BREAKING NEWS: Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman Flips OSU Former Five-Star Elite EDGE Rusher, Secures Commitment Over Arizona, LSU, and Ohio State
In a monumental move for the Notre Dame football program, head coach Marcus Freeman has secured a major commitment with the addition of five-star EDGE rusher Jalen Montgomery. Montgomery, a former Ohio State commit, has flipped his allegiance to the Fighting Irish, becoming one of the most coveted defensive recruits of the 2025 class. The announcement ends a highly competitive recruitment battle that saw Notre Dame edge out the likes of Arizona, LSU, and, most notably, Ohio State, his original commitment.
This unexpected shift in Montgomery’s recruitment is a significant victory for Freeman, who has made waves in his first few years as the head coach of the Fighting Irish. The commitment bolsters Notre Dame’s defense, adding one of the nation’s top prospects at a position of critical need for the team.
Jalen Montgomery: A Physical and Dynamic Presence
Standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing in at 240 pounds, Jalen Montgomery is an elite defensive prospect whose size and skill set make him a natural fit for the EDGE rusher role. Known for his explosive first step, relentless motor, and ability to disrupt quarterbacks, Montgomery is a physical force on the field. His speed and agility allow him to quickly get around offensive linemen, making him one of the most feared pass rushers in the country.
Montgomery’s ability to change the game on defense is remarkable. Throughout his high school career, he has demonstrated an impressive ability to track down quarterbacks and make plays behind the line of scrimmage. With his natural athleticism and developing technical skills, Montgomery is poised to make an immediate impact at the next level.
Despite being known for his ability to generate pressure on the quarterback, Montgomery is also a versatile defender capable of playing in multiple schemes. His ability to set the edge against the run and his pursuit downfield make him a well-rounded defender. These traits made him an even more attractive target for top college programs, and now he will bring his skills to Notre Dame.
The Recruitment Battle: Notre Dame vs. Arizona, LSU, and Ohio State
Montgomery’s recruitment has been closely followed by fans and analysts alike. Initially committed to Ohio State, the nation’s elite defensive program, Montgomery seemed like a lock to stay with the Buckeyes. Ohio State, under the direction of head coach Ryan Day, has become a powerhouse in developing top defensive talent, especially at the EDGE rusher position. The Buckeyes’ consistency in producing NFL-caliber players and their championship aspirations made them an obvious choice for Montgomery early on.
However, things began to shift during Montgomery’s recruitment process. As his senior season approached, multiple schools ramped up their efforts to flip him, including Arizona, LSU, and, most notably, Notre Dame. The Wildcats, under head coach Jedd Fisch, saw Montgomery as a key piece in their defense’s future, offering him immediate playing time and the chance to lead the program’s defensive rebuild. LSU, under head coach Brian Kelly, is another program that consistently competes for elite defensive talent, with a reputation for developing defensive stars.
Nevertheless, it was Notre Dame that made the most significant impression on Montgomery, especially after his official visit to South Bend. The Fighting Irish coaching staff, led by Freeman, showed Montgomery a vision for his role in their defensive system. Freeman, a former linebacker with a deep understanding of defense, played a crucial role in recruiting Montgomery, emphasizing how the young pass rusher would fit into Notre Dame’s defensive schemes. The prospect of playing for a program with a rich history of developing talent, coupled with Notre Dame’s rising national profile under Freeman, was too enticing to pass up.
Why Notre Dame?
Jalen Montgomery’s commitment to Notre Dame is a testament to the growing strength of the Fighting Irish under Marcus Freeman’s leadership. Freeman has quickly become one of the most respected young head coaches in college football, and his ability to recruit at an elite level has been a key factor in the program’s upward trajectory. With a focus on building a championship-contending defense, Freeman’s pitch to Montgomery made it clear that the Fighting Irish were ready to compete at the highest level of college football.
For Montgomery, the opportunity to play for Freeman and defensive coordinator Al Golden, who is known for his ability to develop elite pass rushers, was a major selling point. Additionally, Notre Dame’s track record of sending players to the NFL, especially on defense, weighed heavily in his decision. The Fighting Irish’s commitment to academic excellence, as well as their history of success in the College Football Playoff, made the program a highly attractive destination.
Moreover, the team’s defensive culture, coupled with the rich football tradition at Notre Dame, gives Montgomery a unique platform to showcase his abilities on a national stage. The Fighting Irish defense, which has become one of the best in the country under Freeman, will be even stronger with Montgomery’s addition.
A Huge Win for Marcus Freeman and Notre Dame
Marcus Freeman’s ability to flip Montgomery from Ohio State is a huge feather in his cap. While Freeman’s tenure at Notre Dame has already been marked by strong recruiting efforts and significant success on the field, landing Montgomery solidifies his standing as a recruiter of elite talent. Freeman has shown that he is not afraid to battle with the best programs in the country for top recruits, and this victory underscores the growing momentum surrounding Notre Dame football.
Montgomery’s commitment is a key piece in Notre Dame’s ongoing efforts to build a dominant defense that can compete with the top teams in the nation. The Fighting Irish already boast a talented defensive line, but Montgomery’s addition brings even more depth and talent to the group. His ability to get after the quarterback and his versatility will allow Notre Dame to deploy multiple defensive schemes, creating matchups that will be difficult for opponents to handle.
Looking Ahead
As Montgomery’s commitment to Notre Dame becomes official, the Fighting Irish now have an elite EDGE rusher to anchor their defense for years to come. With a strong 2025 class continuing to take shape, Freeman’s program is clearly on the rise. The addition of Montgomery, who was highly sought after by some of the best programs in college football, signals Notre Dame’s intention to return to national prominence and contend for championships in the near future.
In the coming years, Montgomery is expected to make an immediate impact in South Bend, joining a defensive unit that is poised to make noise on the national stage. His ability to rush the passer and disrupt opposing offenses will be a key part of Notre Dame’s defensive schemes as they aim to continue their ascent in college football.
As Montgomery prepares to make his way to South Bend, fans can look forward to the next chapter in Notre Dame football’s rise under Marcus Freeman—one that is sure to feature more top-tier recruits, game-changing performances, and, potentially, national championships.
