Notre Dame’s recruiting efforts might be heating up at just the right time. One of the nation’s most sought-after defensive playmakers, five-star edge rusher Rodney Dunham from Charlotte, has officially set his commitment date for April 10—and the Fighting Irish are firmly in the mix.
Dunham, ranked No. 3 among edge rushers and No. 19 overall in the 2026 class per On3’s industry ranking, has narrowed his choices down to five programs: Notre Dame, Tennessee, Duke, Georgia, and South Carolina.
His recruitment has been one to watch, and Notre Dame is riding a wave of momentum after hosting Dunham on a recent visit. Following his trip to South Bend, he described the experience as “amazing”, signaling that the Fighting Irish made a strong impression.
Notre Dame’s North Carolina Recruiting Pipeline Continues
Landing Dunham would be a major win for Marcus Freeman and his staff, who have made significant strides in recruiting the state of North Carolina. Recent commitments like JaDon Blair (2025), along with Micah Gilbert, Jack Larsen, and Bryce Young (2024), have strengthened Notre Dame’s pipeline in the region. However, Dunham would be the highest-rated of them all, adding elite pass-rushing talent to an already promising defensive group.
A Competitive Battle Until the End
While Notre Dame is building momentum, it won’t come easy. Tennessee, Georgia, and South Carolina have also been pushing hard for Dunham’s commitment, each bringing their own appeal in terms of defensive development and SEC competition.
As the April 10 decision date approaches, all eyes will be on where Dunham chooses to take his talents. If Notre Dame can seal the deal, it would be a major statement in their 2026 recruiting efforts and a game-changing addition to the Irish defense.
Stay tuned for the latest updates as Dunham’s recruitment reaches its final stretch.