Notre Dame impressed 4-star EDGE Dre Quinn on his visit this week, “It’s more than football, they emphasized life after football which most teams don’t do. That’s why I have decided to to commit here rejecting several offers following..

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Notre Dame football has secured another major win on the recruiting trail. Four-star EDGE rusher Dre Quinn, one of the most coveted defensive prospects in the 2025 class, has officially announced his commitment to the Fighting Irish following a visit that, in his words, “changed everything.”

Quinn, a 6-foot-5, 235-pound pass-rusher out of Stone Mountain, Georgia, had offers from more than 20 Power Five programs, including Alabama, Georgia, USC, Michigan, and LSU. But after spending time in South Bend this week and hearing from head coach Marcus Freeman and the rest of the staff, Quinn says Notre Dame stood apart — not just for what it offers on the field, but for what it promises beyond it.

“It’s more than football,” Quinn said in his commitment statement. “They emphasized life after football, which most teams don’t do. That’s why I have decided to commit here, rejecting offers from everywhere else. Notre Dame is about building a future — on and off the field.”

A Game-Changing Visit

Quinn’s visit to South Bend began earlier in the week, and sources close to the recruitment say he was impressed from the moment he stepped on campus. He spent extensive time with defensive line coach Al Washington, defensive coordinator Al Golden, and Marcus Freeman himself — all of whom made clear their belief in Quinn’s potential to not only become a star EDGE in the Irish defense but also a leader off the field.

“Coach Freeman didn’t just talk football,” Quinn said. “He talked life. He talked about setting yourself up for life after the game, making connections, being a part of a brotherhood that lasts way beyond Saturdays in the fall. It really stuck with me.”

That message, delivered with the backdrop of Notre Dame’s tradition-rich campus and academic excellence, ultimately sealed the deal for Quinn.

On the Field: A Relentless Disruptor

Quinn is ranked as the No. 7 EDGE in the nation and the No. 65 overall prospect in the 2025 class, per the On3 Industry Ranking. He’s widely regarded as one of the most explosive pass-rushers in the country, with a lightning-quick first step, excellent hand technique, and a relentless motor.

As a junior at Cedar Grove High School, he recorded 16 sacks, 23 tackles for loss, and 3 forced fumbles, terrorizing quarterbacks across Georgia’s 3A division. His combination of size, speed, and football IQ has drawn comparisons to former Notre Dame star Isaiah Foskey — a comp that the coaching staff reportedly mentioned during his visit.

“They see me as a guy who can be the next great EDGE at Notre Dame,” Quinn said. “That’s a legacy I want to be part of.”

A Huge Win for Marcus Freeman

Quinn’s commitment marks another major recruiting victory for Marcus Freeman, who continues to prioritize elite defensive talent to reinforce Notre Dame’s identity as a physical, aggressive, and disciplined program. His recruiting pitch — which often emphasizes personal development and the broader impact of the Notre Dame network — has consistently resonated with top prospects and families.

“This is what Marcus Freeman does best,” said a source close to Quinn’s recruitment. “He connects with these guys beyond football. It’s genuine. And Dre saw that.”

Freeman’s message about “the 40-year decision,” referencing how Notre Dame prepares its athletes for life long after their playing careers, appears to have once again played a key role in landing a top-tier recruit.

What’s Next for Quinn

Now that he’s made his decision, Quinn plans to shut down his recruitment entirely and focus on preparing for his senior season. He’s expected to be an early enrollee at Notre Dame, arriving in South Bend in January 2025.

His commitment also sets the tone for a potentially huge defensive class for the Irish. With Quinn now on board, Notre Dame has one of the strongest early hauls in the country on the defensive side of the ball, including fellow four-star linebacker Elijah Newell and defensive back Jaylen Strong.

Quinn says he’s already working to bring more talent with him.

“I’m recruiting now,” he said. “I want the best of the best with me. We’re building something at Notre Dame.”

Final Thoughts

In an era where NIL deals and flash are often front and center in recruiting, Dre Quinn’s commitment to Notre Dame is a powerful reminder that some decisions go deeper. For Quinn, the message was clear: Notre Dame’s commitment to shaping young men — not just players — was what separated it from the pack.