Notre Dame lands a commitment from 5-star edge rusher Rodney Dunham Jr.

Notre Dame has received a commitment from one of its most coveted targets in the 2026 class. Charlotte (NC) Myers On3 Industry five-star edge rusher Rodney Dunham Jr. has joined the fold, committing to head coach Marcus Freeman and his staff in late March and now going public with his plans.

“Just the opportunities that they brought to me outside of football and with football,” Dunham said. “You’re getting developed by the best and you’re playing with the best, but also you’re getting a world class education and great degree with amazing people around you. That’s what attracted me the most.”

Tabbed by On3 as the No. 1 recruit in North Carolina, the No. 3 edge rusher in America and No. 7 prospect overall, the 6-foot-5, 230-pound Dunham chose to play for the Irish over his other finalists in Duke, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee. Dunham took a couple visits to South Bend during his process and said they led ever since his first trip.

“I knew the school was the perfect fit for me but I was still worried about the cold,” Dunham said. “I’d always go on a visit and compare each school to Notre Dame and say it doesn’t give everything Notre Dame has. There is only one place like Notre Dame and it’s Notre Dame. I grew up and realized the cold doesn’t matter. I have to play in the cold some day. Then I picked the school for me.

“And it’s not just the degree. It’s a feeling you have. You know something is right.”

Dunham loved the Irish coaching staff

From Freeman to lead recruiter and future position coach Al Washington, these are the type of folks Dunham wants to surround himself with.

“Coach Freeman is an amazing leader,” Dunham said.”I was talking to an employee that worked in the kitchen or something and he talked about what a great leader Coach Freeman is, being a father, person in the community and being a man. That’s who you want in the forefront of your life. You’re not going to be there your whole life but it might set you up for the rest of your life.

“Coach Washington he had a great impact. The first time I ever talked to him they were one of the first five schools to offer me and my only other P4 offer at the time was South Carolina. That’s also a main reason I chose them. Before all the hype they believed in me. My relationship with Al Washington is strong. I met his family and he met my family. I’m glad he’s going to be my coach. He’s a good person off the field as well. He pushes his guys and is a good teacher.”

The last visit locked Dunham into ND

Dunham returned ND the weekend of March 22 and again marveled at the Golden Dome and Touchdown Jesus and everything the opportunity presents.

“My visit to South Bend was amazing,” Dunham said. “What continues to excite me is just the place and the people.

“Great school with great football and great people. It doesn’t get better than Notre Dame.”

Defensive line coach Al Washington was the lead recruiter for Dunham and has made him and his family very comfortable. Head coach Marcus Freeman and the rest of the staff did a great job on the visit.

“Well no school compares with ND,” Dunham said. “The level of football you get to play, plus the degree you earn, plus the connections you get, plus the type of people you’re around. There is nobody else in the country that has that.

“If you’re smart enough about it, it sets you up for life.”

Why Rodney Dunham Jr. is a big pickup for Notre Dame

Dunham is commit No. 8 for Freeman and Notre Dame in the 2026 cycle, and becomes the jewel of the class alongside the likes of offensive lineman Tyler Merrill and fellow North Carolina produce in linebacker Thomas Davis Jr.

He has all the traits to develop into one of the nation’s most disruptive players and On3 Director of Scouting Charles Power loves this pickup for the Irish.

“Athletic pass rusher with the skill set and functional movement skills that point to a high upside. Measured at around 6-foot-4, 215 pounds with good length as a junior. Lines up on the edge for his high school team, rushing the passer out of two and three-point stances. Limber athlete who has very smooth movements. Displays outstanding get-off, bursting off the snap. Has excellent curvilinear movement skills, showing the ability to accelerate while rounding the edge. Dips his shoulder to shirk contact with offensive tackles. Closes quickly on ball carriers once in the backfield. Play speed is evident as he stalks down ball carriers from behind. Shows burgeoning power at the point of attack, shedding offensive linemen once engaged. Will need to continue developing from a physical and technical standpoint. Could stand to improve his production. A younger prospect for the cycle, turning 18 years old in July before his freshman season of college football.”