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USC transfer DL Elijah Hughes commits to Notre Dame

ns_headshot_2024-clearby:Nick Schultz•01/11/25•

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Elijah Hughes
(acscottphotography/WeAreSC)

USC transfer defensive lineman Elijah Hughes committed to Notre Dame, he announced via social media. He entered the transfer portal Dec. 17 and will have two years of eligibility.

Hughes appeared in seven games this past season, totaling six tackles and a sack. That came after seven appearances as a true freshman in 2023 when he also had six tackles to go with 1.5 tackles for loss and 0.5 sack.

Hughes entered the transfer portal Dec. 17 with a “do not contact” tag, On3’s Pete Nakos reported. Now, he’s heading to Notre Dame to play for one of USC’s biggest rivals.

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire. 

The On3 Transfer Portal Instagram account and Twitter account are excellent resources to stay up to date with the latest moves.

“Humbled and honored to announce that I am committing to Notre Dame Football,” Hughes wrote on Instagram. “To my USC family, thank you for the love, memories, and support over the past few years. Being a Trojan has been an unforgettable journey, and I am forever grateful.

“I never imagined I’d find myself on the other side of this historic rivalry, but I am looking forward to the journey ahead. All glory to Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior for guiding my path.”

Elijah Hughes played high school football at Arlington (Va.) Washington-Liberty, where he was a three-star prospect. He was the No. 1,029 overall player from the 2023 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Hughes is the sixth transfer addition for Notre Dame so far this cycle. The Fighting Irish have been navigating the portal while playing their way to the national championship, where they’ll take on Ohio State on Jan. 20. But Saturday was a big day for Marcus Freeman’s group, landing multiple commitments along with Hughes, including former Louisville defensive lineman Jared Dawson.

Notre Dame’s biggest addition from the transfer market is former Virginia wide receiver Malachi Fields. He arrives in South Bend as the No. 65 overall player and No. 18-ranked receiver to hit the open market during the fall window, according to the On3 Industry Transfer Rankings. He’s the headliner of the Fighting Irish’s transfer crew, a group which ranks No. 23 in the On3 Team Transfer Portal Index.