loss, and countless pressures that disrupted opposing quarterbacks week in and week out.

Recruiting analysts praise his football IQ, his relentless motor, and his ability to diagnose plays quickly. He’s also proven himself to be versatile — capable of dropping into coverage in zone blitz packages and setting the edge against the run.

Ewetade is projected to be an immediate contributor at Notre Dame, and if his development continues on its current trajectory, he could very well be a three-and-done player headed for the NFL.

“He’s one of the most complete edge players in this class,” one 247Sports analyst said. “Notre Dame just landed a game-changer who fits their culture and defensive identity perfectly.”

The Irish Defense Reloads

Notre Dame’s 2025 recruiting class continues to surge, with Ewetade now being one of its cornerstones. He joins other standout defensive recruits like linebacker Kylen Williams and cornerback Malik Hargrove, giving the Irish a formidable defensive haul that should elevate their national competitiveness.

Coach Freeman has placed a premium on elite defensive talent, and Ewetade’s commitment sends a strong message that Notre Dame is no longer just a player in the recruiting scene — it’s a closer.

Notre Dame now has 11 commitments in the 2025 class, and Ewetade is easily one of the most high-profile names. His commitment also strengthens Notre Dame’s growing footprint in the state of Texas, a region that Freeman and his staff have targeted heavily.

Reactions Pour In

The commitment lit up social media, with Notre Dame fans and alumni celebrating the massive pickup. Former Irish linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah even chimed in, tweeting: “Big-time commitment. Let’s go young king!”

Several analysts called it one of the biggest recruiting moments of the 2025 cycle so far, not just because of Ewetade’s talent, but because of the programs Notre Dame beat out for his signature.

Final Thoughts

In a recruiting world dominated by NIL talk and SEC dominance, Ebenezer Ewetade’s decision to commit to Notre Dame is a reminder that tradition, culture, and development still matter. The Irish just landed one of the top pass rushers in America — and they did it by sticking to their identity.

For Notre Dame fans, this is more than just a name on a list. This is a signal that the Irish are not only serious about returning to national championship contention — they’re recruiting like it, too.