North Carolina is HOME
HUGE news in South Bend as 5-Star Edge, Rodney Dunham, gave his commitment to Al Washington, Marcus Freeman, and the 2026 Notre Dame Football recruiting class.
BREAKING: Five-Star EDGE Rodney Dunham has Committed to Notre Dame, he tells me for @on3recruits
The 6’4 230 EDGE from Charlotte, NC chose the Fighting Irish over Georgia & South Carolina
“Thank you Jesus✝️”https://t.co/Upi6IKFVXj pic.twitter.com/vkBoma42Rl
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) April 10, 2025
The 6’4” 227 pounder from Myers Park High School in Charlotte, North Carolina, chose the Irish over a top five finalist list that included the Duke Blue Devils, South Carolina Gamecocks, Georgia Bulldogs, and Tennessee Volunteers. He also held offers from most big-time programs like the Ohio State Buckeyes, Alabama Crimson Tide, Michigan Wolverines — and more.
From 247:
High-upside pass rusher that has a chance to emerge as a true difference-maker on Saturdays with his frame and athleticism. On the younger side for the class and is hoping to play two sports in college as he’s also a talented pitcher. Still green when it comes to the technique, but has put encouraging spells of play on tape as he can dip and bend while coming around the corner before getting home with his gap-closing burst. Lacks the desired anchor strength at this stage, but ability to plant and change course leads to his fair share of run stops in pursuit. Has experience operating out of both a two- and three-point stance in an even front from a wider posting. Overall, should be viewed as a budding 5-tech full of traits that has a chance to emerge as an impact defender at the Power Four level with some seasoning.
From On3:
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.
Dunham is the ninth commitment for the 2026 Notre Dame football recruiting class, and the third from the state of North Carolina. Notre Dame’s last two commitments are elite pass-rushers from the Tar Heel State.
Notre Dame is really starting to stack the talent at defensive end. It’s still hard to say who will still be on the roster in 2026, but as long as the Irish continue to recruit at this level, they should be very talented across the classes. With Dunham’s commitment, the Irish move up to the #7 ranking in the 247 Team Composite Rankings.
This is a HUGE win for the Irish. The Carolinas have always had some very good football players over the years, and Notre Dame is proving that they can go in and beat Big State U along with other national powers for the state’s best. Rodney Dunham is a 5-Star talent and that’s exciting enough, but pairing him with Ebenezer Ewetade in this class makes both players look even better.