Top committed EDGE prospects in the 2025 class

As the summer heats up, some of the nation’s top EDGE recruits are already committed. But that doesn’t mean they’re completely off the board.

Despite making early pledges, nearly all of the top pass-rushers will be courted by other programs until they sign in December of February. As it stands on May 21, the nation’s top four EDGE prospects and 8 of the top 17 are committed:

Ari Watford – Clemson commit

On3 Industry Ranking: No. 28
School: Norfolk (Va.) Maury

Scouting Summary: “Ari Watford is a big-framed, explosive pass rusher who looks like one of the top EDGE prospects early on in the 2025 cycle. Measured at over 6-foot-5, 220 pounds with a 6-foot-8.5 wing-span prior to his freshman season. Has a quick first step. Bursts off the snap and explodes into the backfield to make plays behind the line of scrimmage. Makes easy work of opposing offensive tackles in pass rush situations. Typically beats the tackles to the edge, but also shows a budding technical skill set, using quick hands and spin moves to disengage. Flashes his athleticism as a pursuit defender with the high-level play speed to track down runners from behind. Also has the look of a strong run defender, using his big frame to set the edge.”

Isaiah Gibson – USC commit

On3 Industry Ranking: No. 35
School: Warner Robins (Ga.)

Recruiting Summary: Isaiah Gibson chose USC over Georgia, Auburn, Florida, South Carolina, Clemson and a number of others in late March. His commitment came on his first-ever visit to Los Angeles, and while he remains in the Trojans class, multiple schools on that list are working hard to flip him. That includes the in-state Bulldogs, who have hosted him a few times since he announced his pledge to the Trojans.

Javion Hilson – Florida State commit

On3 Industry Ranking: No. 41
School: Cocoa (Fla.)

Recruiting Summary: A one-time Alabama commit under Nick Saban, Javion Hilson opted to flip his pledge to Florida State on January 16 after Saban’s retirement. The Crimson Tide — as well as others — have continue to pursue him. And he currently has official visits set this summer with FSU, Florida, UCF and Alabama.

Lance Jackson – Texas commit

On3 Industry Ranking: No. 46
School: Texarkana (Texas) Pleasant Grove

Recruiting Summary: Texas fended off Arkansas and a host of others for in-state stud Lance Jackson, the younger brother of former Razorbacks standout Landon Jackson. In 2022, Jackson finished with 63 tackles, 11.5 for loss, two sacks and a pair of pass breakups. He was named a first-team all-district selection in 2022 and 2023, and he’s looking to add onto that in his final season.

Zahir Mathis – Ohio State commit

On3 Industry Ranking: No. 71
School: Philadelphia (Pa.) Imhotep Institute

Recruiting Summary: Zahir Mathis was an early commitment for the Buckeyes, choosing them on January 10 over Florida State, South Carolina, Texas and Tennessee. He is one of the top commits in what is currently the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class in the On3 Industry Team Rankings.

Christopher Burgess – Notre Dame commit

On3 Industry Ranking: No. 105
School: Chicago (Ill.) Simeon

Recruiting Summary: Christopher Burgess announced his pledge to the Fighting Irish on Jan. 6 during the All-American Bowl. Since then, other schools have remained in contact with him, but he looks to be locked in with Marcus Freeman and Co.

“I’m feeling super strong,” he told BlueandGold.com in March. “I’m 100 percent committed. Like, I’m still listening to other schools and stuff, but the stuff they have to offer is not what Notre Dame offers. They’re still not recruiting me as hard as Notre Dame.” 

Jakaleb Faulk – Auburn commit

On3 Industry Ranking: No. 109
School: Highland Home (Ala.)

Recruiting Summary: The younger brother of soon-to-be sophomore defensive lineman Keldric Faulk, Jakaleb Faulk hopped into Auburn’s recruiting class in August 2023. He chose the Tigers over Alabama, Clemson, Florida and others. He’s set for official visits with each of those schools, as well as Florida State, in May and June.

Darren Ikinnagbon – Georgia commit

On3 Industry Ranking: No. 117
School: Hillside (N.J.)

Recruiting Summary: A top-75 prospect in On3’s own rankings, Darren Ikinnagbon quickly became a coveted national target last fall. Penn State, Ohio State, Notre Dame and others were involved with the No. 2 recruit in New Jersey, but it was ultimately Georgia who won out.

“It’s about the culture and the winning mentality that all the players had when I was talking to them,” Ikinnagbon told On3’s Chad Simmons. “They just want to win. I think Georgia can go to the national championship. I am going to be surrounded by winners and people are going to push me the hardest every day and make me be my best self.” 

London Merritt – Ohio State commit

On3 Industry Ranking: No. 163
School: Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy

Recruiting Summary: Ohio State recruited London Merritt for nearly two years before he announced his commitment to the Buckeyes in March over Alabama, Clemson, Florida and North Carolina.

“I wanted to choose a program that mirrors my hunger and pursuit for greatness and Ohio State is the perfect place for me,” Merritt told On3’s Hayes Fawcett.

Austin Alexander – North Carolina commit

On3 Industry Ranking: No. 288
School: Burlington (Ky.) Cooper

Recruiting Summary: Despite efforts from his home state school, Kentucky, Austin Alexander chose North Carolina back in April. He plays on both sides of the ball at the high school level but projects as a defensive end with the Tar Heels.

As a junior, he totaled 67 receptions for 1,138 yards and 19 touchdowns on offense. Defensively, he had 81 tackles, 19 sacks, an interception and two fumble recoveries. As a sophomore, he notched 85 total tackles, 11 sacks, an interception, and on offense caught 34 passes for 522 yards and six touchdowns.

Other notable top EDGE commits

Daeden Hopkins – Missouri
Sharlandiin Strange – Syracuse
Corey Amos – Ole Miss
Anthony Addison – South Carolina
Gabe Kaminski – Stanford
Talib Graham – Ole Miss
Tyshun Willis – Mississippi State
Andre Fuller Jr. – Georgia Tech
Jack Limbaugh – Iowa State
Alexander Shieldnight – Oklahoma